Harris County Animal Shelter receives $700,000 donation

The Harris County Animal Shelter will use a $743,541 donation to support pet wellness and adoption programs, it announced in June.

The shelter will use the donation to launch a new pet clinic and transfer program, HCPH officials said. The funds were raised by philanthropist Jan Duncan and Houston PetSet, a nonprofit that provides grants to animal organizations.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said the money will fund a spay and neuter program at the pet clinic, and for a transfer program to relocate animals awaiting adoption in Harris County to shelters in northern states.

“Believe it or not, there are a lot of states that are short of pets to adopt, as amazing as that is,” Emmett said.

The pet clinic, located at the county shelter, will combat animal overpopulation and provide affordable and easily accessible care, officials said.

According to 2015 data, nearly 70 percent of animals entering the Harris County Animal Shelter are euthanized. The transfer program will also help increase the shelter’s live-release rate, officials said.