BARC, the City of Houston's animal shelter, is participating for the first time in the 2011 Houston Pet Expo tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Reliant Center. 

The goal of the event is to inspire and educate the Houston pet community about the many local resources to support pet ownership.  Visitors to this free event will also find numerous ways they can support non-profit groups, including BARC, that are attempting to change the way Houstonians find their next furry family members. 

Houston Pet Expo visitors to the BARC booth will meet adoptable animals, all of which have already received age-appropriate vetting and are spayed or neutered, reducing the up-front cost of care to new owners. BARC is offering its animals for half-price in April, or $37.50. Many of BARC's rescue partners and foster families will also have booths, which presents visitors a multitude of options to help BARC animals. BARC will have trained adoption counselors on-site to assist adopters select a pet that best suits their lifestyle and family needs.

BARC is booth 229, adjacent to the PetFinder Mega Adoption Area. 

Houstonians who desire to support the shelter financially may make tax-deductible gifts in the form of cash, check or money order. Per recently passed City ordinance, all donations made to the shelter may only be used for BARC animals and BARC programs. The simplest, but most powerful thing you can do to help the BARC Houston shelter, and pets throughout our community, is to talk to your friends, neighbors and family about caring for pets responsibly. 

For more information, visit www.houstonbarc.com.