Click2Daily: What you need to know about adopting pets after Hurricane Harvey

HOUSTON – It’s been nearly two months since Hurricane Harvey first hit Houston and many needs still exist because of the storm.

Among them are homes for hundreds of displaced pets.

On Tuesday, KPRC’s Chip Brewster visited the two primary shelters opened as a result of that need: The Houston Pets Alive (HPA) facility at 8616 Stella Link Rd. and the Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) facility at NRG Arena.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the facilities:

How many animals are at each shelter?

HPA – Approximately 147 cats and 225 dogs are at the shelter. In addition, they also have about 300 cats and 125 dogs in foster homes.
BFAS – 6 cats and about 280 dogs.

When will the shelters shut down?

HPA – The original intention was to only be open one month or two but they are now looking for a more permanent facility. In other words, there are no plans at the moment to shut down their current operations.
BFAS – they will exit NRG Arena on Nov. 1. Thus, this shelter will only be open another two weeks.

Are the animals up for adoption?

HPA – Yes! However, that was not always the case. When this shelter was first opened, it was only for owner-surrendered animals which were shipped out of the area. Recently, they began taking in animals on local euthanasia lists and were just approved to adopt out locally.
BFAS – Yes! All animals are past their 30-day hold requirement and are now in need of homes.

How do I adopt?

HPA – The first big adoption event is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 8616 Stella Link Road.
BFAS – By heading to their website and applying to foster a dog. They do not have a specific link to adopt, so those that want to are asked to fill out the foster application to begin the process.

What are the adoption fees?

HPA – Normally it’s $150, but this weekend it will be $75 for dogs and $38 for cats.
BFAS – $0

What will happen to the animals once the shelter is shut down?

BFAS – Any remaining animals will be sent to partner no-kill agencies and the search for foster and forever homes will continue.

I am not able to adopt or foster, is there anything I can do to help?

HPA – Volunteers are always needed to help walk the dogs and clean the cages of dogs and cats. In addition to your time, they are also asking for: bottle brushes, wet food for both dogs / puppies and cats / kittens, pet scales, kitten formula, nutrical or vitacal paste, pill pockets, and plastic tarps among other things.
BFAS – Volunteers are always needed to help walk the dogs and clean their cages.

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