BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ certified cities have programs and policies that make it easier for pets and pet owners to live a happy, healthy life together.
What Makes Houston a Pet-Friendly City?
Certified in the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program in 2019, Houston, Texas scored especially well in the Shelters and Business traits of our pet-friendly cities model. The city also encourages pet-friendly housing and parks.

Houston says its working to continue making additional parks and businesses more pet friendly and welcoming.
Importantly, BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Facility, works to improve the health and safety of Houstonians and their pets by pioneering programs such as low cost and no cost spay/neuter services, mobile adoptions, transfer/rescue partnerships, and community outreach.
A Proud Pet-Friendly City

“Houston is proud to be recognized as a pet-friendly city.”
– Mayor Sylvester Turner
Plus, Pet-Friendly Airports
Houston is also home to the Houston Airport System including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), two of the first airports certified pet-friendly by the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program. Read more about the Houston airports here.