The CAP Shelter

The Citizens for Animal Protection shelter, conveniently located on I-10 West, is a unique example of humane housing for homeless animals. Our experienced staff of professionals and dedicated volunteers provide competent and loving care for a multitude of animals. Their commitment to protecting our sheltered animals enables CAP to operate 365 days a year. CAP staff and volunteers provide a heartfelt welcome to thousands of visitors seven days a week.

Adoption Services

Citizens for Animal Protection shelters and cares for more than 12,000 animals yearly. Before adoption, animals are given an examination, vaccinations, canine heartworm or feline leukemia tests, are spayed or neutered, microchipped and receive other services that adoption fees only partially cover. In addition to feeding and housing animals, our nominal adoption fees cover all the below services and products (please note that these services are not available to the general public):

The Feral Cat Assistance Program (FCAP)

The Feral Cat Assistance Program (FCAP) assists with feral cats in Trap-Neuter-Return whereby you trap the cats, we assist with getting them spayed and neutered, and you agree to return them to that same location, allowing them to live there as before. As a result, you will end up with the same cats, but they will not be able to reproduce and enlarge the colony.

FCAP in the News
CAP's Feral Cat Assistance Program (FCAP) jumped in to assist a veterans housing complex with a colony of feral cats they are caring for. This project was featured in the Houston Chronicle and Chron.com, to read the full article visit: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/katy/article/houston-veterans-homeless-feral-cats-17134340.php#photo-22416912			For more information on the FCAP program or how you can help, please contact FCAP coordinator Daiva at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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How can you help?

 Educate your family, friends, and neighbors about trap-neuter-return, and encourage people to bring in feral cats to be fixed and vaccinated.

Trap-Neuter-Return: If you are feeding or have feral cats on your property, trap, transport, recover, and release the feral cats in your area. CAP will provide the surgery and vaccinations for FREE.  Register for surgery on the available day of your choice on the Surgery Reservations page.

Donate: CAP is always in need of monetary donations and new feral cat traps (click on the donate button and select FCAP from Programs).

• Tru-Catch 30 LTD Feral Cat Traps

What is a Feral Cat?

Feral cats, also known as “wild or free-roaming” cats, are the largest cause of pet overpopulation in Houston. Thousands of feral cats are born into homelessness every year, often right in our own neighborhoods. Left unattended, feral cat colonies can grow out of control. But with your help, CAP is committed to solving this problem through humane trap-neuter- return.

What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)?

Twenty years of research has shown that TNR is the most humane and effective strategy for reducing the feral cat population. It has been proven that trapping and euthanizing feral cats only contributes to the population problem. Cats are territorial and when cats are removed and euthanized from a location, new cats will move in and the survivors will breed to capacity. This well-documented phenomenon is called the vacuum effect. TNR stops the problem because it stops the breeding and the colony will gradually diminish over time. Click on the image below to enlarge.

How does TNR work?

TNR is when feral cats are trapped in humane traps, taken to the CAP for spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, ear tip, and flea preventative, and then released where they were trapped after they recover for 24-48 hours after surgery. Ear tipping is the removal of a quarter inch off the top of the cats’ ear while the cat is anesthetized; this is the universal symbol and only proven way to identify a feral cat that has been fixed.

For additional information and instructions on trapping join a TNR orientation, visit Alleycat.org, and watch their trapping video.

Community Outreach Events

Citizens for Animal Protection staff and volunteers take every opportunity to educate the public of all ages, backgrounds and interests about the humane treatment of animals.

We welcome opportunities to provide an interesting attraction at any venue. CAP has participated in health fairs, trade shows, festivals, cat shows, dogs shows and speaking engagements in a variety of settings for corporate, neighborhood and professional groups.

Our approach can be tailored to the needs of your event! It doesn't matter how large or small...we can offer your audience an interesting and informative event. We can bring an animal representative, our literature and events set up for sales of our reasonable-priced pet supply merchandise.

Contact our Community Outreach Coordinator to custom tailor our participation in your event.

In our pet care and humane education sections, we have articles on where to walk your dog in Houston, training your kitten (yes it can be done!), spay/neuter benefits, facts to consider before declawing, crating, and keeping your dog outdoors.

There are many reputable training facilities in Houston and the surrounding areas. Your veterinarian is always a good source of information and can provide you with resources to address any problems you may be having with your pet.

Humane Education

In addition to conducting tours of the shelter, CAP provides speakers to schools, youth groups, community organizations and service clubs. Our humane education programs feature lectures, discussions and visits with the animals which create a focus on responsible pet care and humane treatment of animals. The “Adopt-A-Classroom” program provides second to sixth grade teachers with the monthly KIND News for each of their students, thus reaching thousands of students yearly. CAP is also an animal health care training center for the Houston Community College Veterinary Paramedic Program.

CAP provides important information to students and publication editors who are researching animal-related subjects. Contact our Humane Education Coordinator for more information and resource materials.  For detailed descriptions of humane education programs and issues, see the humane education section.

Rescue

Animals are brought to CAP for many reasons. An owner can no longer care for their pet, abandoned animals on the streets or in county areas, lost animals with no form of identification, puppies and kittens adding to the overpopulation.  When animals in need are brought to CAP, we rescue these animals by taking them into our shelter, providing care for them, trying to find their owners and attempting to place them in new, forever homes.  

TEXAS COMPANION ANIMAL RELATED LAWS

 § 42.091. ATTACK ON ASSISTANCE ANIMAL

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly attacks, injures, or kills an assistance animal.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly incites or permits an animal owned by or otherwise in the custody of the actor to attack, injure, or kill an assistance animal and, as a result of the person's conduct, the assistance animal is attacked, injured, or killed.

(c) An offense under this section is a:

     (1) Class A misdemeanor if the actor or an animal owned by or otherwise in the custody of the actor attacks an assistance animal;

     (2) state jail felony if the actor or an animal owned by or otherwise in the custody of the actor injures an assistance animal; or

     (3) felony of the third degree if the actor or an animal owned by or otherwise in the custody of the actor kills an assistance animal.

(d) A court shall order a defendant convicted of an offense under Subsection (a) to make restitution to the owner of the assistance animal for:

     (1) related veterinary or medical bills;

     (2) the cost of:

          (A) replacing the assistance animal; or

          (B) retraining an injured assistance animal by an organization generally recognized by agencies involved in the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities as reputable and competent to provide special equipment for or special training to an animal to help a person with a disability; and

     (3) any other expense reasonably incurred as a result of the offense.

(e) In this section:

     (1) “Assistance animal” has the meaning assigned by Section 121.002, Human Resources Code.

     (2) “Custody” has the meaning assigned by Section 42. 09.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 710, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

§ 42.092. CRUELTY TO NONLIVESTOCK ANIMALS

(a) In this section:

     (1) “Abandon” includes abandoning an animal in the person's custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person.

     (2) “Animal” means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and a wild living creature previously captured. The term does not include an uncaptured wild living creature or a livestock animal.

     (3) “Cruel manner” includes a manner that causes or permits unjustified or unwarranted pain or suffering.

     (4) “Custody” includes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of an animal subject to the person's care and control, regardless of ownership of the animal.

     (5) “Depredation” has the meaning assigned by Section 71.001, Parks and Wildlife Code.

     (6) “Livestock animal” has the meaning assigned by Section 42.09.

     (7) “Necessary food, water, care, or shelter” includes food, water, care, or shelter provided to the extent required to maintain the animal in a state of good health.

     (8) “Torture” includes any act that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:

     (1) tortures an animal or in a cruel manner kills or causes serious bodily injury to an animal;

     (2) without the owner's effective consent, kills, administers poison to, or causes serious bodily injury to an animal;

     (3) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal in the person's custody;

     (4) abandons unreasonably an animal in the person's custody;

     (5) transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner;

     (6) without the owner's effective consent, causes bodily injury to an animal;

     (7) causes one animal to fight with another animal, if either animal is not a dog;

     (8) uses a live animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing on a racetrack; or

     (9) seriously overworks an animal.

(c) An offense under Subsection (b)(3), (4), (5), (6), or (9) is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted two times under this section, two times under Section 42.09, or one time under this section and one time under Section 42.09.

(c-1) An offense under Subsection (b)(1) or (2) is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a felony of the second degree if the person has previously been convicted under Subsection (b)(1), (2), (7), or (8) or under Section 42.09.

(c-2) An offense under Subsection (b)(7) or (8) is a state jail felony, except that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the person has previously been convicted under this section or under Section 42.09.

(d) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:

     (1) the actor had a reasonable fear of bodily injury to the actor or to another person by a dangerous wild animal as defined by Section 822.101, Health and Safety Code; or

     (2) the actor was engaged in bona fide experimentation for scientific research.

(e) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (b)(2) or (6) that:

     (1) the animal was discovered on the person's property in the act of or after injuring or killing the person's livestock animals or damaging the person's crops and that the person killed or injured the animal at the time of this discovery; or

     (2) the person killed or injured the animal within the scope of the person's employment as a public servant or in furtherance of activities or operations associated with electricity transmission or distribution, electricity generation or operations associated with the generation of electricity, or natural gas delivery.

(f) It is an exception to the application of this section that the conduct engaged in by the actor is a generally accepted and otherwise lawful:

     (1) form of conduct occurring solely for the purpose of or in support of:

           (A) fishing, hunting, or trapping; or

           (B) wildlife management, wildlife or depredation control, or shooting preserve practices as regulated by state and federal law; or

     (2) animal husbandry or agriculture practice involving livestock animals.

(g) This section does not create a civil cause of action for damages or enforcement of the section.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 886 (H.B. 2328), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Amended by: 

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 576 (S.B. 762), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 739 (S.B. 1232), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017.

§ 42.10. DOG FIGHTING

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:

     (1) causes a dog to fight with another dog;

     (2) participates in the earnings of or operates a facility used for dog fighting;

     (3) uses or permits another to use any real estate, building, room, tent, arena, or other property for dog fighting;

     (4) owns or possesses dog-fighting equipment with the intent that the equipment be used to train a dog for dog fighting or in furtherance of dog fighting;

     (5) owns or trains a dog with the intent that the dog be used in an exhibition of dog fighting; or

     (6) attends as a spectator an exhibition of dog fighting.

(b) In this section:

     (1) “Dog fighting” means any situation in which one dog attacks or fights with another dog.

      (2) “Dog-fighting equipment” has the meaning assigned by Article 18.18(g), Code of Criminal Procedure.

(c) A conviction under Subsection (a)(2) or (3) may be had upon the uncorroborated testimony of a party to the offense.

(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(1) that the actor caused a dog to fight with another dog to protect livestock, other property, or a person from the other dog, and for no other purpose.

(e) An offense under Subsection (a)(4), (5), or (6) is a Class A misdemeanor. An offense under Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) is a state jail felony.

Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1610, ch. 305, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1983.  Renumbered from Penal Code Sec. 42.111 and amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

Amended by: 

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 644 (H.B. 916), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1357 (S.B. 554), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

CRUELTY COMPLAINTS REGARDING DOGS, CATS, HORSES AND ALL OTHER ANIMALS

Houston Area:

Harris County Animal Cruelty Task Force (HCACTF) - 832-972-PAWS (7297) www.972PAWS.org

Houston SPCA - 713-869-7722 - Ask for Cruelty Investigations

Texas Health and Safety Code TITLE 10. HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ANIMALS.

Chapter 821 TREATMENT AND DISPOSITION OF ANIMALS

SUBCHAPTER E. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG

§ 821.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Adequate shelter" means a sturdy structure:

     (A) that provides the dog protection from inclement weather; and

     (B) with dimensions that allow the dog while in the shelter to stand erect, sit, turn around, and lie down in a normal position.

(2) "Collar" means a band of material specifically designed to be placed around the neck of a dog.

(3) "Harness" means a set of straps constructed of nylon, leather, or similar material, specifically designed to restrain or control a dog.

(4) "Inclement weather" includes rain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, extreme low temperatures, or extreme high temperatures.

(5) "Owner" means a person who owns or has custody or control of a dog.

(6) "Properly fitted" means, with respect to a collar or harness, a collar or harness that:

     (A) is appropriately sized for the dog based on the dog's measurements and body weight;

     (B) does not choke the dog or impede the dog's normal breathing or swallowing; and

     (C) does not cause pain or injury to the dog.

(7) "Restraint" means a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 6 (S.B. 5), Sec. 1, eff. January 18, 2022.

§ 821.101. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG; OFFENSE.

(a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint unless the owner provides the dog access to:

     (1) adequate shelter;

     (2) an area that allows the dog to avoid standing water and exposure to excessive animal waste;

     (3) shade from direct sunlight; and

     (4) potable water.

(b) An owner may not restrain a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that:

     (1) is a chain;

     (2) has weights attached;

     (3) is shorter in length than the greater of:

          (A) five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog's nose to the base of the dog's tail; or

          (B) 10 feet; or

     (4) is attached to a collar or harness not properly fitted.

(c) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly violates this section. The restraint of each dog that is in violation is a separate offense.

(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor, except that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if the person has previously been convicted under this section.

(e) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 6 (S.B. 5), Sec. 1, eff. January 18, 2022.

§ 821.103. EXCEPTIONS.

(a) Section 821.102 does not apply to:

     (1) the use of a restraint on a dog in a public camping or recreational area in compliance with the requirements of the public camping or recreational area as defined by a federal, state, or local authority or jurisdiction;

     (2) the use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in, or actively train for, an activity conducted under a valid license issued by this state provided the activity is associated with the use or presence of a dog;

     (3) the use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in conduct directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock;

     (4) the use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in conduct directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products;

     (5) a dog left unattended in an open-air truck bed only for the time reasonably necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be left unattended in the truck bed;

     (6) a dog taken by the owner, or another person with the owner's permission, from the owner's residence or property and restrained by the owner or the person for not longer than the time necessary for the owner to engage in an activity that requires the dog to be temporarily restrained; or

     (7) a dog restrained while the owner and dog are engaged in, or actively training for, hunting or field trialing.

(b) Section 821.102(b)(3) does not apply to a restraint attached to a trolley system that allows a dog to move along a running line for a distance equal to or greater than the lengths specified under that subdivision.

(c) This subchapter does not prohibit a person from walking a dog with a handheld leash.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 6 (S.B. 5), Sec. 1, eff. January 18, 2022.

§ 821.104. EFFECT OF SUBCHAPTER ON OTHER LAW.

This subchapter does not preempt a local regulation relating to the restraint of a dog or affect the authority of a political subdivision to adopt or enforce an ordinance or requirement relating to the restraint of a dog if the regulation, ordinance, or requirement:

(1) is compatible with and equal to or more stringent than a requirement prescribed by this subchapter; or

(2) relates to an issue not specifically addressed by this subchapter.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 6 (S.B. 5), Sec. 1, eff. January 18, 2022.

City of Houston Texas Code of Ordinances

DIVISION 3. - CARE, KEEP, AND USE OF ANIMALS

Sec. 6-7. - General regulations as to care, keeping and using of animals.

Every owner, caretaker or user of any animal shall observe the following rules in connection with the care, keeping and using of the animal, and any person violating any provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of an offense:

(1) All stables or other enclosures in which the animal is kept and the ground upon which the stable or enclosure is situated shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and all stables and fences surrounding each lot where the animal is kept and the feed troughs and water troughs, with which such animals are fed and watered, shall be free from any conditions that may injure the animal. All stables and enclosures shall contain adequate space for an animal relative to the animal's species, size, weight, and age and must allow the animal to stand upright without touching any part of the structure and to move around unencumbered.

(2) All stables containing horses shall meet the following minimum standards:

     a.The size of the stable must be at least 100 square feet for horses weighing up to 1,000 pounds; stables for horses weighing over 1,000 pounds shall have a wall length of at least one and a half times the horse's length;

     b. A ceiling height of at least ten feet, with a minimum clearance of three feet and six inches above the horse's head. The ceiling height is measured from the floor to the lowest point of the ceiling of the stable, including any fixtures and beams;

     c. The roof of the stable must be weatherproof and the structure must provide for adequate ventilation;

     d. The walls or partitions of the stable must be flush to the floor and at least eight feet tall and made of solid plywood with metal horizontal edges or boards spaced no more than 1½ inches apart with center bracing. For stables containing multiple horses, the walls or partitions must have metal bars or heavy-gauge wire mesh extending to the ceiling to allow the horses to see each other. The bars must be at least ¾ of an inch to one inch in diameter and spaced no more than three inches apart. The heavy-gauge wire mesh must have openings of no more than two inches;

     e. Door openings must be at least seven feet in height and 45 inches wide; and

     f. The flooring must be nonslip. Any concrete or pavers must have sufficient rubber mats or deep bedding to protect the legs and feet of the horse and must be sloped for drainage. All dirt flooring must be dug out and replaced once it is ammonia saturated.

(3) The owner, caretaker or user shall feed all animals in his care with a quantity of good, wholesome food sufficient to keep the animals in a good, well-nourished condition, and shall serve the food in a clean, sanitary manner.

(4) The owner, caretaker or user shall feed all work and milk animals with salt at proper and regular intervals.

(5) The owner, caretaker or user shall ensure that all horses or mules worked or used have good substantial shoes upon each hoof.

(6) No person shall work or use an animal where there are any sores upon the animal's body, legs, head or shoulders.

(7) The owner, caretaker or user shall ensure that all harness used on any work animal is properly fitted to the animal and is free from any wire, rivets, break, tear or anything else that will irritate or make sores on the animal.

(8) No person shall hitch an animal to any wagon that is not well-greased or where the pole or the singletree is in such condition as may cause injury to the animal.

(9) No person shall drive an animal drawing a wagon or other loaded vehicle faster than at a walk.

(10) The owner, caretaker or user shall provide each animal with pure, clean water in sufficient quantities at all times.

(11) No person shall work or use a sick or crippled animal or lead or drive it on any street of the city.

(12) No person shall run, or participate in the running, of any horse race in, along or across any public road, public square or public street in the city.

(13) No person shall leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a tether unless the person provides the dog access to:

     a. Adequate shelter that is:

          [1] Clean;

          [2] Of sturdy construction;

          [3] Able to protect the dog from direct sunlight, rain, snow, hail and subfreezing temperature; and

          [4] Large enough for the dog to be able to sit, stand, lie down and turn around normally;

     b. An area that allows the dog to avoid standing water; and

     c. Pure, clean water.

(14) No person may restrain a dog by a tether that:

     a. Is less than ten feet in length or five times the length of the dog measured from nose to the base of the tail, whichever is longer;

     b. Due to the weight or construction of the tether itself, causes injury or visible discomfort to the dog;

     c. Is not attached to a properly fitted collar or harness; or

     d. Is a chain.

(15) The caretaker, owner, or user shall provide each animal sufficient and appropriate exercise for the requirements of the species.

(16) The caretaker, owner or user shall ensure that each animal receives adequate grooming, treatment, transportation, and veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering or disease transmission.

(17) The caretaker, owner, or user shall provide each animal sufficient and appropriate shelter for the requirements of the species.

(Ord. No. 2022-44 , § 2(Exh. A), 1-19-2022)

ARTICLE IV. – DOGS AND CATS

DIVISION 1. GENERALLY

Sec. 6-76. - Number to be kept.

It is unlawful for any person to own, keep, possess or have control over four or more adult dogs, four or more adult cats, or any combination thereof exceeding three adult dogs and three adult cats on residential property within 100 feet of any other building used for human habitation. The distance shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the structure or fenced enclosure where the animal is contained to the nearest point of the other building used for human habitation.

(Ord. No. 2022-44 , § 2(Exh. A), 1-19-2022)

DIVISION 2. MICROCHIPPING AND VACCINATION

Sec. 6-85. - Microchip required.

No person shall own, possess or have control over any dog or cat that is four months of age or older unless the dog or cat has been implanted with a microchip.

(Ord. No. 2022-44 , § 2(Exh. A), 1-19-2022)

DIVISION 4. BREEDING AND SELLING

SEC. 6-118. - Pet and live animal sales

(a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, give away, or display for a commercial purpose a live animal on a roadside, public right-of-way, commercial parking lot, or at an outdoor special sale, swap meet, indoor or outdoor flea market, parking lot sale, or similar event.

(b) This section does not apply to:

      (1) An agent of a business that has a valid permit for a commercial pet service facility under section 6-121 of this Code;

      (2) An event primarily for the sale of agricultural livestock such as hoofed animals or animals or fowl commonly raised for food, dairy, or fiber products; or

      (3) A tax-exempt non-profit organization founded for the purpose of providing humane sanctuary or shelter for abandoned or unwanted animals.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, it is unlawful for anyone to sell or offer for sale in commercial or retail pet store, feed store, or other related retail establishment, any canine or feline of any age that is not sourced from a municipal or county animal shelter, or a humane organization as defined in section 6-1 of this Code.

     (1) Commercial or retail establishments selling canines or felines shall keep a record of the animal shelter or humane organization that any canine or feline sold was sourced from. Such records must be kept for a minimum of one year from the date of the sale, and be available for inspection by BARC animal enforcement upon request.

     (2) It shall be an affirmative defense to this section, during the period from January 19, 2022 until January 119, 2023, that such an establishment was fully permitted under this division and in operation prior to January 119, 2022. Thereafter, commencing on January 20, 2023, this affirmative defense shall no longer apply. Anytime such an establishment allows for its permit to lapse or it is no longer compliant with section 6-111 of this Code, it must then comply with section 6-118(c) of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2022-44 , § 2(Exh. A), 1-19-2022)

REPORT ROADSIDE ANIMAL SALES. Call (281) 999-3191 to report violators.

Last updated 02/2022

"We cannot discount the lives of sensitive and intelligent creatures merely because they assume non-human form."

--G. Kowalski

Before Your Pet is Lost

To help in locating your pet if they become lost, advance preparation may increase your chances of recovery.

• Always make certain your pet is wearing an ID tag with TWO current phone numbers including area code. (For safety reasons, use only stretch collars for cats.) Make certain with all ID tags to check the tags every few months to see if the information is wearing away. If so replace tags immediately. Many animals at shelters have tags but they are so worn that the tags cannot be read and sadly the owner cannot be contacted.
• Consider a microchip for your pet.
• Always have close-up, full-body color photos of your pet taken from the front and from the side (keep negatives readily available or keep stored on your computer.)

Tips for Finding a Lost Pet

• If your beloved pet strays away from home, it can be a traumatic experience for both you and your pet but you should act immediately. The longer you wait, the farther your pet can travel and the chances increase that it may become injured.
• Post signs at intersections within a 2 mile area of where your pet was lost. In addition, post signs at grocery stores, community centers, pet stores, veterinary offices, churches and apartment complex laundromats.
• Advertise in both local and community newspapers and check thoroughly all columns dealing with animals as well as "Lost and Found" for at least three months.
• Search the neighborhood. Walk, ride a bicycle or drive slowly through your neighborhood several times each day. Whistle a few times, then call your pet's name twice and then carefully 'listen' and look. Do this OFTEN. Your pet may be injured, frightened or trapped and unable to come to you. Hearing your voice may encourage your pet to answer you. After you call his name 2 or 3 times, remain in one place long enough for your pet to find you. A lost pet may hide during the day, so be sure to go out again at night with a flashlight and call for him.
• Ask neighbors, letter carriers and delivery people if they have seen your pet. Print and hand out lost pet sheets with your pet's photo and your phone number.
• Visit all animal shelters and animal-control agencies in addition to calling or e-mailing. File a lost pet report with every shelter in your city. Provide these agencies with an accurate description and a recent photograph of your pet. Check with the shelters every few days. Notify the police if you believe that your pet may have been stolen.
•  Contact veterinary clinics both in your area and surrounding areas. An animal could be injured, rescued and taken out of the area in any direction for some distance.
• Leave items with a familiar scent outside your home. A litter box, pet bed or a sweatshirt recently worn by a loved one can attract a pet who has strayed and become disoriented.
• If your animal is a purebred, contact breed rescue groups in your area.

Don't give up your search - even when you have little hope. Animals who have been lost for months have been reunited with their families. If you find your pet, make certain to inform all places you contacted and remove flyers. Otherwise, valuable time is wasted which could be used for animals who are still lost.

Houston Area Shelters

Check with local area shelters first - some shelters place animals up for adoption or even euthanize after a few days. In addition to searching local shelters, file a lost pet report with CAP. Your report will be held for 30 days while it is routinely checked against found animals and animals that arrive at CAP. If your pet is still missing after 30 days you can update the report.

Also check out the lost pet resources below to help in your search efforts.

Online Lost Pet Resources

Free Resources

• Citizens for Animal Protection
• Houston Area Animal Shelters
• Houston Chronicle Lost Pets - chron.com/lostpets
• Petco Love Lost
• Pet Finder - petfinder.com
• Pet Club - petclub.org/lost_pets.htm
• Pet Harbor - petharbor.com
• Pets911 - pets911.com
• Findtoto.com
• Craigs List - houston.craigslist.org/laf and houston.craigslist.org/pet
• Find Fido - findfido.com
• The Greensheet - thegreensheet.com
• Houston Community Newspapers - hcnonline.com
• Help Me Find My Pet - helpmefindmypet.com
• Missing pets in Katy - katymissingpets.com
• Missing pets in Spring Branch – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Paid Resources

The service provider links are provided for your information - CAP does not endorse or partner with any of these services, nor do we research their effectiveness.

• Fido Finder - fidofinder.com
• Tabby Tracker - tabbytracker.com
• Find Toto - findtoto.com (phone and other services)
• Sherlock Bones - sherlock.com

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Discover what we do. How we do it. And how you can help.

Many of us have experienced the phenomenon of love at first sight when encountering a helpless animal.  Instantly smitten, we instinctively want to protect and care for a suffering pet.  But good intentions are not enough.  Let us help you help our community’s furry friends.  Education is an integral part of our strategy to improve the lives of animals. Plan a visit to the CAP Animal Shelter with your group TODAY. 

Our humane education presentations often feature one of our well-behaved CAP Ambassador Pets.  We love to speak to businesses, clubs, and scouts.  With decades of practical experience, CAP offers proven advice and programs that help citizens like you make a difference in the lives of companion animals and the many people who love them. 

Popular Education Presentations

     Storybook readings with discussion - Typically one hour

• "Before You Were Mine" by Maribeth Boelts. Adopting a shelter dog comes with unconditional love, but also many questions. A little boy imagines what life was like for his new dog. A great introduction to the needs of animals and the basic care required for a pet to be healthy and happy in your home.
• "Cookie's Fortune" by Lynda Graham-Barber. Portraying the challenges of surviving in a huge city, it's hard not to get emotional as a stray dog searches for food, shelter, and comfort. The role of an animal shelter and the choices we make to help is introduced.
• "Kamie Cat's Terrible Night" by Sheila Hamanaka. A curious cat finds herself missing home when her misadventures give her a glimpse into the lives of her neighbors.  Will Kamie be able to find her way back home?
• "Pablo Puppy’s Search for the Perfect Person" by Sheila Hamanaka. A puppy finds himself seeking advice from a wise older dog while staying in the local animal shelter. Learn about the needs of dogs, the role of an animal shelter and the value of adopting adult pets.
• "The Forgotten Rabbit" by Nancy Furstinger. No longer new and exciting, a rabbit finds herself forgotten and isolated. A young girl rescues the rabbit and names her Bella. Find out about the many fun activities and the friendship that Bella and the girl form in this delightful story that explores the human-animal bond, pet care and responsibility.

  Lessons & Topics - Typically one hour

• The CAP Animal Shelter - Our mission & purpose
• Reading the Signs - Understanding Your Pet's Body Language
• So you found a kitten?  Kittens & Puppies 101
• Safe Pets, Safe Kids - Bite Prevention
• Community Cats – Our Feral Cat Assistance Program (FCAP)
• Beat the Heat – Summer Pet Safety Tips (We do winter tips too!)
• Road-Tripping – Traveling with pets & preparing for emergencies
• Making a difference – How volunteers help save lives

Our educational programs can be tailored to meet your needs – just let us know what topics you would like us to focus on and we can adapt to your particular needs. We can also suggest various service projects and even lead an activity such as making a cat toy adapted to the age and abilities of your group.  Everyone loves to meet our CAP Ambassador pets and remembers their visit for years to come. Contact our Humane Education Coordinator to schedule a visit to the CAP Animal Shelter.

Can't make it to the shelter?  Book the Road Show!  

Let CAP come to you! Our well-behaved ambassador pets love to visit schools, businesses, and community groups wanting to learn more about our homeless animals and what we can do to help.  Weekend, weekday, and evenings are available.  Wishlist donations or pet food drives are encouraged to help us care for our homeless pets.  We also have project suggestions for anyone wanting to do more that are suitable for various ages and abilities. We also love to participate in health fairs and festivals. Invite us to speak at your next gathering. 

All requests should be made at least 2 weeks in advance and monetary and/or Wish List donations are encouraged for our homeless pets. To book your event please print out and complete the Request for Humane Education Visit form.  Please consider more than one date.  Once we receive your completed form we'll check the dates you request to see what we have available for you.  Requests for any date and time are not reserved until confirmed by CAP staff via email. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Shelter Tours with Educational Discussion

CAP offers tours of our beautiful CAP Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center where participants get to see what we do and how we do it first hand.  Tours include a humane education lesson and questions are encouraged. Tours can be scheduled between 1pm - 5pm most weekdays for groups up tp 20 and generally last for one hour.  Larger groups will have to be broken up and could extend the duration of the program from 1 hour to 2 hours.  During the summer months tours can be booked between 1pm - 3pm most weekdays for groups up to 20.  We are unable to host tours on the weekends when shelter has the most visitors and our primary focus is pet adoption

Unable to physically visit? No problem! Tours can be done in person or virtually via live video platforms such as Google Meets, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, etc. Our tours include a humane education lesson and questions are encouraged. Learn more by visiting Tours in Shelter Activities or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Support our Storytime Library

Did you know we have a small reading library for kids to browse when waiting on a pet adoption with their families or read to a shelter pet during our weekly Storytime program?  While we love books of all types, we are wanting to edit our current offerings and fill the shelves with books that portray animals realistically, offer a positve and humane lesson and empower kids to respect and care for the many creatures that share our community.  Check out our Storytime Wishlist of books that inspire and celebrate animals and the kids that love them.  Books do not need to be new. USED, GOOD, HARDCOVER, or LIBRARY BINDING BOOKS make wonderful additions.