Special Pals

I rescued 5 puppies and 2 adult dogs from Pasadena during the polar vortex that came through Houston in December. I knew I couldn't keep the dogs myself but I had to make sure they were in a safe place. I contacted Special Pals and asked if they could help. They not only said yes, but offered to stay open late so that I could drop off the dogs after I came back from Pasadena to get them. I met a wonderful vet tech around 9 p.m. that night and we got the dogs into a safe, warm place. They had everything ready for the dogs when I got there. I was relieved to know that these little ones have a safe place to be until they can be adopted into a new home. Thanks to Special Pals for all they do for the animals in our community! more

Everyone was very nice. I went with my husband and 2 kids (4 and 2) to adopt a cat. We wanted the boys to pick it out. They were excited to see all the animals, as most kids would be. They picked out a cat. They called my references and then called me and said My application was denied. I asked why and was told because of my kids. I mean really, I am offended by that. The kid friendly option was circled on the cat we picked, and yes they were rowdy but having never been in an animal shelter they were excited. I picked this place cause it was closer than where we got our dog. (YES! we were approved for a pet by another shelter who didn't discriminate against having small kids.) So we will go there, the experience, I am sure, will be better than this one. Not to mention, We have to break the news to the little ones about how we can't get the cat they picked out. Thanks alot Special Pals!!! more

I have adoped 2 dogs there in the past with no problem. This time I go and have to tell them all about my current pets, and bring my current pets to meet the dog I want to adopt. My little dog I currently have was also a rescued dog who does NOT like shelters since she spent a lot of time there. Needless to say she was not very comforatble and very nervous and did not play well with the dog we wanted to adopt. So they denied us this poor dog, who has been in a shelter since she was a few weeks old. Not a good situation for the animals if they are going to keep denying people. They would not even let give us the dog on loan (so to speak) so they could get comfortable with each other in a more condusive setting. I realize they are trying to protect the pets and keep them from being returned, but they need to relax the procedures a bit. Too many animals that need homes to be this picky. more

Good: Clean / Friendly. Bad: They didn't try to place me with up coming dogs just told me i was not approved and to look at other shelters. A little hurtful in some ways. Improvements: To try to lesson to the recommendations that the person puts on the paper work and know if a person had a pet for 15 years that never had heart worms and was taken care of until it passed on should be a sign of a great care tarker for one of there animals.. Other: I'm lost for words. more

Special Pals is a great place to go if your looking to adopt a pet. We have adopted several pets from this business and they are now special members of our family. They have a lot of puppies, kitties, dogs and cats that need good homes. This is a no kill shelter so I have high respect for the owners. Call often to see if they have a specific type of animal that your family is searching for. They are open Monday through Friday and Saturday too! Parking is accessible from Greenhouse Rd. The staff is very friendly and helpful and the facility is clean and loving. Do your part and adopt today! the adoption fee is very reasonable. more