Found a dog and don't know what to do?
Found A Dog?
Thank you for helping an animal in need. As you may know, Houston has an animal overpopulation crisis. Barrio Dogs receives daily inquiries about dogs or cats needing help and a home; however, our focus is on pet welfare education in schools and in the community, where we provide free spay or neuter, vaccinations, and microchips. When able, we provide emergency vetting for owned pets that are sick or injured dogs and cats. Lastly, we advocate for change!
Here are some recommendations and resources that may be able to help you:
- If the animal is injured, call the SPCA at 713-869-SPCA (7722) and report it. Houston SPCA is the only animal ambulance in the city of Houston.
- If the animal is aggressive and threatening, contact BARC at 311.
- If the animal is approachable and not aggressive, give it food and water and take it to a vet to scan for a microchip.
- If there's no microchip, distribute "Found Dog" flyers in the area where you found it and post the flyers on Lost & Found Pets Facebook pages, on NextDoor and on any other neighborhood sites.
If you’re unable to find a suitable owner for the animal and can’t keep it yourself, there are limited options available. Depending on your location, you might consider contacting BARC or the Harris County Animal Shelter, but please be aware that they may euthanize the animal. Other shelters might charge a surrender fee and may also euthanize. While rescue groups might be able to help, they are currently facing a high influx of animals.
Your best chance of finding a new home for the animal is often within your own social circle. You may be surprised by the generosity and willingness to help of your friends, family, and colleagues.
- Start by getting it vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and treated for any medical problems. A rescue group may be able to assist with vetting if you can commit to fostering and finding it a home.
- Make an adoption flyer with cute photos of the animal and a short bio with information like approximate age, breed, size and weight, demeanor and vetting status. Describe how it interacts with other dogs, cats and children.
- Then promote, promote, promote! Share the flyer at work, etc. and post it on social media. Send it to friends, co-workers, relatives and others and ask them to help in the search.
- If you find a potential adopter, Barrio Dogs has an application you can use. Meet the potential adopter at a dog park or other public area. Ask them to bring their own dog(s) if any. Ask about fencing and security in their yard, whether the dog will be kept indoors or outdoors, where it will sleep, etc. Trust your instincts; if the person doesn't seem legit, don't let them have the dog.
- Be patient. It may take a while to find the right home, or maybe you will become a foster failure and adopt the animal yourself. If so, Barrio Dogs would be happy to sponsor necessary vetting and pet essentials if needed.
Resources
Spay, Neuter & Wellness Clinics
- Emancipet Houston, 910 S. Wayside Dr #100, Houston, TX 77023 (713)321-2713
- Emancipet Houston, 8533 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77017 (713)321-2713
- Gulfgate Animal Hospital, 216 Winkler Drive, Houston, TX 77087 (713)643-5723
- Long Drive Dog & Cat Hospital, 7327 Long Drive, Houston, TX 77087 (713)643-0633
- Pet Clinic On Bellfort, 7151 Bellfort, Houston, TX 77087 (713)842-7050
- Texas Litter Control, 586 Sawdust Rd, Spring, TX 77380 (832)510-7622
- Houston Humane Society, 14700 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77053 (713)433-6421
- Eado Veterinary Clinic, 2704 Polk St, Suite C, Houston, TX 77003 (713)297-8200
- Citizens for Animal Protection, 7555 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094 (281)497-0591
- Petcare Express, 2501 W Holcombe Blvd D, Houston, TX 77030 (713) 592-9977
- Petcare Express, 6220 W 43rd St, Houston, TX 77092 (832) 649-3179
