Why do we do what we do?
Every hour 2,000 to 3,500 puppies and kittens are born in the United States - more than 30 million each year.  Only 1 in 10 of these animals will find a permanent home.

A dog abandoned in the street has a life expectancy of one year; a cat, slightly longer (assuming they're not hit by a car first).  Only 20% to 25% of animals brought to shelters are adopted.  The rest must be destroyed, at an annual cost of close to $400 million.

HART was established to help combat these issues.  Over 7500 cats and dogs have found permanent homes through our efforts, and the support of our volunteers and sponsors.

Where do we get the animals?
HART Partners with local animal shelters to provide foster care and find permanent homes for adoptable companion animals.  In 1995 more than 6,000 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens were euthanized in Irving, TX alone.  In 2002, this number dropped to 2,991.  HART is proud to have been a factor in reducing this number.  We can make a difference!

Why do shelter animals have to be euthanized?
Local shelters have space to keep animals for only a few days.  Unless they are reclaimed by their owners or adopted by new ones, the animals are "put to sleep".  Every morning before the shelter opens to the public, these orphans including lost pets, abandoned or abused animals, strays and litters of puppies and kittens are euthanized to make room for more.  Organizations like HART are their last hope.

How does HART select the animals?
We evaluate the general health, and personality of impounded animals.  We try to help animals in good health with the potential to be wonderful companion animals.  Unfortunately, because of lack of space and foster homes, we must leave many pets behind.

Where do these animals live?
HART does not have a shelter, rather our animals live with foster families until they are ready for adoption.  HART provides the medical care and food.  The foster parents provide love and care.  These very special volunteers are our orphans guardian angels.  Unless a foster is available for a cat or dog, we must leave it behind.  The more foster homes we have, the more animals we can save.

How do the animals find homes?
Each week our pets go to Adopt-a-Pet events, which are sponsored through the generosity of local pet supply stores.  We work hard to make good matches between our animals and caring, committed families.  Our pets are adopted only to be companion animals, never for purposes of testing or breeding.  Every animal adopted by a new family means that we could rescue another animal from the shelter.

What is the adoption donation?
The minimum donation for cats/kittens is $100; for dogs/puppies $125.  We spend on average $200 on each of our pets, which includes medical care, boarding and food.

What does the adoption donation include?
The donation covers a variety of necessary medical testing and care.  Felines are tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS.  Dogs are tested for Heartworms and put on preventative if they are negative.  If a dog tests positive for Heartworms, HART provides treatment as recommended by our veterinarians.

All animals are altered (spayed or neutered), micro-chipped, and receive at least one immunization for a variety of diseases, as well as a rabies shot if they are at least 12 weeks old before adopted.  (After adoption, puppies and kittens usually need one or two additional immunizations, which becomes the adopter's responsibility.)

What can I do to help?
 

• Come to an Adopt-a-Pet function and find a friend for life!

• Join us by becoming a volunteer, foster parent or sponsor!

• Use your Kroger Share card or your Tom Thumb Reward Card (5234) and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to HART!

• Donate items from our wish list such as pet food, cat litter, towels, laundry detergent, bleach.

• Purchase HART products online!  All proceeds benefit our animals!

• Make a tax-deductible monetary donation!
  

HART obtains medical treatment for injuries or ailments animals may have.  However, adoption donations only help cover  basic vet care (vaccinations, blood/fecal tests, spay/neuter).  It is only through your donations that we have the funds to treat animals with special medical needs.

Please see the "How to Help" section of this website for more information on how you can help these wonderful animals!

For a homeless cat or dog, the difference between life and death could be YOU.

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