By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
A newly approved $13 million spay-and-neuter fund from the Texas Legislature has opened a door of hope for shelters across the state—and for Friends of Animal Rescue on South Padre Island, the timing could not be more urgent.
“Friends of Animal Rescue will definitely pursue funding from the spay and neuter program that the State of Texas monies that have been allocated,” said Jacky Conrad, CEO and co-founder of the nonprofit. “Due to an increase in our animal population, we have seen our veterinary bills increase by 38%.”
Since its founding, the shelter has evolved from a rescue mission during a community crisis to the official city shelter of South Padre Island. Yet even as its role expanded, its financial foundation has been strained. “Since
COVID support has slowed by about 20%, especially in sales at our retail store,” she said. “We appreciate all the donations as we are divided between current needs and our building fund.”
That new building—a long-awaited dream—would mean not only more space but real relief. “We are hoping to raise the funds necessary to break ground in November. It is our goal to build on the land owned by Friends of Animal Rescue next to our current building,” Conrad explained. “We would prefer not to take on additional debt; our goal is to build with as little debt as possible. We are currently seeking funding for our new shelter, which will provide a pet-friendly environment for our homeless animals, 24-hour veterinary care, and daycare and boarding.”
Until then, the shelter continues to operate in high gear. “We are facing the need to replace an air conditioner, and repairs need to be made to our quarantine area for bite cases,” she said. “Everything needs something.”
Their funding network is a patchwork: Rescue ME Resale, individual donors, adoptions, corporate sponsorships, and even estate planning. “We have been the beneficiaries of wills as well,” she said. “It’s humbling.”
Friends of Animal Rescue is also waiting to hear back on several key grants from organizations like Petco, Amazon, the Buffett Foundation, Hunt Cares, and Mighty Cause. “We are currently waiting to hear back on submitted grants to Petco, Amazon, the Buffet Foundation, and Hunt Cares, Mighty Cause,” Conrad said. “In the last year, we have developed partnerships with Raising Cane’s, Starbucks, and HEB. We are continuing to partner with other rescues such as San Antonio Humane Society, Laguna Humane Society, Gladys Porter Zoo, Pug Hearts of Houston, and Austin Cocker Rescue.”
But the shelter is much more than a place for adoptions. “Friends of Animal Rescue offers a 24-hour hotline for lost and found pets,” she said. “We are willing to post lost or found pets on our social media at no cost.
During the summer, Friends of Animal Rescue offers Camp Kindness, an educational program for children ages 5-12. During the cooler months, Friends of Animal Rescue offers free training sessions with Art Navalta of Art and Bella’s Dog Training once a week.”
The support doesn’t stop there. “Friends of Animal Rescue offers low-cost vaccines at least twice a year. We also support those in need of food assistance with food that is donated to our organization,” she said. “We don’t turn away anyone asking for help.”
The spay-and-neuter work is largely done through Laguna Madre Humane Society. “Laguna Madre Humane Society does a wonderful job of providing low-cost spay and neuter services. Most of our animals are vetted at Laguna Madre Humane Society,” Conrad noted.
Tourist events, while fun, bring unique dangers for animals. “Even with our social media posts, there are always lost animals after a launch and the weekly fireworks,” she said. “We have seen many pets bolt with the human losing control of the leash.”
Conrad urged preparation. “Our advice to pet owners is to keep your dogs inside,” she said. “Turn up the music, use calming drops, and in many cases, put them in their crate if crate trained. Microchipping your pet is one of the best ways to make sure that if your animal gets away, you will get them back.”
She also cautioned visitors unfamiliar with the island’s noise calendar. “I don’t think most tourists are always aware of the fireworks or launches,” she said. “Their pets get scared and run.”
Animal intake trends mirror national patterns. “Our cat adoptions are up, and are dog adoptions are down,” she said. “We have a problem with finding homes for dogs weighing more than 40 pounds due to size regulations in apartments and condos both on and off the Island.”
Adoption fees remain low: $25 for cats and $85 for dogs. “We have not raised our adoption fees, cat adoptions are $25 and dogs are $85, vetting is included, spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, and testing,” she said. “We try to make it accessible.”
For Conrad, the stakes are clear. “Our new shelter would give us the opportunity to serve the area with 24-hour vet care and be a much friendlier environment for our homeless animals, which will lead to more adoptions,” she said. “While more veterinarians are adding emergency hours to their schedules, it is still a challenge to get to the clinics in time to save your furry friend.”
And beyond the practical, there is a mission that drives them. “We are the voice of the animals,” Conrad said.
“That’s who we are. That hasn’t changed. But we need help to keep speaking up for them.”
Those who want to help can donate directly, shop or contribute to the resale store, attend events, or volunteer. For more information, visit Friends of Animal Rescue at 4908 Padre Blvd. or call 956-772-1171.
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