In 1972, a group of concerned Houstonians founded Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in response to the pervasive problem of thousands of neglected and abused animals in Harris County. The majority of animal shelters, including the city’s program, had few standards for animal care or adoption procedures and were in deplorable condition. These selfless volunteers had a vision of a community that cared for and protected homeless, helpless animals. That vision included pioneering programs such as the creation of the first comprehensive pet adoption screening system, pet facilitated therapy for patients at the VA hospital and the elderly in nursing homes and one of the first feral cat assistance programs in the state,  FCAP, feral cat assistance program. 

From rescuing animals with their own cars, caring for them in their own homes and using mobile facilities at shopping centers for adoptions, the founders raised enough to rent a small shelter space on the Katy Freeway in 1981. Since then, CAP has grown to become a major force in animal care and adoption, with humane education to promote responsible pet ownership and to prevent animal cruelty. In the early 90’s, CAP was able to rent a larger facility at the Katy Freeway location and then moved to its permanent home at I-10/Barker-Clodine.