Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) is asking for foster families to help get animals out of their shelter now. PVAS is taking serious measures to reduce the number of animals that are in the shelter, as they prepare for potential closure.

“We want to reduce our shelter population by 50%. That means that we need to get 200 animals, dogs and cats alike, into temporary foster homes by Wednesday, March 25th. We’ve had higher-than-usual intake for the past three weeks and want to get ahead of any worsening in the trend. It is my primary goal to get our community to step up and help us save these animals. We don’t want to be forced to euthanize for space. We need our community support now, more than ever,” says PVAS Executive Director, Mike Bricker.

 

Bricker says they are trying to move their staff to an A/B schedule and follow other protocols during the pandemic, as recommended by American Pets Alive! And Best Friends Animal Society. PVAS wants to follow these guidelines to flatten the curve and in hopes that if some staff get sick from COVID-19, the entire staff will not be affected, and they can still maintain caring for the animals in their shelters.

Adoptions are being done by appointment, but the organization plans to continue letting rescue groups take animals as they are willing, between the two facilities.

“We’re asking owners who want to surrender their pets but aren’t facing an immediate crisis to contact us to make an appointment for a later date.” Bricker said.

PVAS will provide veterinary care and additional supplies for foster families while they last. Contact foster@pvastx.org or visit pvastx.org/foster for more information.

The organization hopes to raise funds to support pets in the community, stock fostering supplies, and prepare to help families and pets in need. People who can’t adopt or foster can make a donation to PVAS at pvastx.org/donate or they can visit the PVAS Amazon Wishlist to donate supplies.

Adoption fees for all animals are $0 until further notice. Monthly wellness clinics are cancelled until further notice.

Palm Valley Animal Society is the shelter of record for Edinburg, Hidalgo, Hidalgo County, La Joya, McAllen, Palmhurst, and Palmview, serving approximately 750,000 residents and 30,000 animals each year. More information on the organization’s programs, services, and impact can be found online at pvastx.org.