HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Commissioner Tom Ramsey, PetSet, and Harris County Public Health today announced the launch of a large-scale, low-cost spay and neuter initiative across Harris County Precinct 3 aimed at addressing the region’s growing stray animal crisis. 

The initiative will bring $20 spay and neuter pet services, provided by PetSet, to seven locations throughout Precinct 3, making critical veterinary care more accessible to pet owners in high-need areas. The program aims to perform 25 surgeries per day, reaching a total of 2,200 spay and neuter procedures before the end of the year. 

Animal overpopulation continues to be a growing challenge across the region. Harris County is estimated to have roughly 1 million stray animals, and the county reported nearly 1,200 stray animal bite cases in the last year, raising concerns about both public safety and animal welfare. 

“We can’t adopt our way out of this. We can’t euthanize our way out of this. This is why I am focused on making affordable spay and neuter services available to everyone,” said Commissioner Tom Ramsey. “Thank you to Tama and Tena of PetSet for stepping up. We know this will make a huge difference.” 

Local shelters are also experiencing significant strain. According to Harris County Public Health officials, Harris County Pets has received more than 30,000 animal control service calls annually and has operated at times at roughly 175% over capacity, highlighting the urgent need for prevention-focused solutions. 

“Homeless animals are a big concern in our community. Harris County Pets was established due to the large number of unwanted animals in the county,” said Corey Steele, Director of Veterinary Public Health. “While puppies are adorable, they eventually grow up and can end up on the streets, posing a risk to themselves and the public. Spaying and neutering pets is not only a responsible choice but also an act of love.” 

The effort is funded through a $1M annual investment directed by Commissioner Ramsey to support the Harris County Public Health’s Veterinary division. This is the second year in a row Precinct 3 has prioritized Public Health funds to address the stray animal crisis for the safety of his constituents. 

Experts say expanding access to spay and neuter services is one of the most effective ways to slow the cycle of animal overpopulation. Preventative care helps reduce unwanted litters, decreases shelter intake, and improves the health and behavior of pets living in the community. 

“This investment reflects a growing understanding that prevention is the most effective way to address animal homelessness,” said Tena Lundquist-Faust, co-president of PetSet. “By expanding access to affordable spay and neuter services, we can reduce shelter intake and create safer, healthier communities.” 

“We’re proud to partner with Harris County to deliver this level of service at scale,” added Tama Lundquist, co-president of PetSet. “Programs like this are how we begin to reduce intake numbers and relieve pressure on an already overburdened system.”The next spay and neuter event is scheduled for May 8th at Barrett Station/Riley Chambers Community Center. For all available dates, locations, and to register visit pct3.com. 

About Harris County Precinct 3 

The Office of Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, P.E. maintains Harris County's largest unincorporated region, including 6,800 miles of roadway, while offering free activities and amenities across its 73 parks and 11 Community and Nature Centers. With more than 1.2 million residents residing across 1,000 neighborhoods and 15 school districts, Commissioner Ramsey champions safer neighborhoods, better infrastructure, and common-sense governance through responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Learn more at pct3.com. 

About Harris County Public Health, Veterinary Public Health Division 

Harris County Pets is part of Veterinary Public Health (VPH), a Division of Harris County Public Health. VPH provides shelter, care, and adoptions for homeless pets, animal control in neighborhoods, zoonotic disease surveillance, and education on responsible pet ownership. 

About PetSet TX 

PetSet is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that unites people, partners and policymakers to humanely solve the stray animal crisis and strengthen the safety of our communities. PetSet advances both immediate solutions and long-term prevention by investing in programs and advocating for policies that reduce stray animal populations at the source, including spay and neuter, responsible pet ownership, and community based interventions. Through direct programming and strategic support of high-impact organizations, PetSet works to create safer neighborhoods and sustainable outcomes for animals and residents alike. Learn more at petset.org.