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.
06/02/2026
******Citizen Courtesy Post********
Lost dog found roaming in Texas City behind the Texas City High School area.
If this Dog is yours, please contact the finder at 409-750-1041.
***THIS DOG IS NOT AT THE ARC***
Dog is with the finder safe.
06/02/2026
PLEASE DO NOT FEED WILD DUCKS, GEESE OR OTHER WILD BIRDS!!!
Keeping wildlife wild is the best way to protect our community! Feeding wild
birds can lead to:
⚠Aggressive behavior toward residents & pets
⚠Water pollution & unhealthy algae growth
⚠Spread of disease among wildlife
⚠Dependence on human food
Remember, migratory birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and
feeding them can be a violation of local community standards (Bayou Vista Code
02.06.00). Let's work together to keep our wildlife wild and our community
healthy!
06/02/2026
06/02/2026
June is Men's Health Month!
This year’s theme, “Partners in Care: For Better Lifespans Across the Lifespan,” highlights the important role that families, friends, caregivers, healthcare providers, and communities play in helping men achieve better health at every stage of life.
Men’s Health Month is a time to raise awareness about preventable health issues and encourage men to take charge of their physical and mental well-being through regular checkups, healthy habits, and early detection.
Throughout June, we’ll be sharing information to help men lead healthier lives and make informed decisions about their health.
Need a primary care provider or due for a checkup? The team at Coastal Health & Wellness is here to help. Schedule an appointment by calling (409) 938-2234 or visit coastalhw.org to learn more about available services.
Join us as we work together to support healthier futures for the men in our families and communities.
06/01/2026
The Galveston County Animal Resource Center is partnering with the Houston Humane Society to hold a pet food pantry event at Galveston County Health District Friday June 5th, 2026 from 9am-10am.
The address is 9850 Emmett F Lowry Expy, Texas City, TX 77591. Please note that this is a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE event.
Food pickup will be done in a drive-thru manner. When you arrive, please look for the signs and pull into the back of the line of cars in the parking lot. We will bring the food to your car.
06/01/2026
🐾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
Today, June 1 marks the start of Atlantic Hurricane Season, and now is the time to prepare.
Galveston County residents should take a few simple steps to help keep their families safe:
✅ Review your emergency plans
✅ Know your evacuation zone and routes
✅ Build or refresh your emergency supply kit
✅ Sign up for local emergency alerts
✅ Gather important documents and store them in a safe, waterproof location
✅ Check your insurance coverage before a storm is approaching
Remember, storms can develop quickly in the Gulf, and being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference.
Stay informed by monitoring trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center, local emergency management agencies, and weather officials throughout the season.
Preparation today helps protect your family tomorrow.