WHEN TO HELP WILDLIFE

The CAP Animal Shelter is only licensed to care for domesticated companion animals. We are unable to take in injured or displaced wildlife. Yet we totally get that the urge to help an animal, even a wild animal, can be irresistible, especially if that animal is injured, crying, or a seemingly helpless newborn. And while we focus on those animals kept as companions, CAP realizes you may need some direction when faced with a wildlife dilemma. Because no matter how good our intentions, our actions could reduce the animal’s chances of survival, cause extreme stress, and even physically hurt them.  

OBSERVE. Is the animal bleeding, been in a dog or cat’s mouth, or exhibiting an obvious injury? Does the animal appear to be alone, or tame? Is the animal’s fur or feathers full or covered in fly eggs (they look like rice), cold, or wet? Is the animal crying non-stop? Do not try to pet or touch a wild animal. 

LOOK AROUND. Are you and the animal safe?  Is this the animal’s habitat? Is there a nest nearby? Don’t assume a young or injured animal is alone. Parents don’t stay with young babies constantly, but often keep a watchful eye from a distance while foraging for food and avoiding predators. Injured animals may also be targeted by other prey animals wanting an easy meal. Young birds, fully feathered, maybe calling for nearby parents to bring food and your presence might be keeping a young one’s parents away.  

MAKE THE CALL. If you have determined that the animal is genuinely orphaned or clearly sick or injured, call your local permitted wildlife rehabilitator. They can give you specific rescue advice for the species with which you are dealing. NEVER attempt to give food or water to an injured animal. Doing so might complicate the treatment of an injured animal. 

USE CAUTION. Wild animals will attempt to defend themselves. Consider what tools you have available to use like gloves or protective eyewear if you attempt to capture and transport any wildlife. Other helpful items include blankets/towels, nets, or anything else that allows you to assist the animal without risking direct contact. 

TAKE ACTION. You will need to place the animal into a pet carrier or ventilated cardboard box, lined with a towel or newspaper with a minimum of handling. Wearing protective gear, you might scoop up the animal using a stiff board or shovel you push gently under the body. A blanket/ towel or net thrown over the animal can also protect you and the animal you are attempting to help. Secure the box with duct tape so that the animal cannot escape. Keep the animal somewhere warm and quiet and take it to your nearest wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.  

If you find a sick or injured wild animal, please call the following local organizations for advice on the best way to help.  

Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (TWRC)

10801 Hammerly Blvd. #200, Houston, TX 77043

Phone: 713-468-8972 (TWRC)

twrcwildlifecenter.org

Wildlife Center of Texas

7007 Old Katy Rd. Houston, TX 77024

Phone: 713-861-9453 (WILD)

wildlifecenteroftexas.org

WILDLIFE ARE NOT PETS. Do not attempt to keep (or kidnap!) any wildlife for a possible pet. In Texas, as well as in most states, owning wildlife is illegal without special permits. The animal must be turned over to a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”     

--Anatole France

CARS for CAP

CAP has an easy-to-use program to alleviate all your woes in getting rid of ANY car, truck, RV or boat you have. Our partner, Vehicles for Charity, can take it off your hands and CAP will reward you with a tax benefit for the selling price of your donated vehicle! It is fast, free and friendly and much better than a low trade-in or high repairs. If you are thinking of selling or trading in that old car, why not donate it instead? You can donate any vehicle from anywhere at anytime. You will be free from ALL the paperwork from beginning to end. It is simple... All you need to do is complete an online donation form or call Vehicles for Charity at 1-866-628-2277 and every detail will be handled for you. Please note that some restrictions may apply. Best of all your donation makes a difference and will go a long way in helping the homeless animals at CAP have a second chance to find loving homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What are the benefits of donating my car to CITIZENS FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION

CAP benefits by receiving a cash donation to fund new and existing programs and increase community awareness through local events.

You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus you avoid the costs associated with selling your car. No need to pay for advertising, no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance, and repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for a buyer.

Does my car have to be running to donate it?
In some cases we can take your car, running or not. However, it must have an engine and be tow-able. Contact a representative at 1-866-628-2277 to find out if your vehicle qualifies for pick-up.

Do you only accept cars for donation?
Many types of motor vehicles are accepted including boats, motorcycles, trucks, and cars. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your vehicle is eligible, please contact the vehicle donation program toll free at 1-866-628-2277

How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. A tow company will contact you within two to three business days. Call our representatives at 1-866-628-2277

Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
No. Special arrangements can be made by calling our representative.

What paperwork do I need?
The only paperwork needed is a signed, clear title. Have your title with you when you call-in your donation. [Please note: a clear title indicates the title is in the name of the donor without a lien].

Tax Questions

How does the new law effect my tax deduction?
Donors are no longer responsible for determining the deductible value of their donation. Instead, they will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. The amount listed on IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be the gross proceeds of the deductible donation.

Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes, our driver will issue a tow receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.

What can I claim as a deduction?
According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.

An IRS Form 1098-C, “Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes” will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500 and you have submitted your social security number. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.

How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?
The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself.

What if my car is valued over $5000?
Effective January 1, 2005, you are no longer required to have vehicles appraised. The value you may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from your vehicle.

 ^{What makes our camps special?}

^{At CAP Kids Camps, children explore the world of animals—what they eat, how they live, and the challenges they face. They’ll discover what makes each animal unique and why treating them with kindness and respect is so important. Campers are empowered to think critically about their role in caring for companion pets and protecting wildlife.}

^{Our camps blend humane education with science, technology, and art, helping kids develop compassion and responsibility. Each day includes fun activities like games, crafts, and hands-on animal interactions. With small camp sizes, every child gets quality time with our animal guests.}

Day Camp (9am-3pm): $75/day  

Weekly Summer Camp (Mon-Fri | 9am-3pm): $350/week

Register for Sumer Camp HERE

Questions? Check out our FAQ for answers.

Se debe proporcionar la siguiente información para completar la adopción:

• Licencia de conducir/identificación actual (debe ser mayor de 18 años)
• Comprobante de dirección actual: licencia de conducir, factura de servicios públicos, seguro de automóvil, etc ..
• Aprobación del propietario (si alquila): verifique las restricciones de raza o tamaño que puedan existir
• Permiso de todos los adultos que residen donde estará el animal
• Otros animales del propiedad que vivan con usted deben estar al dia con las vacunas y las medidas preventivas adecuadas.

Tarifas de adopción

Descuentos especiales*

• Animales mayores para personas mayores - Ciudadano especial de la tercera edad {60 años o más) Sin cargo para un animal de 7 años o más.
• Familias militares o socorrostas de emergencias se exonera el 50% de las tarifas de adopción para el personal military y los veterano con prueba de elegibilidad.
• Cualquier perro/cachorro adoptado al mismo tiempo que un gato/gatito será adoptable con un descuento de $20.

*Solo se aplica un descuento por cada adopción.

Las tarifas de adopción de CAP incluyen una variedad de servicios: vacunas apropiadas para la edad, pruebas de gusano del corazón canino y leucemia felina, esterilización/castración, tratamiento de desparasitación, microchip, por nombrar algunos, cuyo valor total supera los $450. Estas tarifas de adopción minimas cubren solo una parte de la estadia de cada animal en nuestro refugio; ayúdenos a mantener bajas las tarifas de adopción y al mismo tiempo mantener la alta calidad del cuidado de los animales a nuestro cargo mediante la donación y/o el voluntariado.

Aplicación de Adopción 

Perro · Gato · Pequeño Mamífero

Kroger

Community Rewards Program

Time to Enroll! Help support homeless animals at CAP and in our community by using your Kroger Plus Card. Sign up online - go to the Kroger Community Rewards site. Scroll down to Texas and click “Enroll Now”.

Sign in to your online account, or create an account. Find and select Citizens for Animal Protection and click “Save”. Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you. Kroger donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations. Your support will enable us to continue our mission to shelter, protect and find loving homes for thousands of companion animals each year. 

Randalls

Good Neighbor Program

Randalls Good Neighbor Program provides a donation of a percentage of your grocery purchases to benefit the homeless animals at Citizens for Animal Protection. Please ask the cashier or the Customer Service Counter to link our assigned number, 758, to your Remarkable card. Then, every time you buy groceries at Randalls, you are contributing to the care and adoption of Houston's homeless animals. Your support will enable us to continue our mission to shelter, protect and find loving homes for thousands of companion animals each year. Thank you!

Randalls Donee Name: Citizens for Animal Protection

Randalls Number: # 758