Pet Wellness Clinic

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The overpopulation of stray animals in El Paso County has posed a threat to the health and safety of its residents for many years. In 2018, the county had the highest number of animal complaints in Texas. In response to this issue, a stand-alone Animal Welfare Department was established in April 2020 to implement progressive animal strategies. With the creation of the new department, County leaders soon recognized that there was a shortage of services for pet owners in the community, specifically low-cost and free spay and neuter services. While El Pasoans would like to address the medical needs of their pets, they could not afford it and there were not enough veterinarians in the community. On August 19, 2020, the El Paso County Pet Wellness Clinic was established to offer low-cost and free spay and neuter services to pet owners. To ensure the success of the project and to address the lack of veterinary doctors, County leaders created a unique pathway for foreign veterinarians to be certified and licensed in the United States and work in El Paso. The pet wellness clinic has been successful in reducing the number of stray animals in the county while improving the health and safety of its residents.