Education is a major component when it comes to combatting the pet overpopulation problem. When asked whether he believes it is possible to break the cycle of animal neglect and abandonment, Ousley is adamant, “we certainly do, if we didn’t believe it could be changed we wouldn’t even try. While we believe it’s possible we also know it’s going to take several things, not just from us, but ultimately from the municipalities, and the community at large.” The establishment and enforcement of city-ordinances, accessibility of affordable spay and neuters, as well as personal accountability, are all cooperative measures that according to Ousley must be taken in order to establish real and lasting change.
As part of its educational efforts, the new facility will include a classroom equipped with multi-media potential that can accommodate up to 100 children at a time. Its close proximity to both the Idea Public School and the Edinburg Boys & Girls Club ensures high accessibility and unlimited potential. “We’d like to partner with them in creating a curriculum to begin working into schools, about the humane treatment of animals, proper elements of responsibility, and pet ownership,” Ousley explains. In addition PAWS will be located just a short distance away from the University of Texas Pan American, giving older students interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine the opportunity to gain some hands-on experience.
While PVAC couldn’t function as efficiently without the help of countless volunteers, the truth is, there is very limited space for them to work. At RGV PAWS this will no longer be the case. Designed with the community in mind, the 6.5 acre compound will vary significantly from the current setup, “PAWS is being built as a gathering place for animal lovers, with a large lobby, educational rooms, and public-access dog park. It will be a place where all animal lovers will want to go and bring their own animals too” Ousley says.
As part of its commitment to healthy and happier pets there will also be a number of structural changes including: large double sided kennels that allow for greater mobility and sanitary stainless-steel kennels for puppies, while cat-lovers will notice a much larger cat room complete with cat condos. All things that, according to Ousley, have become the standard in shelter care throughout the country. Despite being in the early planning stages, the crew at PVAC has big goals for their new facility and its outreach potential. Future plans include the implementation of a mobile unit, with the ability to provide spay & neuter services to rural and underserved communities.
