It is apparent every day that the City of Houston has a pet control issue. Meadowcreek Village is a part of the City of Houston, which means our great neighborhood faces the same issues with pets. There is no easy fix to control the number of stray animals and animals that are not receiving the proper supervision and care. If we all work together, we can do our part to help this growing problem. This page will feature pet care information, resources, ordinances, and specific issues related to pet care in Meadowcreek Village. NOTE: It will not have all of the resources that are available out in the big wide world to help with this issue……but it will be a start. We sincerely hope it helps. Information will be added to the page periodically. Please be a responsible pet owner and help make Meadowcreek Village the BEST neighborhood in the city!
1. Pet owners should focus on training
Pets realize the ways of apartment living through instruction. Whether you are teaching your cat to use a litter box or your dog to stay off the bed, it’s best to start training your pet as soon as possible.
When your pet does a good job, reward him with tiny food treats and praise, so he knows that he is doing a good job. Practice patience and consistency. After all, pets want your affection and approval above all else.
2. Learn local pet laws
One of the first things pet owners should do when they move into a new apartment is to familiarize themselves with the local pet laws. There may be an ordinance in effect that requires you to have a leash on your pet at all times or to properly dispose of your dog’s waste. Save yourself a ticket by getting to know the pet laws in your neighborhood.
3. Temper barking and pet noise
One of the biggest pet peeves in multi-family homes, such as apartments or condo complexes, is pet noise, particularly barking. When dogs bark, it often means they are bored, anxious, or even lonely. Be courteous to your neighbors by taking your pet on regular walks and giving him plenty of attention. It’s also good to familiarize your dog with his new surroundings if you are transitioning into a new home or neighborhood.
4. Supervise indoor AND outdoor pets
Your indoor cat may be fascinated by the bird siting on your patio, but that doesn’t mean you should let him or her out for a little “free time.” Sending indoor cats out into the wild can be detrimental to their health. Indoor cats are not accustomed to life on the outside, like moving traffic, dogs and other potentially harmful variables. As for dogs, make sure to keep them on a leash while outside. If you don’t have a fenced in yard, you don’t want to let your dog run around unsupervised. Your outdoor cat or dog should always wear their vaccination and ID tags. They should be kept within the confines of your FENCED YARD at all times. There will be “escape” artist among your pets. You must patrol your fenced yard area, and keep a close eye for any potential areas for escape. YOU SHOULD NEVER LET YOUR OUTDOOR CAT OR DOG JUST RUN AROUND! This practice is so dangerous to your animal. It can be run over, or run away, plus it is against the City of Houston pet ordinances. This is never a good idea!
5. Keep your pet healthy and happy
Above all else, a healthy pet is a happy pet. Ensure your pet’s happiness by giving him a safe environment to live in, regular checkups, and a diet and exercise plan to meet his specific needs. YOUR PET IS PART OF YOUR FAMILY. Care and love them by keeping them safe and healthy. (List info from the AKC of America)
PET RESOURCES
EMANCIPET – Low cost veterinary care for your pet Click here for more info: https://emancipet.org/
BARRIO DOGS – Information resource for dog care, adoption, neighborhood assistance, and many other topics Click here for more info: https://barriodogs.org/
UNITY for a SOLUTION – Organization that works with neighborhoods on neighborhood pet population. Produces events such as the BIG FIX, that provides spay and neuter services during certain days of the year. Click here for more information: https://unityforasolution.org/
PET ORDINANCES
City of Houston Pet Ordinances – http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/chapter6.html
Harris County Pet Ordinances – http://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Resources/Animals-and-Pets/AnimalLaws
LOST PETS
FACEBOOK MEADOWCREEKERS – Reach out to your neighbors quickly to have them keep watch for your lost pet. (must be a member) https://www.facebook.com/groups/mvcreekers/
FACEBOOK MEADOWCREEK VILLAGERS – Reach out to your neighbors quickly to have them keep watch for your lost pet. (must be a member) https://www.facebook.com/groups/meadowcreekvillage/
NEXTDOOR WEBSITE – Reach out to your neighbors quickly to have them keep watch for your lost pet. (must be a member) https://nextdoor.com/neighborhood_feed/
MORE INFO COMING SOON!
