Adopt a Shelter Dog this October and Boost Your Health!

Free Adoptions at Harris County Pets from Oct. 1-15!

BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, sponsors reduced adoption fees of $50 or less per dog or cat during each nationwide event. The foundation is hosting the “Empty the Shelters” event in more than 345 shelters in 42 states, including HCP.

Adopting a pet isn’t just about finding a new best friend; it can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. According to UC Davis Health, adopting a pet can improve both mental and physical health. Pets have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness while encouraging regular physical activity and improving social connections. These benefits align with what we know about the powerful impact of owning a pet, making this the perfect time to welcome a shelter pet into your life.

Why Adopt from Harris County Pets?
All dogs and cats adopted from HCP are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Plus, each pet comes with a one-year pet license—all included with your adoption. With fees waived from October 1-15, there’s no better time to adopt a pet.

Visit the Harris County Pets Resource Center at 612 Canino Road or browse adoptable pets at www.CountyPets.com. HCP’s adoption hours are Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

Health Benefits of Adopting a Pet

Bringing home a dog or cat doesn’t just offer companionship – it can improve your well-being in many ways:

• Boosts Mental Health: Research shows that pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and they help ease loneliness by providing a calming presence and unconditional love.
• Encourages Physical Activity: More than 60% of dog owners meet the recommended amount of weekly exercise thanks to daily walks and playtime. This can lower the risks of heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure.
• Improves Social Connections: Walking a dog or visiting pet-friendly spaces often leads to new social interactions, helping to manage stress and improve mental health.
• Enhances Emotional Well-being: Pets are excellent companions for people dealing with stress, grief, PTSD, or chronic illness. Their intuitive response to their owners provides unique emotional support during tough times, offering comfort when needed most.

“Adopting a pet is a life-changing decision, not just for the pet but for you too,” said Corey Steele, Director of Harris County Public Health’s (HCPH) Veterinary Public Health (VPH) Division. “Our goal is to connect pets with loving homes while also helping residents lead healthier lives.”

For more information, visit www.CountyPets.com or call (281) 999-3191.

About Harris County Pets
Harris County Pets provides adoption services, veterinary care, and animal control services in unincorporated Harris County, promoting responsible pet ownership and community education.

About BISSELL Pet Foundation
BISSELL Pet Foundation is a national nonprofit committed to ending pet homelessness through adoption, spay/neuter programs, and more. Learn more at www.bissellpetfoundation.org.