Pet Pals revs up support

Pet Pals officials want to rekindle public interest and fortify their mission by coaxing more donations, volunteers and personnel into their programs.

Following a challenging year with drivethrough drop off clinics and virus restrictions, board members and volunteers renewed their commitment to the cause at the facility, 2003 RR 1431 West in Marble Falls.

Their latest campaign involves reminding the public the facility never missed a beat in serving the area.

Pet Pals board member and events chairwoman Rochelle Storin answered questions about the latest on the facility, program and events.

Q: What is the Pet Pals mission and what’s new with the program?

A: “We are a spay and neuter clinic. We have clinic days twice a month, where we try to spay anywhere up to 50 animals – cats and dogs. We are all volunteer (technicians and office staff), but our veterinarian staff is contracted. That’s why we’re doing this whole fundraising campaign. Medication prices are going up. We have more and more people coming in. We keep our rates down as low as possible. We want to re-introduce ourselves to the community.”

Q: What is the big event in October?

A: “We are having our Open House on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We are opening our clinic to the community and giving tours. We’ll have hot dogs and sodas and water and cookies. Rescue groups will set up their tents across the street from our clinic (VFW parking lot area). We are going to have raffles.

A lot of people say they know who we are, and some people say, ‘I drive by everyday and didn’t know you were there.’”

Q: What event is coming up in November?

A: “We are having Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is going to partner with us to match $2,500 in donations. It’s not something to attend, but you can help by just going to the website or on social media and making donations. Tito’s The Vodka for Dog People (campaign) gives to so many organization. They screened us and checked us out.”

Q: What does the December event entail?

A: “On Dec. 4, we are having a large dog clinic. We are partnering with Spicewood Veterinary Clinic. They do a charity day every year around the holidays. They are taking two of their vets, along with four to six of their vet techs and coming to our clinic. For large dogs, there’s a long waiting list. They are the most time consuming. We have about 38 dogs on the large dog list since August, and Spicewood is going to see how many they can complete for us. They are working for us free-of-charge, pro bono.”

Q: What kind of response do you have for the clinic?

A: “We are already booked through December. The need is great. We need to raise more funds, so we can take care of the community.”

Q: What are the cost and rates for clients?

A: “Our rates go from $65 to $135 for dogs, depending on spay or neuter, gender and weight.

Cats are $55 for males and $65 for females.”

The program accepts calls, email and website registration for appointments.

For more information or to donate and volunteer go to petpalsmarblefalls.org or email petpalsmarblefallstx@gmail. com. Also, call 830-598-7729.