Data drives better decisions and better outcomes.
PetSet uses data, research, and real-world insights to guide decision-making, evaluate impact, and continuously strengthen the system. We don’t just fund and advocate, we track what works and use that knowledge to inform smarter, more effective solutions.
Through partnerships with leading institutions like the Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research and UTHealth Houston, PetSet has helped produce research and community surveys that deepen understanding of the stray animal crisis, its impact on public safety, and the gaps in access to care.
By grounding our work in data and research, we ensure that strategies are targeted, resources are used effectively, and progress is measurable over time.
PetSet One Pager
The stray animal population is a quality of life problem that has an impact on the public safety and public health of communities in the Greater Houston area. Fortunately, it is a solvable problem, and once it is rectified the lives of people in these neighborhoods will improve instantly.
COVID-19 Impact on Stray Animals
To gauge the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the stray animal population, Houston PetSet distributed a survey to our animal welfare partners. 55% of respondents said that there is a higher volume of stray animals on the streets as compared to before the virus hit Houston. Learn more about the survey’s findings via the button below.
Rice Kinder Houston Area Surveys
The Rice Kinder Houston Area Survey (2020) found that 64 percent of the survey participants say they are in favor of spending more tax money to reduce the number of strays in Houston neighborhoods. In addition, fully one-fourth (25 percent) said that stray dogs or cats were a somewhat serious or very serious problem in their neighborhood.
UT Health of Houston Surveys
In the 2017-2018 Survey, respondents reported that stray animals were their top concern (34%), outranking crime (26%), drinking water (19%) and dumping waste (17%).
Rice University’s Houston Action Research
Houston PetSet commissioned Rice University’s Houston Action Research Team at the beginning of 2017 to assess the state of animal welfare in Houston and Harris County. The research team’s findings can be found in the Houston Animal Welfare Study, available for download via the button below.
