free furnbabies!

New Houston pet adoption event helps you find a furry friend for free

puppy houston Harris County Animal Shelter

Adopt a furry friend for free with this new adoption drive.

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

During this lonely time of quarantining and stay-at-home work life, pets have become a much-needed daily boost. With that in mind, a Houston-area organization is doing its part to help locals bring a new furry friend home.

As part of the national Clear the Shelters campaign, Harris County Pet will offer free adoptions on August 5, 12, 19, 26, and 29 for ready-to-go (already spayed or neutered), or heart-worm positive pets. For those worried about heartworm-positive animals, fear not. As HCP points out in a press release, an infected pet can be cured and is able to fully recover with timely treatment. Harris County Pets Wellness Clinic offers affordable heartworm treatment.

HCP has employed a rigid social distancing policy, therefore, all appointments must be made in advance by phone only at 281-999-3191. Walk-ins are not allowed; adoption of all pets are on a first-come-first-served basis, per HCP.

“One thing we emphasize at Harris County Pets is responsible pet ownership,” said Michael White, DVM, MS, director of Harris County Veterinary Public Health, which operates HCP. “We encourage families that are seeking to adopt for the first time to do their research first to see what kind of pet suits their needs, lifestyle, and budget. Owning a pet is a rewarding life-long investment. Folks can also donate to Harris County Pets or volunteer at our facility if they are unable to adopt.”

The Clear the Shelter was launched six years ago by NBC and Telemundo. Local stations present their popular pet adoption campaign to communities nationwide in partnership with shelters and rescues. Since 2015, the Clear The Shelters campaign has helped more than 410,00 pets find new homes, according to HCP.

Clear the Shelters adoption hours run from 1 pm to 5:30 pm weekdays, and 11 am to 3:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. HCP is located at 612 Canino Rd.

For more information, visit www.CountyPets.com.

pets charity-guide

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo