Kerrville Pets Alive! reports surge in emergency pet assistance requests following flood, economic strain

Kerrville Pets Alive! has seen a significant increase in requests for emergency veterinary financial assistance, with veterans, elderly residents and families still recovering from the July flood among those seeking help.

The nonprofit’s P.E.M.A. (Pet Emergency Medical Assistance) program has funded $35,000 in emergency care for privately owned pets since Jan. 1. In all of 2025, the organization provided more than $300,000 in assistance.

The program is designed to prevent pet surrenders by helping owners who cannot afford emergency treatment cover the cost of care. When Kerr County Animal Control, Kerrville Pets Alive! or a local veterinary clinic identifies a pet in need, owners may be referred to the program. To qualify, the pet must reside in Kerr County, and the owner must agree to spay or neuter the animal if it is not already altered and is healthy enough for the procedure.

The program has covered surgeries and treatment for conditions including car collision injuries, parvovirus, heartworm, urinary blockages, tumor removals and gastric obstructions.

A recent case involved Chip, a 3-year-old Chihuahua mix belonging to a local veteran. Chip required a full leg amputation after a severe leg condition left him unable to bear weight. Kerrville Pets Alive! funded the $1,200 surgery through P.E.M.A. donations.

“We were honored to help Chip’s owner by funding his surgery,” Executive Director Karen Guerriero said. “It’s the least we could do for someone who served our country and who is living on a fixed income. Chip is his best buddy.”

Guerriero said the program, launched in 2023, has proven effective at keeping pets out of the shelter system. “We realized that providing medical funding helps keep pets home, safe, out of the shelter, and with the families who love them,” she said.

Beyond P.E.M.A., Kerrville Pets Alive! provides medical care, vaccines and spay/neuter funding for animals impounded at Kerr County Animal Control, free microchipping and a year-round pet food pantry. The organization also holds monthly free and low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics for Kerr County residents and operates a pet resource center at its S.A.F.E. Campus on Memorial Boulevard.

Donations of cat and dog food, cat litter, gift cards and monetary contributions are accepted Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 2102 Memorial Blvd. Donations can also be made online at kerrvillepetsalive.org.