Truckloads of food, toys, beds, blankets and other essential items were delivered to Harris County’s animal shelter Dec. 15 as part of "Santa Paws," a collaborative holiday project with Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s office.
“What makes Santa Paws so special is seeing the generosity of our community and their commitment to helping animals,” Ramsey said in a news release.
The setup
More than 1,000 items were collected at various Precinct 3 locations, and Ramsey said community members from the following organizations were part of the initiative:
- Harris County Pets
- Friends of Harris Pets
- Mystic Mutts Groomers
- Sheffield Liquidators of Crosby
- Local rescue groups, fosters and volunteers
What residents should know
Other initiatives in north Houston are underway by Ramsey’s office to assist with Harris County Pets, officials said, including the remodeling of a Spring facility that will help to host pet adoptions in the area.
The remodeled facility will also be where meetings will be held with volunteers, rescue groups and other stakeholders to improve shelter operations and policies, according to the news release.
By the numbers
Animal overpopulation was an issue for the county animal shelter. Excluding missing December data provided by Harris County Public Health’s veterinary division, reports show the dog population at the county animal shelter has been over capacity for every month in 2025.
Annual county funding from Ramsey’s office goes toward improving the shelter conditions, as well as animal spay and neuter efforts, according to the Dec. 15 news release.
