Ellis County SPCA: Serving animals in need

A typical day at the SPCA in Ellis County begins at 7:30 a.m., when employees begin feeding all the animals. Dogs are then taken outside to use the restroom and move around. While they’re out, the employees deep clean the kennels, pulling out all beds, blankets and toys. When the dogs are brought back in, they are given their first enrichment of the day – a scented blanket.

“(Enrichments are) something to keep them occupied, something to keep them interested and to not be destructive with things,” Marina Vazquez, Ellis County animal care center supervisor, said.

Around noon, the lights are turned off, and the animals have time to calm down and relax. At 2 p.m., afternoon walks begin, and dogs are given their second enrichment of the day – a Kong toy filled with treats, peanut butter and more. During afternoon walks, dogs that play well together can can run around with each other and get their energy out.

“A lot of these dogs are very friendly, and all they want to do is play,” Vazquez said. Employees also give baths when they can throughout the day. Before closing, dogs are given dinner and one last enrichment – a puzzle, another Kong toy or pup ice cream popsicles.

While they follow the same schedule every day, each day looks different because they adjust to the dog’s needs, Vazquez said.

“When you have a lot of dogs, and all of them have different personalities, you have to adjust to that personality 100%,” she said. “They do a really good job about taking care of these animals. These animals when they see them or they see any of us, they’re so excited (as if) they knew us their whole life, and that is really rewarding.”

One of the main problems Vazquez sees in Ellis County is animal dumping, which is when someone leaves an animal in a public place without providing for its needs.

“There’s a lot of resources, (but) people want the easy way out and have someone else do it versus them do it,” Vazquez said.

The SPCA of Texas’ Pet Resource Center provides temporary food and medical assistance to those who may not be able to provide it for their pets.

“That’s one of the main pillars of SPCA of Texas, is keeping pets with their families,” Becky Adamietz-Deo, manager of public relations, said. “If you’re struggling, and so many people right now are struggling, we have pet food pantries, (and) we offer free vaccines. We try to go out in the communities and give food. We don’t want you to lose that beloved family member, who’s a source of comfort to your kids, to you, to the whole family.”

Those needing assistance can apply for temporary support at https://spca.org/prc or by calling 214-461-1856.

When Vazquez receives extra food donations at the center, she takes it to food pantries or gives it to those in need. “We’re trying to help our community as much as we can,” Vazquez said. “A lot of people come in here transferring their dogs because they can’t afford to feed them. That’s why I always like having food available.”

When a new dog arrives, the first thing the SPCA does is vaccinate them for distemper and kennel cough (Bordetella).

“We vaccinate the dogs before they come into the building, and that is because every minute is crucial with that animal being vaccinated with the amount of disease and viruses that run through shelters,” Vazquez said.

Next, they begin the evaluation process, where they check for microchips, assess previous wounds, test for heartworms and fleas, give deworming medication and assess how friendly the dog is.

“Whether or not they have a microchip, they get the same intake as a stray because that’s somebody’s dog, (and) we’re going to make sure they’re protected for being here,” Vazquez said.

Every single dog that comes into the building is microchipped, she said. Following the evaluation process, each dog is placed on a three-day stray hold, allowing owners to claim their lost pet. If no one claims them after three days, they are put on a schedule to be seen by the doctor and get their rabies vaccine.

Once they are sprayed/neutered, SPCA staff helps them through their recovery and prepares their pet biographies for adoption.

Through their website, those interested in adoption can search for dogs by breed, age, size and more.

Vazquez explained how sometimes someone comes in wanting a specific dog, but after talking with the adoption counselor, leaves with a different dog.

“They come in, and they see the dog of their dreams,” Vazquez said. “People’s minds change all the time because they see breeds they’ve never seen before. We make sure that wherever these animals go to, they are responsible owners.”

The SPCA has multiple volunteer opportunities, like walking and playing with animals, fostering animals, building enrichments and more. Volunteer applications can be found on its website.

For those wanting to donate items, simply dropping off a bag of food is “extremely helpful,” Adamietz-Deo said.

The Ellis County animal care center, located at 2570 Farm-to-Market Road 878, houses 29 large kennels, 10 cat kennels, 16 shorelines and includes two outdoor play areas. The center is open to the public from noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, visit https://spca.org/ or call the Ellis County animal care center at 214-461-1924. Originally published May 22, 2023 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/news/local/ellis-county-spca-serving-animals-in-need/article_1563e87e-f8b5-11ed-8587-47f26551ed89.html