As the new year dawns, an uplifting story of support and care for animals unfolds. The People Assisting Animal Control (PAAC), a dedicated organization working towards animal welfare, has recently been granted a significant financial boost. They received a generous grant of $10,000 from Petco Love, a renowned non-profit organization committed to animal care. This grant is specifically earmarked to enhance the veterinary healthcare services for animals in the Coastal Bend area.
Petco Love, established in 1999, has a rich history of supporting animal welfare groups. It has collaborated with over 4,000 animal organizations, contributing significantly to veterinary health care and facilitating an impressive number of over 6.75 million animal adoptions. This grant to PAAC is a continuation of Petco Love’s mission to ensure animals receive the necessary medical attention, encapsulating their philosophy as articulated by Cheryl Martinez, the founder and President of PAAC. She emphasizes the importance of keeping pets and their owners together by providing essential medical care.
Cheryl Martinez’s journey in animal welfare began in 2010 with her association with Corpus Christi’s Animal Care Service Center. Her experiences there highlighted the dire need for increased animal adoptions and medical care. This realization led to the establishment of PAAC and the subsequent opening of a wellness clinic at the PAAC facility in 2015. Under her leadership, the clinic has grown exponentially, conducting surgeries five days a week with a team of five doctors. They perform over 800 surgeries monthly, apart from providing annual vaccinations, treating infections, and preventive care against heartworm, fleas, and ticks.
The recent grant from Petco Love is a crucial step towards addressing the lack of access to veterinary care, particularly for those constrained by financial limitations. Martinez recognizes this gap and sees the grant as a means to provide resources to pet owners, enabling them to maintain the health and well-being of their pets. This funding is part of a larger initiative by Petco Love, which involves an investment of $1.5 million to support over 100 spay/neuter clinics and low-cost veterinary facilities.
Over the past 13 years, Martinez and her team at PAAC have made remarkable strides in animal welfare, aiding more animals than initially anticipated. The grant supports the continuation of these efforts but also aids in expanding their outreach, ensuring that animals receive proper medical care. Moreover, it allows PAAC to extend its services to families, helping them care for their furry companions.
The reach of PAAC is extensive, serving seven counties in the Coastal Bend area, including Aransas County, Bee County, Jim Wells County, Kleberg County, Nueces County, San Patricio County, and Refugio County. Their commitment to animal welfare and the support from organizations like Petco Love underscore a community’s ability to come together for a cause that benefits both animals and their human companions.
Both organizations maintain informative websites for those interested in learning more about PAAC’s work and how the grant from Petco Love is being utilized. These platforms provide details on their initiatives and offer avenues for public participation and support. The collaboration between PAAC and Petco Love is a testament to the power of collective efforts in making a significant difference in the lives of animals and their families.