DoodyCalls of Houston, TX

Houston, Texas Dog Resource Guide

Local Laws and Ordinances that Affect Dog Owners

• Houston Pooper Scooper Laws and Codes - In Houston, Texas it is the duty of the person in possession of a dog to pick up any waste his dog leaves behind. Citizens unwilling to be in accordance with this law will be fined between $75 and $500 dollars. If you are no longer on private property you better have something to pick the poop up with—it’s the LAW!
• Houston Leash Laws - All Houston dogs must be constrained by fence, gated enclosure, or leash. This includes entering and exiting off-leash dog parks. Even when in an off-leash dog park, caretakers must have a leash that is visibly ready for use. Any defiance of these laws will result in a fine. A list of rules and regulations for the off-leash dog parks can be found at this site.
• Licensing and Vaccinations - All dogs must be licensed and have the required vaccinations for the Houston area. Licenses must be renewed annually. Registration and rabies tags must be displayed on the dog’s collar at all times.

Dog Parks and Dog Park Support Organizations

• Houston Dog Park Association - This site provides a detailed list of locations for off-leash dog parks in and around the Houston area.
• Maxey Dog Park - This “bark and run” dog park prides itself on being the very first park in the area specifically for our four-legged friends. This 12-13 acre plot is the perfect place to set your dog free from its leash for an afternoon of exercise and play time with its friends. There are water fountains for your dog to keep hydrated, as well as pooper scooper stations that make it easy to pick up what your dog leaves behind.
• Ervan Chew Park - This park was the first of many neighborhood parks. It was a catalyst in implementing the idea of a place for dogs to run and exercise freely without being on a leash. Ervan Chew Park is a safe fenced-in area to bring your pet. It is located next to a swimming area, so this Park is perfect for the whole family!

Humane Societies and Animal Shelters

• Homeless and Orphaned Pets Endeavor (HOPE) - HOPE is a foster home for our four-legged friends. Their desire is to be able to rescue all homeless and orphaned pets. They currently treat all their pets and have a no-kill policy. It is the volunteers that create the loving atmosphere that all pets need. This site contains information on adopting a dog or cat into your own family, as well as supporting or volunteering in the Houston area.
• Homeless Pet Placement League - The Homeless Pet Placement League brings in pets that would not, under normal circumstances, be able to be put up for adoption. The League is a completely non-profit organization. 
• Houston SPCA - The site offers information about adopting a pet, volunteering or working for the SPCA, information about training your own pet and general tips and ideas for the changing seasons.
• Homeless Area Doberman Rescue - This site is specifically for the housing and rescuing of Dobermans in the area.
• Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary - This non-profit organization depends on the support of the community to fund their shelter. As a partner of this humane shelter, Diane Keeton helps find loving homes for each of the animals that are housed there. The shelter also partners with the ASPCA as well as the American Humane Association. The site contains information regarding adopting abandoned dogs and includes short biographies on every adoptable dog.
• Houston Humane Society - The Houston Humane Society emphasizes getting your pet spayed or neutered. On this site the Society gives tips for what to do with your dog during a national disaster. This site also gives information regarding the R.A.I.D.E.R.S. program designated for the rescue of pets.

Other Dog Organizations and Ideas That We Support

• Citizens for Animal Protection - Citizens for Animal Protection is an adoption agency for dogs and cats. This organization also has information about spaying and neutering your pet, including a list of benefits of having the procedure done.