Houston-area animal shelters are preparing to tap into millions in state funding aimed at expanding spay and neuter programs for dogs and cats.
The Texas Department of State Health Services’ Spay and Neuter Pilot Program, which took effect on Sept. 1, 2025, allocated $13 million over the next two fiscal years. The funds will be distributed as direct grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 per year to municipal and county shelters, private animal shelters, 501(c) nonprofits, rescue groups, and veterinary clinics across Texas.
Jaime Olin, interim executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, said the funding will “protect Texans and animals alike.” Dr. Tony Malone, chief clinical veterinarian at the Houston Humane Society, stressed the importance of affordable sterilization services, citing Houston’s large stray animal population. He noted that spaying and neutering not only helps pets live longer but also reduces the risk of cancer, infection, and infectious diseases in the community.
Currently, the Houston Humane Society offers free spay and neuter services a few times a year through events like Fix Felix and Spay Day, during which they have spayed up to 1,000 cats in a single day.
Gloria Zenteno, founder and president of Houston-based nonprofit Barrio Dogs, said funding for such programs has been increasingly difficult to secure in recent years due to reduced foundation and grant support.
Greg Evans, senior director of operations at the Houston Humane Society, confirmed that the organization is actively applying for the grants, which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Malone added that this funding represents a significant step forward in tackling Houston’s pet overpopulation problem.
“This grant is going to allow us to do more,” he said. “We’re going to continue to strive and do as much as we can to help and support the animals in the community.”