Legislation Details

File #: 26-5491    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Transmittal Status: Accepted
File created: 8/12/2026 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 8/25/2026 Final action: 8/25/2026
Title: Transmittal by Public Health Services of an adjustment to prices at its low-cost clinic, Harris County Pets Wellness Clinic, in order to continue providing essential services to community members and their pets.
Attachments: 1. 0825_PHS_Transmittal of VPH Fee Schedule.pdf

Primary Department: Public Health Services

Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton ─ Executive Director

 

Secondary Department: N/A

Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:

 

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Transmittal

 

Project ID (if applicable): N/A

Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A

 

MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A

MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A

Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request

 

Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A

Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item

 

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):

title

Transmittal by Public Health Services of an adjustment to prices at its low-cost clinic, Harris County Pets Wellness Clinic, in order to continue providing essential services to community members and their pets.

end

 

Background and Discussion:

Harris County Pets Wellness Clinic operates under Veterinary Public Health to provide essential veterinary and wellness services to the community at a low cost. Periodic reviews and updates of fees are done to ensure compliance with industry standards, maintain quality care, and support operational needs. Adjusting prices is necessary to account for factors such as inflation, rising supply costs, and the need for continued investment in clinic resources. The 2026 pricing update aims to enhance service delivery, improve patient outcomes, and support the clinic’s mission of promoting pet health and wellness in Harris County.

 

Expected Impact:

The revised prices will help ensure the operational sustainability of Harris County Pets Wellness Clinic by providing adequate funding for veterinary services, preventive care, and community outreach initiatives that are central to its mission of safeguarding pet health. Enhanced oversight and improved resources are expected to reduce preventable illnesses in pets, contribute to better health outcomes, and increase client trust in the clinic’s services. Clearer pricing guidelines will also encourage compliance with recommended wellness practices and streamline administrative processes, benefiting both Harris County and pet owners.

 

Alternative Options:

Keeping fees unchanged will not cover rising operational costs or sustain the current number of animals seen at the Harris County Pets Wellness Clinic, reducing affordable pet wellness services for the community.

 

CountyStrategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical and mental health outcomes across all communities.

County Strategic Plan Objective: N: Improve the health behaviors of community members.

Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1):  Choose an item.

Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): Choose an item.

Economy Initiative (Goal 3): Choose an item.

Health Initiative (Goal 4): Choose an item.

Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): Choose an item.

Housing Initiative (Goal 6): Choose an item.

 

Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:

 

Prior Court Action (if any):

Date

Agenda Item #

Action Taken

N/A

 

 

 

Location:

Address (if applicable): 612 Canino Road, Houston, TX 77076

Precinct(s): Countywide

 

Fiscal and Personnel Summary

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Current Fiscal Year Cost

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Existing Budget

 

 

 

 

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Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form)

 

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Grants - Proposed Budget (For Grants Items only)

 

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Local Match Source - Additional Budget Request: Choose an item.

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Grant Funds Applied for/Awarded (Total)

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Personnel(Fill out section only if requesting new Position Control Numbers (PCN)s)

 

Current Position Count for Service

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Additional Positions Request

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Total Personnel

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County Attorney’s Office Legal Review (for Harris County Code Items only)

CAO Reviewer Name and Title

 

CAO Review Completion Date

Click or tap to enter a date.

 

Anticipated Court Date: 8/25/2026

Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 8/25/2026

 

Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item

 

Contact(s) name, title, department: Corey Steele, Director of Veterinary Public Health, Public Health Services

 

Attachments (if applicable): Narrative and Fee Schedule