Houston animal shelter needs help after air conditioning breaks

HOUSTON — A west Houston pet shelter is full and out of air conditioning units just as kitten season and the heat of summer begin.

Special Pals lost the air conditioning unit in his room “Catio” four days ago. Around fifteen felines are staying there and have now been transferred to the operating room. It’s the only nice place that has room for this group.

The rest of the shelter has 90 dogs and a total of 30 cats.

Executive director Becky French explains that in the wild, cats can go to cooler ground and seek shade, but in an enclosure, they can’t escape.

We measured the floor with a heat gun at 104 degrees, the walls at 106. Fans help but it’s hot!

French estimates the repairs will cost between $5,000 and $10,000. The shelter is appealing for donations on its website and social media pages.