August 15, 2007
New Houston SPCA Policy Aimed At Reducing Number Of Animals Given Up For Adoption
The Houston SPCA issued this press release today on its new admission policy.

The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has launched a new policy that already is saving hundreds of owned animals from being given up for adoption.

The Houston SPCA now requires an individual who wants to give up an owned pet to first participate in a 15-minute counseling session with a trained Houston SPCA team member. Since the program's inception in May, the organization reports more than 650 animals who otherwise would have been given up for adoption remained with their owners. The organization predicts the new policy will keep up to 3,500 animals per year from being given up for adoption and ultimately reduce the number euthanized in the community.

The goal, says Houston SPCA President Patricia Mercer, is to help pet owners make an informed decision before they give up their pets due to destructive or aggressive behavior, an inability to be housetrained, health issues or because the animal does not get along with children or other pets. "This is about giving owners a plan to work through the issues they have with their pets," says Mercer, who adds the shelter accepts approximately 24,000 owned animals for adoption every year.

During each session, a veterinary technician performs a medical evaluation on the animal and speaks with the owner about the pet's adoptability. Pet owners also meet with behavior specialists who suggest ways to address specific behaviors that may be leading the owner to give up the animal for adoption. The session also allows SPCA team members to gather information about the pet which can be shared with a prospective new owner. Counseling sessions can be scheduled by calling the Houston SPCA, 713-869-SPCA. Sessions are conducted daily from 8 am - 6 pm at the Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Drive.

At the SPCA in Dallas, where a similar program was introduced in 2006, 13 percent of those who brought a pet to the shelter with the intent of giving it up for adoption changed their minds and re-committed to the animal. According to Mercer, the new procedures at the SPCA in Dallas did not accelerate the number of animals brought to other organizations where counseling sessions are not required. This also has been the case in Houston, she says. "Pet owners need to partner with us to do what is best for the animal," Mercer adds. "This new approach is about creating a path for a better life."

More information on this new policy can be found at the Houston SPCA website, houstonspca.org or by calling 713-869-SPCA. Pet owners also can contact the organization's expanded resource center for information on free services and referral sources to address behavior and health issues.

In a related announcement, Houston SPCA has expanded its hours for those interested in adopting an animal from the organization. Adoptions now can be made daily from 11 am - 8 pm to accommodate those interested in visiting the facility during evening hours. It also has opened an expanded call-in resource center for pet owners to call from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals remains an open door shelter which has consistently placed more animals into loving permanent, responsible homes than all other area shelters combined. In 2006, the Houston SPCA received almost 39,000 animals in need of shelter, medical aid, or a new home. The Houston SPCA was founded in 1924 and is completely funded by private donations. Its mission is to promote commitment to and respect for all animals and to free them from suffering, abuse, and exploitation. This is accomplished by sheltering homeless animals, placing animals into humane environments, promoting humane education, investigating animal cruelty, rescuing animals in distress and serving as advocates for all animals.

Click here for 11 News Reporter Brad Woodard's story about the Houston SPCA policy change khou.com/topstories.

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