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Every 12 months, all Texas automobiles must undergo a safety inspection. New automobiles have a sticker that is effective for the first two years, after which the automobile must be inspected every 12 months. State-regulated inspection stations carry a designation as such and can include dealerships, garages or auto service centers. A vehicle that passes inspection will be issued a sticker that must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the front windshield.
REGISTERING TO VOTE IN TEXAS
To be eligible to register to vote in Texas, any U.S. citizen residing in Texas must meet these requirements:
In most Texas counties, the Tax Assessor-Collector is also the Voter Registrar. In some counties, the County Clerk or Elections Administrator registers voters. You may obtain an application from the county Voter Registrar’s office, the Secretary of State’s Office, libraries, many post offices or high schools. You can also visit www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/ where you can request an official, postage-paid application. Or you can download an informal application that will need a stamp before mailing. You also can register to vote when you apply for or renew your driver’s license.
PET LICENSING
The state of Texas requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and on a one- or three-year basis thereafter depending on the vaccine used. In addition, when traveling with a dog or cat, have in your possession a rabies vaccination certificate that was signed by a veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian about other vaccines that are available for a wide range of diseases.
All dogs and cats over 3 months of age that are being transported into Texas must have been vaccinated against rabies within the last 12 or 36 months depending on the vaccine used.
In Houston, the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) enforces city ordinances that encourage annual rabies vaccination and licensing of pets and requires that all dogs are confined in a yard or on a leash. BARC investigates animal bites and encourages spaying or neutering to control the unwanted animal population. The kennel is open for adoptions, customer service and enforcement from noon to 6 p.m. every day except Monday and Thursday when the facility is closed.
In Houston, cats and dogs must be licensed. City license tags cost $10 if the animal has been spayed or neutered. If the pet owner is more than 65 years old, the first-year fee is $5. Tags cost $50 for animals that have not been spayed or neutered. Any veterinarian can vaccinate animals and provide license tags. Licenses must be renewed annually. For more information, call (713) 229-7300.
Annual vaccinations can prevent several fatal animal diseases, such as distemper and parvovirus in dogs and upper respiratory viruses and feline leukemia in cats. Dogs also are susceptible to heartworms, a disease carried by mosquitoes. All dogs should be tested and then given daily or monthly heartworm tablets.
Houston has a “pooper scooper” ordinance that makes it illegal to be out in public with your pet without carrying a pooper scooper, plastic bag or some other kind of disposal device. Violation of this section is punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than $75 or more than $500. Each violation of this section is a separate offense. For more information, visit www.houstontx.gov/health/quicktips/scooperlaw.html.
If you have an exotic animal, need general information or need details for issues, such as dog kenneling and horse restrictions, contact the city of Houston animal control at (713) 238-9600. For Harris County, call animal control at (281) 999-3191.
UTILITIES
— Electric Utility Services
Since 2002, Texas has been a deregulated energy market, which means most consumers have the power to select their electricity provider. Deregulation provides increased competition and more competitive pricing. Now, Texas consumers can compare rates, dependibility of service and customer service to find the perfect company that fits their needs.
Since the introduction of deregulated electricity, many new providers have stepped into the market to offer more options and services. The Texas Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues to monitor and regulate the delivery of electricity to ensure that all consumers are protected. In addition, all electricity providers must be certified by the PUC (www.puc.state.tx.us).
REGISTERING TO VOTE IN TEXAS
To be eligible to register to vote in Texas, any U.S. citizen residing in Texas must meet these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old on election day.
- Not be a convicted felon (unless sentence, probation and/or parole are completed.)
- Not be declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law.
In most Texas counties, the Tax Assessor-Collector is also the Voter Registrar. In some counties, the County Clerk or Elections Administrator registers voters. You may obtain an application from the county Voter Registrar’s office, the Secretary of State’s Office, libraries, many post offices or high schools. You can also visit www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/ where you can request an official, postage-paid application. Or you can download an informal application that will need a stamp before mailing. You also can register to vote when you apply for or renew your driver’s license.
PET LICENSING
The state of Texas requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and on a one- or three-year basis thereafter depending on the vaccine used. In addition, when traveling with a dog or cat, have in your possession a rabies vaccination certificate that was signed by a veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian about other vaccines that are available for a wide range of diseases.
All dogs and cats over 3 months of age that are being transported into Texas must have been vaccinated against rabies within the last 12 or 36 months depending on the vaccine used.
In Houston, the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) enforces city ordinances that encourage annual rabies vaccination and licensing of pets and requires that all dogs are confined in a yard or on a leash. BARC investigates animal bites and encourages spaying or neutering to control the unwanted animal population. The kennel is open for adoptions, customer service and enforcement from noon to 6 p.m. every day except Monday and Thursday when the facility is closed.
In Houston, cats and dogs must be licensed. City license tags cost $10 if the animal has been spayed or neutered. If the pet owner is more than 65 years old, the first-year fee is $5. Tags cost $50 for animals that have not been spayed or neutered. Any veterinarian can vaccinate animals and provide license tags. Licenses must be renewed annually. For more information, call (713) 229-7300.
Annual vaccinations can prevent several fatal animal diseases, such as distemper and parvovirus in dogs and upper respiratory viruses and feline leukemia in cats. Dogs also are susceptible to heartworms, a disease carried by mosquitoes. All dogs should be tested and then given daily or monthly heartworm tablets.
Houston has a “pooper scooper” ordinance that makes it illegal to be out in public with your pet without carrying a pooper scooper, plastic bag or some other kind of disposal device. Violation of this section is punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than $75 or more than $500. Each violation of this section is a separate offense. For more information, visit www.houstontx.gov/health/quicktips/scooperlaw.html.
If you have an exotic animal, need general information or need details for issues, such as dog kenneling and horse restrictions, contact the city of Houston animal control at (713) 238-9600. For Harris County, call animal control at (281) 999-3191.
UTILITIES
— Electric Utility Services
Since 2002, Texas has been a deregulated energy market, which means most consumers have the power to select their electricity provider. Deregulation provides increased competition and more competitive pricing. Now, Texas consumers can compare rates, dependibility of service and customer service to find the perfect company that fits their needs.
Since the introduction of deregulated electricity, many new providers have stepped into the market to offer more options and services. The Texas Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues to monitor and regulate the delivery of electricity to ensure that all consumers are protected. In addition, all electricity providers must be certified by the PUC (www.puc.state.tx.us).
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