houston

Houston ACCT-A-223020 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to behavior concerns. Houston must have confirmed placement with an RESCUE PARTNER or ADOPTER by Tuesday, June 24th at 10 A.M. Should Houston's medical or behavioral status change, his urgency and timeline for placement may also change.

Houston is a 7-year-old senior dog who was brought to the shelter on June 16th, 2025, after the finder discovered Houston and a small dog left behind in a home and reported that the previous owner had moved to Mexico. The finder described him as friendly.

Upon intake and medical evaluation, Houston was found to be an extremely stressed senior with multiple health and behavioral concerns. He has overgrown nails that are impacting his gait, moderate dental disease, and cloudy eyes consistent with age-related changes (nuclear sclerosis). His appetite is poor, and he is not currently eating or taking prescribed medications, including trazodone, which was intended to reduce his stress. Attempts at handling have been difficult?he exhibits flailing, avoidance, and resistance to physical contact, making routine care such as nail trimming and full exams challenging.

Houston has shown signs of extreme fear, anxiety, and stress. Because he is already showing signs of decline and is at high risk for further deterioration?especially if he develops an upper respiratory infection (URI)?he is timestamped and urgently in need of an experienced and compassionate adopter or rescue partner who can provide him with a quiet, understanding environment and the medical attention he requires, as he is not thriving in the shelter.

VIDEO- Houston's dog meet- https://youtube.com/shorts/I5OnlDp6H2A

NEW!
On 6/23: Houston was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. His PCR test is pending.

On 6/21, during an exam, it was noted that a full exam was not possible, as Houston was extremely stressed with handling and began flailing. Houston is on 150 mg trazodone BID but is not taking medication or eating. His eyes were noted to be nuclear sclerosis OU. Houston has moderate diffuse calculus noted on limited exam, MM pink. His abdomen was tense, unable to adequately palpate. He has overgrown nails that are affecting gait, unable to trim due to behavior. No upper respiratory signs noted. Houston is an extremely stressed senior who is not eating or taking medication. If/when he develops URI signs, he is likely to decline rapidly in shelter.

On 6/21, staff noted: Took Houston out for a dog meet. He was lying in his kennel, and I had to call him to get his attention. When he saw me with the leash, he immediately came up, and I was able to slip the leash on. He walked nicely on the leash, though he did pull a bit?it was nothing too bad and was manageable. Once outside, he explored and did his own thing. We met up with the other handler and dog for the meet. He was avoidant and not interested but tolerated the other dog getting close and sniffing him. He continued sniffing around and exploring. At one point, he did walk up to the other dog and sniffed before going back to exploring. After the other dog left, we continued to walk around while he enjoyed sniffing and walking. When returning to the kennel, he allowed me to clip his leash and walked nicely back in. He walked into the kennel and let me slip the leash off using the clip method.

On 6/18, Playgroup notes: Neck and face sensitivity, aloof, exit searching, avoidant, neutral, in his own world

On 6/17, during an exam, it was noted that Houston's eyes were cloudy, his ears waxy, and he had heavy tartar on his teeth with red gums. He had dirty, super long nails and was unable to be clipped due to his behavior. Overall, he was bright, alert, and responsive, but super fearful and does not like to be touched.

On 6/16 staff noted: Blood shot eyes, excessive heavy panting, balking and flailing when staff was trying to get him into the kennel.

Due to being significantly overcapacity with dogs and cats and higher than usual intake, extensions are unlikely to be granted. If you are interested in an animal please contact ACCT Philly immediately.

Due to limited space, timestamps may also be proceeded with early so it is imperative to let us know if you are considering adopting or tagging a dog or cat.

Confirmed placement is considered confirmation of an actual rescue pull. Possible placement, interested parties, and other \"TBD\" statuses are not considered confirmed and do not indicate an animal is no longer urgent.

ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week. Please visit www.acctphilly.org/adopt for details.

All animals at ACCT Philly are from Philadelphia, as the only open intake animal shelter in Philadelphia, we are not able to accept animals from outside of Philadelphia. ACCT Philly?s Pennsylvania kennel license number is 08313