Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Houston SPCA

#100 in United States, #22 in Texas, #8 in Houston

7007 Old Katy Road Houston, Texas 77024

http://houstonspca.org

info@houstonspca.org

Service areas:

Houston, TX

A hundred years ago, community leaders in Houston came together to establish the Houston SPCA. Since 1924, the organization has remained steadfast in its mission: to protect animals in the community. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to creating a safe environment for animals, the Houston SPCA has grown into the influential force it is today. From conducting investigations into animal cruelty to assisting in disasters, the Houston SPCA is involved in every aspect of animal welfare. We are the Campus For All Animals, and we do it ALL. The Beginning In an era when animal welfare was starting to become a widespread concern, propelled a group of community leaders to establish the Houston SPCA. Its first leaders were initially committed to the welfare of Houston’s horses and women and children in need. The first location, affectionately called The Shelter, was located at 216 Jackson Street. Help for animals in need at the time included horses, sheep, cats, and dogs. Animal Cruelty Investigations In the 1930s, the rescue and protection organization began relying on the community’s eyes and ears to report animal cruelty. They encouraged Houstonians to dial “Wayside 1744” to speak with a humane investigator about potential animal abuse. By 1945, archive records show they conducted 2,368 investigations and yearly inspections for animals in need. Animal Rescue Ambulance A donated rescue van with a ladder secured to the top was used to respond to reports of animals in need, including those trapped in sewers, car engines, or even on roofs of homes as early as the 1930s. It was often called “Houston’s Animal Ambulance.” Born out of necessity, it was another service that the community needed, and the Houston SPCA was there to step in for the city’s most vulnerable animals: animals unowned and injured. Today, the Houston SPCA still has the only 24-hour Animal Rescue Ambulance in the Gulf Coast Region. Veterinary Services In the early 1970s, Dr. L.D. Eckermann, a longtime Houston SPCA supporter, board member, and award-winning veterinarian, was among the local veterinarians who began volunteering on days off to lend his expertise and provide medical care to shelter animals. The Houston SPCA hired its first full-time veterinarian in 1985, along with several graduate technicians. Disaster Response Since the 1980s, the Houston SPCA has been at the forefront of responding to natural disasters to help animals in need, such as Hurricane Ike in 2008, Tri-County Fires in 2011, and the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. In 2017, Houston SPCA rescued 2,300 dogs and cats and 80 displaced horses, farm animals, and native wildlife in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Wildlife Rehabilitation Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas began when passionate and dedicated wildlife rehabilitators Sharen Schmalz, Margaret Pickell, and Debbie Mitchell recognized the urgent need for a dedicated facility to support all the injured, orphaned, and ill native wildlife impacted by urban expansion and environmental challenges in Houston. An estimated 92,591 wild animals have come into our care since 2008. Exotics Rescue The Houston SPCA saw a surge in the popularity of exotic pets around the early 2000s, and with it came cases of inadequate care, neglect, and abandonment. In 2000, Creutly investigators rescued four tigers, four lions, two leopards, and a wolf. The organization partners with sanctuaries and zoos around the country to ensure the rescued animals now imprinted by humans could live the rest of their lives in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats. Veterinary Partnerships The organization started a program with Texas A&M where senior veterinary students are trained on campus. They are required to spend two weeks on campus learning how to practice veterinary medicine in a shelter environment. The teaching program provides veterinary students with a broad range of high-quality training experiences under expert supervision to ensure they are well-prepared for the various challenges they will face as practicing veterinarians. Expansion In 2018, Houston SPCA’s William and Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals opened to the community at 7007 Old Katy Road. The state-of-the-art, 12-acre campus provides sanctuary and healing to animals in need and serves as an educational hub for the community to foster a love and respect for all living beings. Pet Wellness Clinic The Houston SPCA opened its first Pet Wellness Clinic to the community, specializing in preventive and affordable care. The clinic now treats common illnesses such as heartworm disease, respiratory infections, skin infections, diarrhea and ear infections.

Mission and Vision

The Houston SPCA is thrilled to announce that we’ve been named the Best Nonprofit in Houston for the second year in a row in the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best Awards! This prestigious recognition is a testament to the unwavering support of our incredible community, dedicated staff, and volunteers who work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. We’re deeply grateful for the continued trust and commitment from our supporters, and we remain steadfast in our mission to be the voice for the voiceless. Thank you, Houston, for making this possible!

Adoption Policy

How it Works Step 1 - See Our Available Animals Take a look at all our available animals. Click on a pet’s picture to see more photos, pet profiles, and videos! Step 2 - Review Our Documents Adoption Agreement Adoption Info Packet Surgery Discharge Instructions Microchip Information Healthy Start Certificate Step 3 - Visit Us! The Houston SPCA adoption center will be open to the public every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please make sure to visit our website to see all the pets available for adoption before you leave home. No appointment is necessary, and there is no waitlist. We do not hold pets; all adoptions are on a first come basis. Equine and Farm Animal Adoptions are by application and appointment only. Click here to apply online! Preparing for Adoption What to Expect The Houston SPCA adoption center will be open to the public every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please make sure to visit our website to see all the pets available for adoption before you leave home. No appointment is necessary, and there is no waitlist. The Dr. Amy Alexander Equine Care Center is open for equine and farm animal adoptions by appointment only. Click here to apply online! Our Adoption Specialist Are Here to Help We are all about making lifelong matches between people and pets. Our adoption counselors will listen carefully to your expectations, needs, and lifestyle. This is a lifesaving partnership, and we work in tandem with you and your family to help make the perfect match. What You’ll Need • Be at least 18 years old. • Bring drivers license or government issued I.D • Have the knowledge and consent of all adults living in your household—we encourage you to bring the entire family! • Cash, debit, credit, apple pay and google pay are acceptable payment methods. Adoption Fees Adoption fees vary according to the animals’ species, size and age. Large Breed Dogs • Dogs$55 • Puppies$195 • Seniors (6 years and older)$25 Small Breed Dogs • Dogs$105 • Puppies$195 • Seniors (8 years and older)$55 Dogs and cats adopted from the Houston SPCA receive an incredible benefits package valued at over $500. Every Dog and Cat Adoption Includes • A health evaluation, age-appropriate vaccinations and rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs three months and older • Spay/neuter surgery • Deworming • Heartworm testing for dogs six months of age and older • Treatment for heartworm positive dogs • One adoption gift courtesy of Hill’s Science Diet • A complimentary overall wellness examination from a VCA Animal Hospital • A HomeAgain microchip with free lifetime registration

https://houstonspca.org/available-pets/?pet-name=&type%5B%5D=Dog

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Houston SPCA

Mission and Vision

Adoption Policy

Testimonials

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