** When reading reviews for this location, you also need to look at the reviews for Harris County Veterinary Public Health located here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/harris-county-veterinary-public-health-houston-2?osq=Harris+County+Animal+Shelter ** Several years ago, we adopted a dog from this location (see my review at the site listed above). Recently, we came back to inquire about adopting another dog. No appointment is necessary now: come to the shelter between 1 - 5 PM on weekdays or 11 AM to 3:30 PM on Saturdays. Do your homework first. Look on their website (www.countypets.com) to see if there are any dogs you may be interested in. If so, write down their ID number so it's easier for you to locate exactly where they are in the shelter. We did just that and were able to see the dog that we were potentially interested in. I did observe another person asking the staff about "small dogs" thinking that they were all in one location (which they are not) and then getting frustrated because they would need to walk through every wing of the shelter on their own to locate a small dog. Again, prepare for your visit by writing down animal ID numbers. Last time we were here was shortly after Covid, so the shelter was not very crowded. This time, however, there were multiple dogs in one pen: often two together but I did observe three dogs together. I understand that they are short on space, but having dogs crammed together only increases their stress and anxiety - and makes them more fearful and less likely to come out to meet a potential adopter. We encountered just that - a dog we wanted to see literally cowered away and would not exit their enclosure. So sad. Also, when looking online for available dogs, do not take the listed breed as gospel. In my opinion, often it's completely inaccurate. In fact, I inquired about who "labels" the dogs as a specific breed, and the response was that the "animal control officer who picked them up" does that. Hmm. We saw a dog that was obviously an Australian Cattle Dog labeled as a Jack Russell Terrier. Wow . . . While we were successful in adopting two years ago, this time we were not. If you do adopt, ask a lot of questions: is the dog heartworm negative; have any particular behavioral issues been noted; are there any noticeable or diagnosed medical conditions that need to be addressed. Know that when you do adopt, your pet will be spayed or neutered, come with a county license and a microchip and be vaccinated against SOME (but not all) canine/feline diseases. You absolutely must bring your new pet to your own veterinarian within 72 hours. Should your new pet become ill within 2 weeks (provided you've seen your vet in the 72-hour time frame), you are able to return it. Lastly, most of the animals here are picked up as strays. Even if you don't adopt a pet here, spay or neuter any animal you own to prevent potential offspring from ending up here. Also keep in mind that if a dog is picked up as a stray, by law the shelter must hold and cannot adopt them out for 3 days (if they are not microchipped) in order for an owner to claim them and 7 days (if they are chipped) if the registered chip owner does not pick them up. Coming here is an eye-opening experience. Be prepared for lots of noise and lots of dogs. But you never know: you could, indeed, find your next best friend here. If you do, remember that you've saved a soul! read more

Horrible! I found an abandoned puppy and tried to find him a home for a week because I cannot have another pet. When I called to schedule an appointment to take him to the shelter, the woman told me it was considered an owner surrender because I found him a week ago and that there were no appointments available. What an asinine policy to begin with, but when I said that I should have said I just found him, she basically threatened me, saying she now has my name, address, and phone number on file. No good deed goes unpunished, I guess. This organization will not help you if you try to help an abandoned animal. read more

I've had my boy for over 3 years now. So grateful for this shelter ! It was a bit of a drive for me, but so worth it! read more

Harris County Pets - Veterinarians Near Me - Houston, Texas

Beautiful environment, horrible service. Specifically a worker named "Monica" was ignorant and rude. Wasn't open to allowing us adopt, and throwing any excuse to not let us take a cat home. We attempted to save a cat that was to be euthanized very soon, yet still didn't want to let us leave with a cat. Also very forcefully attempted to influence us to adopt a kitten when it was clear we were adopting an adult. We got an understanding as if they won't allow anybody to adopt pets, unless you meet their criteria other than saving a life. This specific member also didn't bother assisting with any sort of "meet and greet" or interaction. Overall horrible behavior/attitude from the staff, but a lovely place. read more

I've never been more disgusted with the treatment of animals than what I've seen at Harris County Animal Shelter. The way this facility handles vulnerable, voiceless dogs is beyond inhumane--it's absolutely heartbreaking. They recently amputated a dog's leg, only to turn around and euthanize that same dog shortly after. Why put an animal through pain and trauma just to kill it? That's not medical care--that's cruelty disguised as protocol. This kind of careless, cold-blooded decision-making shows a complete lack of compassion and responsibility. These dogs deserve better. They deserve love, care, and a chance--not rushed surgeries and a death sentence. It's clear the shelter is overwhelmed and mismanaged, but that is NO excuse for this kind of treatment. If you care about animals at all, please think twice before supporting or trusting this shelter. They need to be held accountable for the trauma and harm they're inflicting behind closed doors. oms I hope the ppl who have treated these innocent animals poorly go to hell! read more

THEY ARE KNOWN TO BOTCH SPAY/NEUTER. HIRE LOWEST OF THE CLASS "VETS". I HAVE INCLUDED THE NAME and PHOTOS. ***you can find all the photos in the "photo" section for some reason I can't attach them to this review. Sunday March 2nd 2025 I walk in and fell in love with a dog they had called "Meela" a "Belgian Malinois Mix" Her ID was: A632639. I was able to spend Tuesday and Wednesday with her before she got spayed Thursday. I was able to bathe her there at their facility and was provided all the shampoos, towels, dryer, and of course the pet bath station. When I picked her up and took her home everything was good. Her incision site was swollen and red but I didnt worry about it. We followed all the post op instructions in the "Dog Adoption Information" papers I was given. On the thrid day it looked swollen and my mother who is a seasoned nurse was able to tell that whoever had done her surgry did not do a good job with pieces of skin just sloppily pinched toether. here on yelp since I cant put it inside this review.) Her incesion site kept getting swollen and decided to take her to the vet within the 72 hour agreement to Westbury Animal Hospital. The doctor took a look and ran some testing as well as read the details of the surgry that the vet had performed on here. She mentioned they did not do a routine procedure on her and thought that was odd....After an MRI and testing turns out it was a Seroma. Her incison site would just bleed non stop there had been fluid built up. It took her about 20 days to fully heal from this botched surgry. Even now after having her for a month her stitches are now poking out. IF ADOPTING FROM THIS PLACE PLEASE ASK 1.) If the surgry that was perfromed was routine. If not then why wasn't it a routine surgery and what complications can happen and what can be done 2.) Ask for the contact of the vet that did it if you have any questions because the vet techs are the ones that speak to you not them. 3.) There is a front desk lady who looks a little heavier set medium length black hair who might be standoffish if you ask her questions and will try to rush you but please dont let that deter you. You wont know if you dont ask! read more

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Please beware!! Go to BARC instead! We adopted our sweet puppy last Thursday from Harris county pets and in one week she's dead from horrible parvo she contracted from this place and no one cared! I was offered a replacement pet!? Wth!? I also have other pets at home now in danger .. Mika started to get lethargic and had a decrease in appetite a few days after we brought her home, started to get diarrhea and was vomiting water. We took her to the vet and were 1st told she had a Uri. Started her on meds and she didn't improve, so we took her back to the vet and parvo was diagnosed. She was in the hospital 2 days getting antibiotics and medications and was only getting worse. We had to make the painful decision to let our sweet baby go! She died peacefully in my sons arms tonight. 10 weeks old, stray, tiny, helpless and had the added misfortune of ending up in this hell hole! Harris county pets spayed her, so she was recovering from surgery still and also had an infected incision site. My vet bill was enormous and the emotional pain and turmoil is unbearable! They don't know the health conditions of the pets they are sending people home with...people's lives are devastated due their carelessness. We will always remember our sweet baby Mika, so young and never had a chance! read more

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What a great place. We are fortunate to have this facility with such great people working there. We rescued a dog left in a crate in the park in 38 degree weather. We could keep her. The officer who came to get her was wonderful. She calmed her down. We went to visit the dog at Harris County Pets. They are designed for 200 pets and are managing 400. The kennels are all very clean, the dogs look well cared for, and the staff is friendly. We wish we could have adopted all the dogs there. If you want to adopt a companion, check them out. There is a dog there for everyone. read more

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I found my best friend. I saw an ad one day about the over-crowding of animals needing homes. A furry friend is just what I needed. I went in just to look, and left with the official papers to adopt my little guy. When in the facility, there was always someone willing to help me and introduce me to any dogs I wanted to meet. I met a hand full of furry friends, but this one stuck out to me. When I met him I knew he was the one. So cuddley. The process of adoption was easy, and I love that they had him neutered, micro chipped, and vaccinated before coming home with me. I can't see my life without this little fur ball. I love him and so thankful to Harris county pets! read more

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made an appointment to see a dog. checked in. no help finding the dog. acted like it was a bother when I stopped someone and asked if she could take the dog out. tssst. I sat on the floor by the exit. activity & noise so overwhelming the peed all over. I saw employees spending one on one time with other clients. same thing outside in a private grass area. terrible experience. was heartbroken read more

This (relatively) new adoption facility represents a totally new approach and commitment to pets by Harris County. The building, staff and procedures are all geared to making good permanent placements of dogs and cats in their care. In our particular case, we found the ideal dog for our home. As an older, neglected dog that had spent time on the streets, she required a significant amount of veterinarian care. Harris County Pets performed $1,000-$1,500 of services and charged us a total of $35 because she was over five years old. With her new found comfort and energy, she is a jewel that has transformed our family. read more

Review about the adoption center. I called the number to reach a recording that told me to push a certain number for adoptions. The recording then tells the caller the hours and days open for pet adoptions and fees to adopt. It at no time tells the caller they'll need an appointment to adopt!! You are a place to adopt a pet! If that's not a place that should present a friendly face upon entering, I don't know what is!! People from a loving home show up to adopt a pet and they're met with someone that is extremely argumentative and flat out rude! WHY is this woman working the FRONT desk?!?! I attempted to explain to her that I was unaware I needed an appointment while she interrupted me constantly and threw questions at me like "Why didn't you wait to speak with someone?" "Why didn't you even try to talk to someone after the recording?!" These questions were literally yelled at me while I calmly attempted to explain that the recording gives the hours, days and fee to adopt. Once again, the recording NEVER said "hold to make an appointment" or if you'd like to make an appointment press...." Their recording is therefore incorrect and should be changed. Especially when upon walking in the door smiling, excited to adopt, I'm met with an obvious angry woman yelling at me that I needed an appointment as if I were the undereducated one in the conversation. We made an appointment for tomorrow. I plan on speaking with whomever is in charge. read more

less than zero stars. The shelter gave us a very sick dog who might have lived had they done more than the bare minimum. I incurred over $3000 in vet bills for a dog who died after three days of my ownership. when I alerted them that the dog was sick I was informed that I could return him and they would look at him and they "might" let us readopt him. Rest in peace dear Charlie, you deserved so much better. read more

I drove across town because I was told you were sponsored by the government and couldn't turn pets away. Not only did you turn this sweet dog away, you made me feel guilty for trying to help. I don't know who runs this place but they need to seriously reevaluate their staff!! read more

The new facility is extremely nice! We stopped in as we were looking for a new furry friend and did not leave disappointed! All volunteers and staff were helpful and friendly and the process was very easy. I hope more people visit and leave with new best friends. read more

Harris County Pets - Our new dog, Scarlett! - Veterinarians Near Me - Houston, Texas

I adopted a dog from this shelter last week. She was on the list for euthanasia- which I am upset that we have such things in Texas, but that is another story. The adoption was free and she is a healthy dog with all her vaccinations! She even got her first vet visit free from my regular vet by my house. She was already spayed, so I was able to walk out with her that day. I brought a collar and leash, but they are available there if needed. I was impressed by the air conditioned and clean facility- they are over crowded this summer and need people to adopt or foster dogs. I am happy that I was able to and my dog, Lily is perfect! read more

Harris County Pets - Lily on Freedom Ride home! - Veterinarians Near Me - Houston, Texas

LOVE the new facility! Great job! And staff super friendly, I took my dog for fleas & ticks treatment. He is a rescue from Harris county pets shelter. read more

staff is rude, they will hang up on you and lie. I contacted them concerning a dog named brownie. after someone finally decided to speak instead of hanging up I was told the dog was adopted. they euthanized her. I went into the shelter Wednesday and again told by staff dogs were dog aggressive I'm now seeing videos that was a lie. To the staff I'm curious so you enjoy murdering animals since other forms of murder is illegal? if I acted half as bad as this staff I would be fired. what does this staff have on politicians to get away with all the things they do. they claim they have 300 dogs but on their FB page I rarely see networking. we know they rarely answer a phone. If you do go this shelter, which I encourage you go adopt an animal here to help spare their life, I do recommend video recording it so the media outlets can see how awful they are. on another review site I saw where they tell POC that dogs are adopted. read more

Called animal control about a neighbor who lets their dogs walk around the neighborhood all day every day. One of them broke into my back yard and got into a fight with my dog. I have the interaction on my surveillance camera. I called animal control and they said someone would be over soon. No one ever showed up. I called the next day and they said that someone would be there that same day. No one ever showed up. I called a week later and they said they would go take a statement from the offenders and then come get my statement. No one ever showed up. This all happened several months ago and no one ever followed up on my calls. Those dogs still roam the neighborhood. read more

The new harris county pets euthanasia procedures that begin nov 11th are incredibly unethical - Re overcrowding of dogs they have decided to lower the time that a dog is in the shelter before being considered for euthanasia list from 30 days to 15 days- Also they had euthanasia days wed 5pm central - fri 5pm central- They would give us a list of dogs with information re breed/age/weight/HW status they would give us specific dogs and deadlines NOW they are only giving us one list on a friday ( possibly 200 dogs or more) They are not giving the networkers the info we need they have upped the euthanasia days where they will unaliving perfectly healthy dogs MON- WED -FRI AM and they can add more dogs on certain days in the morning IF they want to - no accountability !! Networkers do not know which dogs for which day s that are going to be euthanized - They are not working with rescues - they are not reaching out to other shelters for space and transporting them- they are not working to hold MORE adopter events- They are NOT working to recruit MORE fosters to help these dogs?? Why? Why is the only solution to kill more dogs??!!! Please write emails to the media to the commissioners- we need help .. HARRIS COUNTY PETS is out of control - they are very quickly becoming a HIGH KILL shelters- please help help help read more

The operators are rude and hang up on you. They have told me that dogs were aggressive, and when I fought to foster them, they are friendly with dogs and our 4 year old. read more

These people are horrible.. they euthanize animals and do NOT give them a chance. A dog named Cinco had rescuers lined up and an adopter 5 MINUTES AWAY! Guess what they did? Yeah they went outside and told people he was about to die and put him to sleep.. they didn't even get him a chance. He was dog friendly too. This isn't the first time I heard about this shelter. This shelter needs to be stopped. How can you work here and take lives? read more

The absolute worst customer service location I've ever encountered. First time I went, my daughter was scratched by a kitten (no biggie) but the supervisor came with an attitude saying a report had to be made and the cat we choose (not the one who scared my daughter) was sick and was on antibiotics but they'd call us Once ready. 2 days later a young lady called me, said the kitten was ready. I sent my sister and once she arrived the receptionist said, No one called you, the kitten isn't ready. So she left. Next day, received a call saying once again it's ready, this time, sent my daughter and she paid the fees and signed the final documents. After that, they said, oh it's not ready yet. That was October 13th. Today is October 24th! I called just now it's not ready and the person who picked up the phone sounded rude and extremely annoyed by me calling and bothering her. THIS is why there are so many pets there versus other adoption facilities. read more

I would give them 1/2 a star, I've been twice first time they refused to vaccinate my puppy because they said he was 2-3 weeks old! I knew when he was born. Not friendly at all, you are greeted with "Do you have an appointment" Second visit was unnecessary because apparently my pup has received all the shots he needs (my daughter took him once) No apologies given for them setting an unnecessary appointment and wasting my time. Like it was my fault I came in. Secondly I told her my pup threw up the heart worm pill, "did you give it with food?" The tech asks. Um no because no one at the clinic tells you anything. Rude, poor customer service, it's not worth the little bit of money saved. Seems the techs don't even like animals, they never even look or speak to them!! Stay away!!!! read more

Can't even call without someone answering the phone with a damn attitude. They have the least qualified person for answering phones. She must hate her job or something to be talking to the people the way she does!! DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PHONE LADY! GET A NEW ONE!! HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. read more

Whoever Tamera is that answers the phone is RUDE. She was not answering any questions I needed answered and she was very sarcastic. Would not recommend this facility at all read more

We are very UPSET over the treatment of the 11 month old dog we adopted from this shelter, first they thought she was formerly pregnant, we went along with getting her spayed, after the spay they informed us that she was apparently still pregnant and only very early in the pregnancy and they aborted her pups. Of course the traumatized the dog, and how in hell do you not know a dog is pregnant BEFORE SPAYING. We took her to our vet only to find out we were lied to. SHE WAS ABOUT TO GIVE BIRTH WHEN THEY ABORTED HER PUPPIES. Now this poor dog is depressed and always anxious and went through WAY more than we or her bargained for. Completely NOT OKAY. read more

We took our 9-pound dog up there to meet a prospective sister/brother. We chose this shelter because the Texas Rescue FB page featured this hound who was young. We drove an hour to get there - their facility is upscale and modern from the front. We were stopped by a staff/volunteer member who inquired as to whether we had an appointment. We did, so he took our temperatures and we went into the adoption section. We had to wait about 10 minutes to see her, but when we did, outside in a small fenced area, we saw that she was an absolute sweetheart and got along well with our small dog that we brought to meet her. Nothing appeared amiss - we were told she was spayed that morning and was heartworm positive. No treatment was being given for the heartworm, but that was no big deal for us - we got her into our vet once home and she was put on doxycycline treatment. On her intake sheet, it was noted she got along with cats (we have 3) and other dogs. They did warn us that she was food aggressive. We get home and within 5 hours, our cats disappeared, she tried to use our 9-pound dog as bait and became alpha dog to our current 50-pound dog, who was not at all pleased about that. She chased a couple of birds we have free in our aviary and was a bowl of bounding energy. Too much for us and our other pets, so we had to make the very difficult decision of giving this very loving (she had the best temperament with us and was so loving) dog up. We called Harris the next day and they said to call 2 days later on Sunday at 0830 for an appointment. We did, but no one answered. When we got a human on the phone at 0900, we were told all the Monday and Tuesday appointments were taken and to call back Thursday for a Friday appointment. REALLY???? Due to the fact that we just didn't want to give her up to any stranger, we felt that it would be in her best interest to get her back there, but apparently they would be just fine with no dogs in their beautiful multi-million (?) dollar facility. The 3 stars were for the condition of the facility (very clean, bright and looks quite upscale) and the people (staff or volunteers) who took care of us (they were very pleasant, courteous and professional). Otherwise, I would give our experience a 1. read more

My cat and my dogs received superior low cost veterinary care. In many cases the services they provide are as much as 50% less than your average Veterinary Clinic read more

Harris County Pets - Veterinarians Near Me - Houston, Texas

if I could give zero stars I would. this place has been in the news! they euthanize adoptable pets even when they have the room! they've also had pets set up with rescues that were actually 5 min from building to rescue a dog named Cinco but they instead killed him before they got there!! they need to be held acccountable! read more

I was hoping to get help with the dog I found on the street. I was told they don't treat dogs unless I was a fostering a pet from them . Sad. I don't know what to do anymore . I picked up a dog from the street and He is a sickly boy .. read more

One star cause the building is new (and one star is necessary) I was tagged on Facebook for a dog who's "time is running out!" I called and called to no avail. So I said fuck it I'll drive down there, 45 min in the pouring rain! I mean their dogs numbers are almost up right!? So I get there! You need an appointment (which wasn't stated on the automated recording that I listened to for 20 min) the girl they had sitting outside directing people where to go was a little snotty but I guess I would be too if my job was to sit in the rain and take people temperatures. So I thought hey I'm here I may as well try and get an appointment! So to the phone I go again! Holding, holding, holding.... finally they can get me in at 3:20! So I'm supposed wait another hour and half? "But it's pushing it cause we close at 3:30.." so "basically fuck you and the animals we are going home!" I ended up leaving... for an establishment who parades pictures of dogs who's time is almost up all over Facebook they are sure not eager to get people willing to take them off their hands in their doors! read more

I don't want to review the clinic but the adoption facility! They do an amazing job!!! It is an old facility and I know they are probably on limited funding! But the people are so so friendly, courteous, helpful, and patient!!! Their fees are phenomenal and thorough care was given to our new baby. They try very hard to speed up the red tape yet protect owners who are looking for their pet (72 hour hold). I love that they keep pictures very current online. Don't miss trying them out!! We found our pure bred boy there but had to move uber quickly to put him on hold for the full waiting period. Seniors, your cost is so nominal that anyone could afford it!! Thanks HC pet facility for our sweet boy!!! read more