'Our dedication to that mission has only grown': Houston Humane Society seeks to protect animals in human care

The Houston Humane Society (HHS) helps animals find a home.

HHS is an animal shelter and veterinary clinic "dedicated to, and working toward, ending cruelty, abuse and the overpopulation of animals while providing the highest quality of life to those brought to us for care."

According to HHS's website, the organization does not receive any money from federal, state or local government agencies. 

"Houston Humane Society started with a simple mission – ending the cruelty, abuse and overpopulation of animals while providing the highest quality of life to those brought to us for care," Gary Poon, executive director of the Houston Humane Society, told Houston Daily. "Our dedication to that mission has only grown in the more than 60 years that the shelter has been open and serving as a safe haven for animals and pet owners."

Poon also discussed the impact COVID-19 had on the organization's operations.

"When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Houston Humane Society, like all nonprofits serving the general public, was forced to make swift, dramatic changes to our shelter’s operating model, safety protocols and fundraising efforts," Poon said. "As if COVID-19 wasn’t enough, an unprecedented and deadly weather event struck with freezing temperatures and power outages, creating another wave of unique challenges for our shelter."

Poon mentioned how HHS adapted to the above challenges caused by the coronavirus. 

"Despite these unparalleled hurdles, the shelter was able to persevere thanks to the unwavering support of our staff, volunteers and donors," Poon said. "We identified challenges and developed proactive solutions that met the emerging needs of pets and families. We also enacted safety protocols that allowed the shelter and our veterinary clinic to remain open to the public, providing a critical resource for families in need of quality veterinary care at a price they could afford. The spay/neuter services provided by the clinic were also able to continue, which we are very proud of considering the circumstances, as it plays an important role in decreasing the overpopulation of animals."

HHS's financing is dependent on donations and income from special events. Over three million shelter animals are estimated to be adopted every year with the split roughly equal between dogs and cats.