This is the official page for the Galveston County Animal Resource Center. We welcome you and look forward to your comments and contributions.
We’re glad you found the Galveston County Animal Resource Center’s page. We want this site to be enjoyable, informative and accessible to all ages. We ask that each participant here adhere to the following rules:
• Any posts violating the Facebook Content Code of Conduct (facebook.com/legal/terms) such as inappropriate language or images will be removed.
• We will remove any posts that
are libelous, damagingly misrepresent or are simply attacking in nature.
• We reserve the right to remove any post at any time, for any reason. Galveston County Animal Resource Center (GCARC) is a division of the Galveston County Health District (GCHD), which is like a health department that is accountable to more than one county or city government. There is a collection of services that GCHD provides to all of Galveston County and its cities, and then there are some services, such as animal services and EMS, that the district provides to designated jurisdictions. GCHD has a 13-member United Board of Health, www.gchd.org/boards/boardindex.htm, with representative members appointed by the county and cities. The United Board of Health is the authoritative policy-making board that oversees all public health services (excluding the Coastal Health & Wellness clinics, which are federally-qualified clinics and are overseen by a separate board). Both GCHD boards provide policy direction and grant specific authorities to the CEO. The boards also adopt a five-year strategic health plan, www.gchd.org/admin/strattoc.htm, which includes many goals that apply to animal services. In Texas, animal services are organized in different ways. Some animal service programs are operated by health departments and districts like ours, and others are operated by public safety or law enforcement. State law requires all animal services programs to have an animal advisory Committee as well as to work with a physician local health authority to oversee animal bites, rabies protection and quarantine. For over 20 years, the GCHD has been the designated provider of animal services for a collaborative of local jurisdictions party to an interlocal agreement. The parties to the current agreement, which can be found online at www.gchd.org/arc/AnimalInterlocal2012.pdf, are Galveston County, Bayou Vista, Hitchcock, Kemah, La Marque, Texas City, Santa Fe, Clear Lake Shores, and Tiki Island. The current agreement was executed for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Revisions to the new agreement include a scope of services for field animal control and sheltering, a designation of the Health District as the local animal control authority, a revision to the funding formula for parties to the agreement, the creation of a reserve fund for the purchase of capital items, new Committee positions of chair, vice-chair and secretary, a name change from “animal shelter” to “animal resource center” and other minor updates. The funding formula determines how funds are divided among the county and nine cities. GCHD works with all 10 governments to facilitate a consensus on budgets, operations and priorities. Once they have approved the budget, it is submitted to the United Board of Health for adoption and becomes the framework over the next year for available resources, purchases and operations. The Animal Advisory Committee is a standing advisory Committee of the United Board of Health that reviews and recommends actions regarding policies, procedures, finances and compliance. It meets four times per year and meeting notices are posted at the Animal Resource Center and at the Mid County Annex. Information about these meetings can be found at http://www.arcpets.org/animal-advisory-Committee.html. The public is invited to attend this open meeting and to suggest agenda items by calling 409-938-2319. The United Board of Health considers the recommendations provided by the Animal Advisory Committee, adopts the animal services budget, policies and fees which can be found at www.gchd.org/boards/ubboardpolicy.htm. United Board of Health meetings are open to the public. Meeting dates and minutes are posted online at www.gchd.org/boards/ubmeetings.htm. In a service provider role, GCHD focuses on being effective, efficient, and accountable to our funders under the agreement. Our dedicated staffs are proud of the many accomplishments achieved over the years, and deserve much support and appreciation for a very challenging job. Stay tuned for a future summary of the transforming changes GCHD has made in animal services. Dr. Philip Keiser is the CEO and the health authority of the Galveston County Health District.
06/24/2026
June 23 is Public Service Day
Today, we recognize the dedicated public servants who work every day to serve our communities. From public health professionals and first responders to educators, public works employees, and government staff, these individuals help keep our communities safe, healthy, and thriving.
This year's theme, "Recognize. Reconnect. Reignite.", is an opportunity to highlight the great work being done across public service, strengthen connections with colleagues and the communities we serve, and renew our passion and commitment to making a difference.
Public Service Day reminds us of the important work happening behind the scenes at the local, state, and national levels to improve the lives of others.
Thank you to all public servants for your dedication, professionalism, and service to our community.
06/23/2026
06/23/2026
Save a life and gain a hardworking partner!🐈⬛
For just a $5 adoption fee, you can give an under-socialized working cat a second chance while gaining natural pest control for your barn, warehouse, shop, or buisness. These independent cats are healthy, capable, and ready to do the job they were meant for--keeping rodents and pests away from your property.
Working cats are not lap cats or indoor pets. They are under-socialized felines that thrive in outdoor environments where they can live independently with safe shelter, food, and care. By adopting a working cat, you're providing a meaningful purpose and a safe place for a cat that prefers life outdoors while also protecting your property naturally and effectively.
06/23/2026
🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY RESOURCE EVENT 🎒
Join us for our 2026 Back-to-School Community Resource Event!
Families can access FREE services and support, including:
• Pre-filled backpacks (while supplies last)
• Back-to-school vaccines
• Free sports physicals on site
• Community resources and services
📌 One backpack per child
📌 Child must be present
This is a great opportunity to get ready for the school year and connect with local resources that support children and families.
06/22/2026
🐾Join the Pack and Make an Impact! 🐾
We are looking for passionate animal lovers to join our volunteer family! Help us provide love, exercise, and care to pets in need while meeting a community of people who care just as much as you do!!
Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No prior experience is necessary – just a love for animals and a willingness to help!
Not sure if you can volunteer? Feel free to give us a call at (409) 948-2485 for more information on other ways you can help at the Galveston County Animal Resource Center here in Texas City, TX.
📍Galveston County Animal Resource Center
📍 3412 25th Ave N Texas City, TX
☎️409-948-2485
💻www.gchd.org
🐾❤Two Ways to Transform a Life! ❤🐾
At the Galveston County Animal Resource Center (GCARC), we're dedicated to giving every animal a second chance, but we can't do it alone!
➡️Heal-A-Heart Fund: Many animals arrive at our shelter with medical needs. Your generosity helps us provide lifesaving medical care for sick and injured shelter pets. helping them to heal and thrive.
➡️Sponsor-A-Heart: Your generosity helps us reduce adoption fees, giving our long-term residents a better chance at finding their forever homes. These animals often wait weeks, months, or even years for a loving home.
Every dollar makes a difference! Your generosity directly impacts the lives of our shelter animals. Help us save lives and find loving homes for our furry friends.
🐩We will be hosting no-appointment-necessary, low-cost pet vaccination clinic on Wednesday June 17th from 12-2pm and Wednesday June 24th from 2:30-4:30pm.
🐾These events are open to residents of any city and will include pet microchipping and county registration.
🐈Microchipping will be available for both cats and dogs.
🦴County regulations require pet owners who live in the municipalities served by the ARC (Bayou Vista, Clear Lake Shores, Hitchcock, Kemah, La Marque, Santa Fe, Texas City, Tiki Island, and unincorporated Galveston County) to register their pets.
**For Heartworm Prevention, we carry Iverhart Chewable
***For Flea and Tick Prevention, we carry Monthly Vectra 3-D Topical
****We DO NOT provide any written prescriptions****
06/24/2026
06/23/2026
06/23/2026
06/23/2026
06/22/2026
06/21/2026
06/20/2026