Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2025-26

Significant Role Pets Our Lives The of in by Melanie Saxton

O nce a pet enters our household, we enter a lifelong relationship that benefits us significantly in the short and long term. Suddenly, we have more than a companion. We have a cherished family member who loves us unconditionally, and vice-versa. This level of mutual adoration can reduce our stress, fill the voids of loneliness, get us up and moving, and improve our overall well-being. Fulshear-Katy is a pet-friendly community geared toward health services and amenities that support our furry friends’ quality of life. From dog parks to pet

FROM PET BOARDING TO HEALTHCARE TO MOVING WITH YOUR PET Just as our area is experiencing astounding growth, so is the pet industry. Owners indulge in apparel, enroll beloved pets in daycare, invest in training, have their pets meticulously groomed, and rely on veterinarian services now more than ever. Last year, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) compiled a comprehensive report on ownership trends, consumer habits, sentiment, and behaviors with comparative data across each generation. In March 2025, the organization released its findings and announced “the total U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $152 billion last year, showing continued growth and resiliency.” Consumers can delve deeply into the statistics at americanpetproducts.org/news. APPA President and CEO Pete Scott said, “These figures reaffirm that pet care remains a top priority for Americans, reflecting the deep and lasting bond between people and their pets, especially with the Millennials and Gen Zs who are more likely to have multiple pets than their Boomer and Gen X counterparts.” LUXURY CANINE CARE Adrienne and Jeff Murphrey, owners of the Canine Country Club in Katy (mycaninecountryclub.com), are perfect examples of entrepreneurs who saw a need and filled it. They opened their luxury doggie resort 15 years ago when few, if any, of these types of services existed. “We introduced our four-legged guests to climate-controlled suites with sunny outdoor runs, poolside luxury cabanas, color televisions, and private yards,” says Adrienne. Today, the high-end, full-service dog resort still offers home-away-from-home boarding for Katy, Fulshear, and Houston-area dogs as well as professional training, grooming, and amenities that keep pets exercised and entertained. “Your dog can enjoy his own vacation while you are away on vacation,” says Adrienne. The APPA states that pets are redefining the hybrid work model. Indeed, the Murphreys have noticed an increase in the number of owners seeking training on how to deal with separation anxiety and attribute this to the number of people who, since COVID, work from home. Family lessons and behavioral modification offered by the Canine Country Club can help reduce the anxiety dogs experience when their owners leave the house or phase back into a work commute. Interestingly, the APPA also revealed that “14 percent of people reported that their workplace allows pets, a 17% increase from 2023, and that most human resources professionals and senior leaders believe

friendly hotels to specialized boarding facilities, our beloved dogs, cats, and pocket pets are well served, as are our horses and even exotics. A pet is a friend who keeps you young. Pets help

their humans by: • Reducing stress • Lowering blood pressure • Increasing physical activity • Boosting heart health • Easing loneliness and depression • Helping specific health concerns Source: hopkinsmedicine.org

FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2025-26 ISSUE 87