AUSTIN (KXAN) — A nonprofit organization focused on finding homes for animals says there is a great need for these services as pet owners spend their final moments in hospice care.
Kerrville Pets Alive recently rescued Gracie, a 9-year-old tabby cat whose owner was in hospice care and was scheduled to die soon.
Karen Guerriero, president of the nonprofit organization, said the agency works directly with Peterson Health Hospice in Kerrville to relocate pets whenever requested, as in Gracie's case. He said there was.
“Our cat rescue coordinator was able to get Gracie to a safe place. She is doing very well. When we feel she is ready, we will adopt her. Until then, he will be in foster care,” Guerriero said.
Efforts are also underway just a few miles away in Austin to pair worthy pets with new loving homes.
Luis Sanchez and Austin Pets Alive! APA!, which is not affiliated with Kerrville Pets Alive, said the nonprofit operates the PASS program. The PASS program is an acronym that stands for Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender.
He said the PASS program operates as a Facebook page where local residents can post pets that need rehoming.
People can also request assistance with food, pet supplies and more through this page and the Austin Pets Alive website.
Sanchez said the program saved 7,000 animals last year, 4,000 of them in Travis County alone.
Sanchez said they don't just serve pets of hospice patients, but rehoming scenarios do come up from time to time.
“This is a true way to ensure that your pet continues to live with a family that cares and loves you as much as they did before,” Sanchez said.
