In an effort to place more dogs into new homes, the Houston Humane Society is happy to work with qualified rescue groups that have provided copies of policies and contracts.  Whenever possible, an HHS representative will check foster homes.  The HHS reserves the right to choose which group(s) they work with.

The following policies are designed to enable the HHS to function on a daily basis, fulfill its chartered goals and enable the staff to work with the rescue groups.

• The HHS staff technicians check each animal' s health.  If an animal is healthy and adoptable it goes up for adoption at the HHS.  Thousands of animals are signed over to the HHS every year.  It is a function of the HHS to adopt as many as possible, into appropriate homes.
• If a pure-breed animal is sick, heartworm positive, has a major skin disorder, or is otherwise unsuitable  for adoption by  the HHS, a participating rescue group will be called.  The HHS staff will relay known information on the dog to the rescue group over the phone.
• If a suitable home cannot be found for a pure-breed dog that has been up for adoption in our kennel, a participating rescue group will be called.  The HHS staff will relay known information on the dog to the rescue group.
• Rescue group must pick up the animal within 24 hours, or make arrangements with HHS. HHS staff will try to give rescue groups as much advance notice as possible.
• After calling a rescue group several times or being turned down several times, the HHS will refrain from calling and find another alternative.
• If dog is a stray, rescue will be called and advised as to the day the animal will be available for surgery and need to be picked up.
• Dog will not go into rescue unless neutered. When the rescue is contacted, HHS will ask if there are additional clinic services are requested. Payment is expected when  animal if picked up.
• Shelter Director will make any exceptions to the rules.

HHS Spay/Neuter Clinic Policies

HHS understands the budgetary constraints and the expediency needed to neuter a rescue dog.  Although there is a waiting list for the surgeries, the HHS will work in appointments to help the rescue groups.

• Call 713-433-6453 to schedule an appointment.   We will schedule rescue for the first available day…. usually within two days.  Large dog spays may take a day or two longer to schedule.  Please do not use this courtesy to alter mixed-breed dogs or pets of friends, family, neighbors, etc.
• Dogs must not eat or drink anything after 12:00pm the night before surgery and brought in to the clinic between 8:00am -9:00am on the day of surgery.  Animal will be ready to be picked up between:

            4:00pm-4:30pm on the day of surgery on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays . 
            4:00 - 5:00 pm on the day of surgery on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
           
             It is very important to pick the dog up that day.

• Please have dog clean as he/she will not be able to be shampooed for 7-10 days after surgery.  It is more sanitary for the animals to be clean and more pleasant for the clinic staff.
  Other than our published list of services, the HHS does not do any surgery (tail docking, ear cropping, etc.) except spaying and neutering.
• The HHS offers vaccinations and wellness services as published on our list of services.
• The HHS offers rabies vaccinations to dogs and cats for a cost of $10.  The HHS does not sell rabies vaccinations to be given/taken home.  To comply with the health department’s quarantine, all dogs over the age of 3 months. must bring proof of rabies vaccination or the shelter will vaccinate them for a reduced fee of $10.
• If a dog is turned over to rescue, there is no adoption fee.  However, we need to recover the minimum of $40 per animal ($30 for surgery and $10 for rabies vaccination) should these services be needed.  The rescue group must accept all other costs resulting in the care and placement of the dog by HHS or other vet clinics.