STATE OF ANIMAL WELFARE 2026
Building Stronger Communities Through Animal Welfare
DETAILS
Date: September 23, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
VENUE
Walter Johnson Conference Center at Amegy Tower
Houston, Texas
Presented by PetSet, State of Animal Welfare is an annual convening of Houston’s business, civic, government, nonprofit, and community leaders to examine the impact of animal homelessness and advance collaborative solutions that strengthen our entire community.
Animal Homelessness Affects All of Us
Animal homelessness is often viewed as an animal welfare issue. But its impact reaches far beyond shelters and rescue organizations, affecting public safety, public health, neighborhoods, infrastructure, economic vitality, and quality of life across our region.
Creating lasting change requires a broader approach. State of Animal Welfare brings leaders from across sectors together to examine the challenge from different perspectives, share solutions that are creating progress, and identify opportunities for greater collaboration.
Because ending animal homelessness is not the responsibility of any one organization or sector. It is a shared community responsibility—and an opportunity to build a stronger Houston for everyone.
SPEAKERS
Bringing Houston’s Leaders to the Table
State of Animal Welfare brings together leaders from across Houston and Harris County to share perspectives, examine progress, and help shape the path forward.
John Whitmire
Mayor, City of Houston
Tom Ramsey
Commissioner, Harris County Precinct 3
Dr. Leah Barton
Executive Director, Harris County Public Health
Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock
Chair, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
Michael Heckman
President and Chief Executive Officer, Houston First Corporation
Sean Teare
Harris County District Attorney
Mary Doughtie
Executive Director, PetSet
Tena Lundquist Faust
Co-President, PetSet
Tama Lundquist
Co-President, PetSet
Dr. Roberta Westbrook
Lead Veterinarian, PetSet
AGENDA
The Conversation
9:30 AM
Networking & Coffee
10:00 AM
State of Animal Welfare: PetSet’s Vision and Strategy
10:15 AM
Business & Community Impact Panel
11:15 AM
Remarks from Government Leaders
11:30 AM
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
SPONSORSHIP
Sponsor State of Animal Welfare
Help Move Houston Forward
Sponsorship offers an opportunity to align your organization with a collaborative, solutions-focused effort while joining leaders from across Houston in advancing meaningful change.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
$2,500
Position your organization prominently alongside PetSet and the civic leaders coming together to address one of Greater Houston’s most pressing community challenges.
- Premier Recognition as a Presenting Sponsor
- Eight (8) exclusive invitations to this invitation-only event
- Priority reserved seating for sponsor guests
- Premier logo placement on event materials and signage
- Premier logo recognition throughout the event presentation
- Recognition from the podium
- Recognition in event communications
- Recognition across PetSet’s social media platforms
- Opportunity to engage with an exclusive audience of government, business, philanthropic, and community leaders
- Advance consideration for the exclusive Presenting Sponsorship of the 2027 State of Animal Welfare.
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
$1,000
Join PetSet and an invited group of civic and community leaders committed to advancing collaborative solutions for Greater Houston.
- Premier Recognition as a Supporting Sponsor
- Four (4) exclusive invitations to this invitation-only event
- Logo placement on event materials and signage
- Logo recognition throughout the event presentation
- Recognition during sponsor acknowledgements
- Recognition in event communications
- Recognition across PetSet’s social media platforms
- Opportunity to engage with an exclusive audience of government, business, philanthropic, and community leaders
Convened by PetSet
PetSet is working to end animal homelessness by addressing the issue at its roots. We bring together people, partners, and policymakers to expand access to care, direct resources where they can have the greatest impact, advance effective policy, and strengthen collaboration across Greater Houston.
By connecting organizations and leaders across sectors, PetSet is helping build a more coordinated approach to one of our region’s most persistent community challenges.
Interested in Being Part of the Conversation?
State of Animal Welfare is an invitation-only event bringing together leaders committed to creating a stronger Houston.
If you or your organization is interested in participating, supporting the event, or learning more about PetSet’s work, we’d love to hear from you.
REPORT CRUELTY
Your voice can make a difference.
If you witness animal cruelty, report it right away. Acting quickly can prevent further harm and connect that animal to help.
