El Paso Animal Services joins nationwide program aimed at keeping pets and families together
EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso Animal Services has been selected as one of only twelve shelters to join a nationwide program aimed at keeping pets and their people together.
“It’s really heartbreaking when you lose your pet and I think keeping these families together to include that families do include pets," said Paula Powell, El Paso Animal Services Director.
This past year Powell witnessed the El Paso community become more involved in re-homing and returning lost pets in the community.
"We had over 1,200 animals go out to foster this year during COVID and families that never ever thought of fostering stepped up. It’s just great to be in El Paso and see that support,” said Powell.
Because of that community support, El Paso Animal Services was selected to be a part of the Human and Animal Support Services Pilot Program (HASS).
"The HASS model is a collaboration of animal shelters and animal leaders across the country in an effort to have the community support our furry friends,” said Powell.
The goal behind the program is simple.
“Basically helping us keep families together in our neighborhoods, and reducing the number of animals that do come into the shelter so that we can handle the ones that are critical and the ones that need us the most,” said Powell.
The shelter is hoping to create more programs through this initiative to support the community and to encourage them to continue caring for their neighbors pets.
"Community members are rehoming pets, returning pets to their owners, and what’s really great is community members are fostering pets and helping us keep animals out of the shelter,” said Powell.
El Paso Animal Services is certain the El Paso community will continue to be involved in caring for our four legged family members.
“With your input and with your help we can make improvements and our community is going to be one of the most pet friendly communities in the country,” concluded Powell.
Click here for more information on programs you can be a part of with El Paso Animal Services.
