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ANIMAL REGULATIONS IN HOUSTON

BARC en Español - Reglamento de Animales en Houston

Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC)

" A CITY LICENSE TAG ON YOUR PET IS A PHONE CALL HOME"

Phone: (713)229-7300

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

• Vaccinate their pet against rabies.
• Restrain their pet with a leash or keep it behind a fence.
• Spay or neuter their pet.
• License their pet.
• Provide food, water, shelter, exercise and grooming.
• Take their pet for veterinary care
• Provide love and affection.
• Keep their pet free of fleas.

WHAT IS SPAYING AND NEUTERING?

SPAY refers to the surgery performed on female animals so they can not become pregnant. NEUTER refers to the surgery on male animals so they can't make females pregnant.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAYING AND NEUTERING

In Houston and Harris County, over 85,000 dogs and cats must be euthanized every year because they are unwanted. You can be a responsible pet owner by spaying or neutering your pet to help reduce this number.

Spaying/neutering is good for your pet. It reduces the chances of reproductive cancer; prevents females from having heat cycles; reduces chances males will spray or mark their territory; lessens a pet's urge to roam and get lost; reduces the pet overpopulation problem. Contact your veterinarian for more information.

WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD TO SPAY OR NEUTER MY PET?

The Spay Neuter Assistance Program - (SNAP) (713) 522-2337: operate a free spay/neuter program for pets of low income households.

WHAT IS BARC?

The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) has law enforcement responsibilities in animal-related issues within the City of Houston. One of the primary reasons BARC exists is to prevent rabies in animals and people. 

WHERE IS BARC?

Adoptions, redemptions, vaccinations and pet licensing are located at 3200 Carr.

HOURS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Adoption Center - to adopt a dog or cat
Location: 3200 Carr (the front entrance of BARC)
Hours: Mon-Fri.           11:30-5:30pm
            Sat & Sun        noon- 4pm
(Adoptable dogs are housed in the South Kennel)

Animal Regulation/Control - to drop off a sick or injured animal
Location: 3200 Carr (the front entrance of BARC)
Hours: 7 days a week 8 a.m. – 6 p.m

BARC'S SERVICES:
  • Investigates reported animal bites
  • Vaccinates against rabies
  • Licenses dogs and cats
  • Places dogs and cats up for adoption
  • Shelters lost and stray animals
  • Enforces animal ordinances
  • Provides educational speakers
  • Shelter tours
Picture of a tabby cat in the BARC book.

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