Annual Report 2022 May 2023 - Flipbook - Page 9
Pet parent at
our drive thru
pet pantry
Keep Animals in their Homes
Keeping Pets in the Family
Rising inflation and the increasing costs of living are putting
pressure on pet parents’ wallets. These difficulties are
compounded by an overwhelmed veterinary system, resulting
in a growing number of pet parents —around 50 percent—
without a relationship with a veterinarian. Without the support
to care for their pets, families are left with no choice but to
surrender or rehome their pet.
SPCA of Texas Community Impact programs are a safety net for
pet families experiencing financial strains. Our support starts by
offering high quality veterinary care at affordable costs at our
SPCA of Texas veterinary clinic. Our clinics have expanded our
services to include more diagnostics, treatment for chronic
skin and ear infections and treatments for heartworm disease.
Our clinics also offer regular free vaccination events in Dallas
County and throughout North Texas. By partnering with PetCo
Love®, the SPCA of Texas was able to provide free combo
vaccinations to 661 pets in 2022, helping to curb the spread of
disease and keep pets healthy.
If a client’s veterinary needs are beyond what our clinics can
provide, our Russell H. Perry Pet Resource Center (Perry PRC)
team assists clients in finding nearby vet options and assists
with costs for care.
The Perry PRC also helps pet families who are struggling with
rising housing and pet food costs. From a housing perspective,
this assistance can include short-term boarding or fostering
during a move, pet rent and pet deposits.
In addition, the Perry PRC assists with longer-term fostering of
pets when owners are hospitalized, under extended treatment
or rehabilitation, escaping domestic violence, or are in other
times of distress.
Rising costs of pet food also weighs on pet families. Starting in
summer 2022, the Perry PRC hosted monthly pet food pantry
events at our Dallas Animal Care Center, serving 5,950 pets –
267% more than 2021.
The Perry PRC developed collaborative partnerships with pet
food distributors, peer animal welfare organizations and
human services organizations with food pantries. The Perry
PRC served as a distribution hub, distributing more than
67 tons of food in 2022 to more than 30 partner agencies,
transforming the resource landscape in North Texas for pets
and people.
Our support extends far beyond our own doors. The Perry
PRC partners with human service organizations including
Meals on Wheels, Family Place, and Jubilee Park to serve their
clients directly. We supply Jubilee Park’s new food pantry with
pet food, and transport animals belonging to Meals on
Wheels clients so they can complete their annual care and
spay/neuter visits. Our team also works with families entering
the care of The Family Place to provide situational fostering
for their pets, since many shelters do not allow animals into
their overnight shelters. This option allows families peace of
mind during an already stressful time of transition. Without
these partnerships, many of these pet families would have no
other options than to neglect their pets’ care or to surrender or
rehome their furry family member.
