PALS kick off their 21st annual pet fest at Plaza Park

By Yaa Antwi 

 Blog Content Contributor 

SAN MARCOS – Pet Prevent a Litter holds its 21st annual pet fest, spreading information and joy on pet ownership. On Nov. 5th, Pet Prevent a Litter, also known as PALS, is hosting a family-friendly festival. This event is made to promote pet adoption from shelters, responsible pet ownership and information on getting pets spayed and neutered.  

PALS is a non-profit organization located in San Marcos and specializes in spay and neutering animals. Not only do they promote educational programs for pet ownership, but they offer income-based services, from free or low-cost sterilization to vaccinations and microchips. 

“Pet-fest started 21 years ago, and it was a fundraiser, and we were trying to figure out the best way to get the information and PALS out to the public,” Lauren Foye, President of PALS said. “As well as the goals of PALS and missions and resources.” 

PALS provide multiple alternatives for pet owners as well as programs that support Hays County’s No-Kill initiative. San Marcos is in code red, signifying the over crowdedness in pet shelters. Due to the other municipalities, there are contracts where animal control officer’s pick up their animals, but they are then delivered to San Marcos Regional Shelter. 

“I don’t think people realize San Marcos is a county shelter, so we have animals from Dripping, Wimberly, Buda, Kyle and San Marcos,” Foye said. “Our counties are almost to the border of Guadalupe and an animal from as far as Dripping or Wimberly will be picked up and brought to these shelters.” 

PALS’ main goal is to push forward more low-income focused options to the public, to ensure people have the proper resources to take care of their pets. PALS also provides help for non-owned cats that live among the neighborhoods. With a limited number of spay/neuter appointments are available each month for trap-neuter-return, which assist in non-owned cats getting spay and neuter treatment. 

“I like that we’re helping animals and in turn helping the community by helping their animals,” Ella Powers. “I do feel like we’re making a difference, because this stuff is so expensive. Being able to help people with those costs is awesome and being around the animals is also fun.” 

To volunteer, minors are required to have a permission slip, however, no specific requirement are needed to help at PALS. From retirees to Texas State students, PALS offers a spot even in their office for those who want to help the animal population in the San Marcos community.  

“We always need volunteers, and you can sign up on our website and there are always options to come and help,” Powers said. “However, you can’t be squeamish because you will see surgeries, but anyone can come.” 

PALS’ Pet fest will take place at Plaza Park in San Marcos. From pet performances to live music, the festival presents a multitude of events, promoting proper pet ownership. 

For more information on PALS visit https://preventalitter.com/