Discover style with purpose from our exclusive Special Pals collection.
Donations
Your generosity fuels our mission. Discover how your donation can make a difference in the lives of our animals, and learn about different ways to contribute.
Volunteers
Transform lives with every act of kindness! Join our passionate team of volunteers at Special Pals and make a tangible difference in the world of animal welfare.
Animal Adoption
Meet our adorable, adoptable animals. Understand our adoption process and discover how to bring a new special pal into your families heart and home.
Explore More
Learn about our community initiatives, education resources, and read success stories. Discover how we're making a difference.
About Special Pals
Longest Running No-Kill Animal Shelter in Houston Metro Area
For over 40 years, Special Pals has stood as a beacon of hope in the heart of Houston. As the metro area’s longest-running no-kill animal shelter, our mission transcends beyond sheltering—it’s about creating lifelong bonds. Every wagging tail and content purr you encounter here tells a story of resilience, compassion, and undying commitment. Dive deeper, get to know us, and become a part of our journey toward a world where every pet finds its forever home.
Learn more about our goals, upcoming projects, and how you can be a part of this transformative journey.
At Special Pals, our unwavering commitment since 1979 has been to champion the rights and lives of animals in the Houston metro area. Our mission is twofold: to save as many animal lives as possible, and in doing so, transform Houston into the Gold Standard for animal welfare. By collaborating with local rescue organizations, we aim to create a synergistic approach, ensuring every animal gets a chance at life and love.
Our ambitions soar beyond the present. At Special Pals, we're working relentlessly to transform Houston into the Gold Standard for animal welfare. Our vision is a future where every animal is treated with compassion, love, and respect. We're continuously expanding our outreach, improving our services, and innovating our approach to make this vision a reality.
Special Pals thrives on a multifaceted approach to animal welfare. From our no-kill shelter that offers a safe haven to animals in need, to our collaborations with local rescue organizations, we strive to maximize our impact. Our services extend beyond just sheltering. We educate our community on animal health, facilitate adoptions, offer dedicated health services for animals, and manage a nurturing foster care network.
As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, Special Pals is deeply rooted in the values of community and compassion. Our responsibility doesn't end at animal welfare. We are committed to enriching our community, not just through animal rescues, but by fostering an environment of empathy, education, and cooperation.
Our initiatives and collaborations aim to create a ripple effect, inspiring individuals to champion the cause of animal welfare. Together, we're creating a future where every animal is treated with the love and respect they deserve.
Successful Animal Rescues
Animal Rescue
Animal Shelter
Animal Adoption
Meet Our Adoptable Pals Awaiting Their Forever Homes
Find Your Perfect Furry Companion
Direct Your Generosity: Choose Your Impact
Tailor Your Donation to the Causes Closest to Your Heart
Found a lost or abandoned animal?
Harness the Power of Community and Technology
Let’s reunite or provide shelter, together! At Special Pals, we understand the distress of losing a pet or finding one that’s astray. We’re here to support and guide you in reuniting these furry souls with their owners. Before requesting intake at our shelter, consider checking various online platforms where families often post about their lost pets. Websites like Pawboost and Petco Love, community networks like NextDoor, and social media groups such as Katy TX Lost and Found Pets on Facebook might have postings from someone searching for the animal you’ve found.
Also, remember the power of microchips! Special Pals, along with local vet clinics and emergency veterinarians, offer scanning services to help identify and potentially reunite the animal with their family.
Support Special Pals: Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Shop at Special Pals and Be a Part of Something Truly Special
When you shop with Special Pals, it’s more than just a purchase. It’s a statement. Every item in our collection, from vibrant T-shirts to exclusive accessories and delightful pet products, encapsulates the essence of true companionship. With each product you choose, not only do you become a trendsetter, but you also contribute to a heartwarming mission. Your support allows us to give back to the community, championing the cause of our furry friends and ensuring they receive the love they deserve. So why wait? Elevate your style and make a difference today with Special Pals.
Fun Facts About Special Pals
Transforming Lives, One Rescue at a Time
Lives Saved
These numbers aren't just statistics – they represent lives saved, hearts mended, and dreams fulfilled.
Animals Accepted
Year - 2023
- Animals Accepted - 1782
- Animals Adopted - 1618
- Transfers from other organizations - 346
- Transferred Out - 13
- Returned to owner - 9
- Died in care - 51
- Stray animals – 140
- Abandoned animals & other intakes - 63
- Owned - 1195
-Anatole France
Collaborating for a Cause: Amplifying Impact Together
Our Partnerships
Behind every transformative step Special Pals takes, stands an array of committed partners who amplify our vision. Dive into our network of collaborators who, hand in hand, help shape brighter futures for our furry friends. Together, we’re not just making a difference — we’re creating lasting legacies of care and love.
Mark Your Calendar!
Upcoming Events
There’s always something exciting happening at Special Pals! From adoption events and fundraising initiatives to community outreach and educational programs, our events bring together animal lovers like you to support our mission. Whether you’re looking to adopt, volunteer, donate, or simply learn more about responsible pet ownership, there’s an event for you.
Dive into a calendar filled with promise and purpose! At Special Pals, our upcoming events and clinics are more than just dates on a page – they’re vibrant gatherings and essential services that bring our community together in support of our furry friends.
Mark your calendars and join us in making a positive impact in the lives of countless animals.
Inviting Paws & Passion to Your Community Gatherings
Host An Event With Special Pals
At Special Pals, our mission extends beyond our shelter walls. Whether it’s showcasing our adorable animals or sharing our passion for animal welfare, we love participating in community events. If you have an upcoming event and believe that our presence would enrich the experience, kindly fill out the Community Event Invitation Form. Let’s collaborate to create memorable moments and spread the message of love and care for our furry friends in Houston, TX.