More than 730,000 pets in Houston need affordable care. Learn how Emancipet and partners are expanding access, growing community impact, and preparing to make history together in 2026 with a large-scale event offering free pet care to Houston pet families!
Why Houston, Why Now
There are more than 730,000 pets in Houston living with families who love them—but can’t always afford veterinary care. At Emancipet, we believe every pet deserves access to affordable, high-quality care, regardless of financial circumstances.Houston is a city that embodies resilience, heart, and community. It’s a place where neighbors look out for each other—and their pets. That’s why we’re part of the community here with three low-cost veterinary clinics, and why Houston is the heart of our growth as we expand our mission and access to veterinary care.
Our Journey in Houston
We opened our first Emancipet clinic in Houston in 2015, determined to make veterinary care accessible to all. When Hurricane Harvey struck in 2017, our team stepped up—providing free veterinary care for three months to help families and pets recover together.
Driven by growing demand, we expanded and now have three clinics across the city:
- Wayside Drive
- Monroe Plaza
- Northwest Freeway (inside PetSmart)
Together, these clinics see more than 70,000 visits each year, offering affordable spay/neuter, vaccines, life-saving heartworm treatment, and other essential, fundamental pet care services.
Despite this, the need continues to grow. Every day, we see devoted pet families doing everything they can for their companions—but far too many still lack access to essential veterinary care. That’s why we’re working tirelessly to make high-quality care possible for every pet in Houston, and where the idea formed for a large-scale pet wellness event.
“Now more than ever, ensuring pets get vaccinated is essential to protecting both animal and public health in our city,” said Jarrad Mears, BARC Shelter Director. “Houston faces unique challenges with large stray populations and high intake at our shelter, and expanding access to preventive care helps keep more pets healthy and at home. This partnership with Emancipet will bring lifesaving care directly to Houston families and shows what’s possible when we work together to remove barriers and support pets where they are.”
And that urgency is exactly what inspired our next step: a citywide, record-breaking wellness event for Houston pet families.
A Pet Wellness Day: Healthy Pets, Stronger Houston
On April 19, 2026, we’re teaming up with the City of Houston’s BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions for something big and record-breaking!
Together, we’ll host a Pet Wellness Day, a multi-location event to provide free pet vaccines and microchips to thousands of dogs and cats across Houston.
Event Locations:
- Northeast Multiservice Center: 9720 Spaulding St, Houston, TX 77016
- Sunnyside Multiservice Center: 4410 Reed Rd, Houston, TX 77051
For Emancipet and our partners, this isn’t just about setting a record—it’s about our commitment to our Houston community. We’re dedicated to building a healthier, safer future for Houston’s pets and the families who love them. Expanding access to affordable veterinary care is how we make that future possible.
Given its size and strong sense of community, we see Houston as the city best positioned for Emancipet’s strategic growth in our current network. We want to make it easier for people in Houston to get help for their pets. That means keeping costs low, going where we are needed, understanding our communities, and working to make it easier for families to care for their pets.
By investing more in Houston, we’re investing in the future of public health, animal welfare, and community care. By vaccinating and microchipping pets and keeping them healthy, Emancipet keeps pets at home with their families. They stay safe along with the families and neighborhoods that love them
“At Emancipet, we are all-in on Houston,” said Cheryl Katon, CEO of Emancipet. “We’ve seen how access to veterinary care strengthens families, stabilizes communities, and keeps pets where they belong—safe at home. Houston is leading the way, and we are committed to growing with this city so every pet family has access to care.”
How You Can Be Part of It
Become a Sponsor
Join Emancipet and support our Pet Wellness Day. Sponsorships offer powerful visibility through marketing and PR, social media, and your brand at our event —all while showing your commitment to Houston’s pets and families.
Volunteer
This will be one of the largest events of its kind—and we need passionate, pet-loving volunteers to make it happen.
Stay in the Loop
Be the first to know when registration opens and event details are announced.
Thank You to Our Event Co-Chairs
Jarrad Mears, Executive Director, BARC Houston, Chair
Houston, We’re Just Getting Started
From our first clinic on Wayside Drive to this upcoming world record attempt, Houston has shown us what’s possible when a community comes together for its pets and people.
Why Houston, Why Now?
Because there’s no better place—and no better time—to make history together.
