Areas of Focus

Animals

Thomas J. Henry knows that animals bring joy, comfort, and companionship, and that supporting their wellbeing strengthens our communities. Our work in animal welfare is built on festive, inclusive events that raise awareness, celebrate pets, and support shelters committed to rescuing and giving animals second chances.

From costume-filled expos to meaningful fundraising, our animal-focused philanthropy brings people together for a shared love of furry friends — all while helping save lives and nurture compassion. This approach transforms pet-themed fun into tangible support, and builds bridges across age groups, neighborhoods, and shared values.

Bark in the Park – Pet Costume Contest & Expo

Since 2012, Bark in the Park has become one of the most anticipated pet-centered community events in Texas. Hosted in Corpus Christi and San Antonio, the event includes a pet costume contest, adoption drives, live music, vendor expos, and more—all aimed at raising awareness and support for animal rescue organizations.

Proceeds from the event support no-kill non-profit shelters, including San Antonio Pets Alive!, PeeWee’s Pet Adoption, Animal Defense League of Texas, Mission Pawsible, and Gulf Coast Humane Society. The event offers a fun, family-friendly space to celebrate animals and support the shelters that save them.

Adoption Fee Sponsorships for No-Kill Shelters

In addition to funding rescue organizations, the Thomas J. Henry has directly covered pet adoption fees for individuals seeking to adopt from no-kill animal shelters. This initiative helps reduce barriers for families who are ready to welcome a new pet into their lives but may struggle with the upfront cost of adoption.

By removing financial hurdles, we not only help animals find loving homes faster—we also support responsible pet ownership and long-term shelter sustainability.

Why Animal Advocacy Strengthens Communities

Rescue organizations and shelters often operate on tight budgets. Events like Bark in the Park help fill gaps by raising funds, increasing adoption awareness, and creating public goodwill toward compassionate pet ownership. Each cat or dog rescued, adopted, or helped strengthens the fabric of their community.

We envision expanding our support to animal shelters into more communities, broadening our reach, and deepening its impact. Because compassion is contagious—and when communities come together over a shared love of animals, the impact is truly paw-sitive.