Helping People Save Pets

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Adoption Questions

What are the requirements for adopting?
  • An Adoption Application and Adoption Contract must be completed and accepted by an OPA Adoption Coordinator.
  • Our available animals have either been in a shelter or have been diverted from entering a shelter. Adopters must be committed to making these homeless pets a part of their family.
  • Owners must keep animals current on shots/vaccinations, flea prevention, and heartworm prevention (dogs).
  • Barn cats must have a caretaker.
How do I meet an animal before adopting?

The first step is to fill out an application, there is no obligation to adopt. The application will be forwarded to the animal’s foster for review. Please give fosters 2-3 business days to respond as we are all volunteers and many have full time jobs.

Keep in mind, some animals receive multiple applications and our fosters try their best to respond to all applicants, but are sometimes unable due to the volume.

I submitted my application online. When do I take my pet home?

All applications are reviewed by the animal’s foster. Please give fosters 2-3 business days to respond as we are all volunteers and many have full time jobs.

Keep in mind, some animals receive multiple applications and our fosters try their best to respond to all applicants, but are sometimes unable due to the volume.

Adoptions are completed in person with an Adoption Coordinator. Even though you submit an application on an animal, you may not be the person who ends up adopting them.

How much does adopting cost?

Dogs

  • The adoption fee for dogs under 6 months old is $250.
  • The adoption fee for dogs over 6 months old is $185.
  • The adoption fee for senior dogs (over 8 years old) is $150.

Cats

  • The adoption fee for cats under 6 months old is $125.
  • The adoption fee for cats over 6 months old is $100.
  • The adoption fee for senior cats (over 8 years old) is $80.
  • The adoption fee for barn cats is $50.

Occasionally we have sponsors for long-term pets or for adoption events where cat and dog fees may be discounted or completely covered!

Veterans can receive discounts or other specials on animals adopted in our program through our partnership with Pets for Patriots.

What do adoption fees cover?
  • Dog adoption fees include current vaccinations, de-worming, heartworm test (if older than 6 months) and spay or neuter.
  • Cat adoption fees include current vaccinations, feline leukemia/FIV test, de-worming and spay or neuter.
  • Our Texas Barn Cat Program adoption fees include rabies vaccination, ear tip and spay or neuter.
Will I need additional veterinarian services from OPA?

Most animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered. Some younger animals may still need shots or their alter surgeries. At the animal’s adoption any additional needs will be discussed.

Donation Questions

What will my donation support?

Your donations help fund OPA’s life saving programs. See our financial statements here.

OPA’s Foster/Adoption program provides animals in its care with food, shelter, veterinary care and the promotion and matching necessary to find a forever family. OPA’s Trap, Neuter, Return of Feral Cats and Targeted Spay and Neuter programs help to dramatically limit the number of homeless dogs and cats entering our local shelters. Both programs require funds for low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, equipment and transportation charges.

Finally, OPA’s Flight for Life and Pups on Trucks programs require a sponsorship for each transport candidate. There are also additional costs associated with preparing each candidate to travel (basic vetting and a health certificate).

See how a one-time or minimal monthly contribution can make a big difference to homeless pets (prices are approximate and are at rescue rates):

  • Boarding for one pet for one day ($10)
  • Monthly flea treatment for one cat ($15)
  • Monthly heartworm & flea preventative for one dog ($20)
  • Vaccinate a cat from life-threatening diseases ($25)
  • Vaccinate a dog from life-threatening diseases ($30)
  • Spay or neuter a cat ($60)
  • Spay or neuter a dog ($80)
  • X-rays ($90)
  • Foster puppy starter kit: food, puppy pen, collars, puppy pads ($100)
  • Place a shelter dog on a “Pups on Trucks” transport ($200)
  • Place a shelter dog on a “Flight for Life” transport ($250)
  • Behavior Training ($500)
  • FHO hip surgery ($800)
  • “Flight for Life” transport of up to 40 dogs ($4000)
Can I mail a donation check?

Yes!

To donate by mail, please address the enevlope to:

Operation Pets Alive
P.O. Box 132104
The Woodlands, TX 77393

Will I receive a receipt for my contribution?

In most cases yes. However, if you did not receive a receipt for your donation, please let us know at info@operationpetsalive.org.

We are unable to provide donation receipts for the funds we receive through the Amazon Smile program and some social media donations.

How do I donate through Amazon?

You can donate through Amazon by shopping our Amazon Wishlists here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1VX5X3VLU5BI0

  • Items are mailed directly to our donation coordinator Selene L.
Can I donate new or gently used items?

Yes!

In most cases, we are able to collect gently used items through partners in Montgomery County. If you are looking to donate food, supplies or kennels please email Donate@operationpetsalive.org. This will help in aiding in receiving donations.

 

What supplies can I purchase for OPA? (Our Wishlist)
    • Collars, leashes
    • Dog/puppy shampoo
    • Dog training treats
    • Cardboard cat carriers
    • Canned cat food
    • Dry puppy food
    • Dry cat food
    • Kitty formula
    • Puppy formula
    • Bottles
    • Cat litter
    • Frontline or Advantix (flea treatment)
    • Collapsible wire dog crates, wire puppy pens, wire cat condos or crates, cat furniture, and litter pans
    • Gift cards for Petco, PetSmart, Wal-Mart, the Dollar store, Spring Creek Feed Store, Woods Feed Store, Home Depot, and/or gas stations
    • Gift cards for local boarding kennels, grooming facilities, training facilities, signage stores, or print shops
    • Retail space for an adoption event (week long or weekends only)

We can also use things that are used and don’t cost a dime such as:

    • Used collars, leashes, bowls, medicines, beds, etc. for dogs or cats
    • Old sheets (used for the covers on our feral cat traps)
    • Newspaper (used to line puppy pens and feral cat traps)
    • Old holiday decorations (used to decorate our adoption events)

Click here to donate via the Amazon.com wish list.

Click here to donate to the Kuranda Dog/Cat Bed wishlist.

If you are looking to donate food, supplies or kennels please email Donate@operationpetsalive.org. This will help in aiding in receiving donations.

How can I donate a vehicle to benefit OPA?

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE TO OPERATION PETS ALIVE! AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Donate your car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or boat to Operation Pets Alive! by simply completing the link below and filling out a form. You will be contacted to arrange the pick-up of your vehicle donation, at no cost to you. You may qualify for a tax deduction while supporting a cause that is near and dear to your heart!

Vehicle donation pick-up is always free to you and most vehicles can be picked up within 24-72 business hours. You’ll receive an initial car donation receipt upon pick-up. Once your vehicle is sold, you will be provided proper tax forms in time to file. Friendly Donor Support Representatives are available 7 days a week to assist throughout the process. To learn more click here!

What are other ways I can get involved?

See more ways you can get involved here: https://operationpetsalive.org/volunteer/

Volunteer

Our organization could not exist without volunteers. As a private, non-profit organization, we rely on the assistance of caring and hard-working volunteers in all of our programs. Volunteers who work directly with the animals can increase an animal’s chances of adoption by providing additional human contact. Volunteers also help us inform the community of the aims and objectives of OPA and promote responsible pet ownership. We are all working for the animals!

If you are interested in working with us on any of the above or in any way, please contact us at info@OperationPetsAlive.org.

Foster

Click here to see how you can help an animal in need today!

Volunteer

Click here to see how you can get involved now!

Donate

Click here to see how to donate and make an impact!

Fostering Questions

I'm ready to foster. What do I need to do?
Submit a Fostering Application/Contract!

You can submit the form online here. Once your application is received, it will be forwarded to our dog or cat foster coordinator and they will be in touch!

What do I need to provide as a foster?

Your time and love! Occasionally you may need to provide your foster with supplies, but we receive regular donations that keep most of our fosters stocked with what they need. Supplies available to fosters include beds, blankets, crates, toys, food and more.

Foster pets also need good photos and a bio written about them in our online platform to help get them adopted. We will give you further instruction on accessing his platform once you become a foster.

What if I'm not good at taking photos of my foster or writing their bio?

OPA has several volunteers that are professional photographers. In OPA’s private Facebook group for fosters and volunteers, you can reach out to other volunteers and ask for help writing bios or scheduling a photo shoot.

What do I do if a found a pet?

One in three pets go missing in their lifetime. This staggering number is why Petco Love created Petco Love Lost, which simplifies and shortens the lost pet search with just one photo of your pet. Petco Love Lost is here for you should the unthinkable happen to a pet you love or find.

Operation Pets Alive has partnered with Petco Love Lost to have our foster animals listed in their lost pet searches. If you have found a pet, we highly recommend you look on Petco Love Lost to see if the pet has been listed as lost or to list it as found.

I found a pet.

I lost a pet.

What if my foster pet needs medical care?

All vetting for OPA foster animals is provided. OPA has vetting sessions on Saturdays. Occasionally a foster pet may need to be taken to the vet or a special appointment. If you are unable to transport them to the appointment, our network of volunteers is usually able to come to the rescue!

How long of a commitment is fostering?

Fostering commitments vary. We have opportunities that can range from a few days to a few months.

When fosters have vacations or weekends away planned, our network of fosters are asked to help out. These options are usually the shortest fostering opportunities and are most frequently needed during the summer months.

Transport foster opportunities are generally two to three week commitments.

For regular foster opportunities for animals pulled from local shelters or taken in from the community, we ask that you help your foster until they are adopted.

We also have foster opportunities for those looking to take on nursing moms and bottle babies!

Can you help me rehome a cat/dog?
If you need assistance with an owned or found kitten or puppy, adult cat or adult dog, please fill out an Online Community Request Form here.

Please submit one request per animal over 3 months or one request per litter under 3 months.

NOTE: Submitting a request form does not guarantee we will be able to assist. We don’t have a facility of any kind so we cannot accept animals on an urgent basis.

Public Spay/Neuter Program Questions

How do I apply for Plan A or Plan B?
  • Complete the Public S/N Application on our Public Spay/Neuter page.
  • If you are using PLAN A, you will be asked to send proof of residency and proof of income and/or government assistance.
  • If you are using PLAN B, you will be asked to send proof of residency.
  • Proof for either plan can be entered when doing an application or can be shown later when notified by the OPA representative.
  • We cannot approve your pet for surgery until we receive an application, all necessary documents and have verified you are a Montgomery County resident and have submitted payment.
How do I apply without internet or computer access?
  • If you do not have access to a computer, please call the OPA volunteer at 713-201-7306 and request that they help you complete the Public S/N form online
  • Click here to download a PDF of the Public S/N Application
    • Then send the necessary documents sent to:
      Operation Pets Alive
      ATTN: PUBLIC SPAY/NEUTER
      PO Box 132104
      The Woodlands, TX 77393
    • You will need to send payment via money order with your documents (Application, proof of residency and, if qualified for Plan A, proof of income and/or government assistance).
What vaccines are required for surgery?
  • If your pet has already had some vaccinations, please bring their current vaccination records with you on the day of surgery.
  • If your pet is out-of-date on vaccinations, please select the required vaccines specified above for dogs and cats when applying. Vaccinations are provided at a low cost through this program and are given at the time of service.
  • Additional low-cost services and tests are also offered through this program but must be selected when applying.
  • If you do not have current vaccination records that the vet requires and you did not select them using us, the vet will give them at the time of service and charge you their prices.
  • A PS# was provided to you via email to set up your appointment. You will also need that PS number when checking in with the veterinarian.
What happens after I submit an application?
Once we receive your application, an OPA representative will contact you. If you have not done so on the application, they will ask for proof of Montgomery County residency and proof of income if your income is under $40,000 and/or receive assistance. Once they receive that, they will ask you to make your payment for the spay/neuter and any vaccines your pet may need.

When the payment confirmation is received, they will email the vet with the pets information and email you with information you need to make an appointment with one of our veterinary hospitals. You may then call the veterinary hospital directly to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you. Please remember to bring the PS# provided to you in order to book your appointment and when you check in on arrival. The vet will have this number already and it will help them identify you are with OPA.

Are there any additional costs?
  • For owners unable to show a current Rabies Certificate for their dog at the time of surgery, an additional $22 fee is due at checkout for a rabies vaccination.
  • For owners unable to show a current Rabies Certificate for their cat at the time of surgery, an additional $36 fee is due at checkout for a rabies vaccination.
  • For females determined to be in heat at the time of surgery, an additional fee is due at checkout. Fees start at $44 and are set by our partner vets.
  • For females determined to be pregnant at the time of surgery, an additional fee is due at checkout. Fees start at $69 and are set by our partner vets.
  • For males determined to have undescended testicles at the time of surgery, an additional $105 fee is due at checkout.
  • For any animal with fleas at the time or surgery, an additional $9 fee is due at checkout.

These are the costs we know of at this time. Veterinarians can change their prices before notifying us. Here are the vets we have contracts with that your pet will be sent to:

  • For dogs and male cats, Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center in Willis
  • For female and male cats only, Rayford Animal Wellness Clinic (RAWC) on Rayford Road
Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
Spaying and neutering your personal pets is the most effective solution to the overpopulation problem in Montgomery County, Texas. You can read more about the importance of spaying and neutering your pet here.

Have another question?