Our Mission:
The Palm Valley Animal Center is dedicated to caring for homeless companion animals and to enhancing the relationships between animals and people through adoptions, education and community outreach.
Our History:
The Palm Valley Animal Center originated as the Upper Valley Humane Society. The Upper Valley Humane Society was established in 1973 by a group of concerned citizens. After approaching the city of McAllen, the Society took over the operation of the McAllen-based shelter. In 1981, the Upper Valley Humane Society received a donation of 2 1/2 acres of land located on Trenton in Edinburg. An additional 2 1/2 acres was purchased for a total of 5 acres. Contributions from the surrounding cities as well as donations from local citizens, including $50,000 from Bob Sobel and a $100,000 bequest from L.L. Rowan, secured the construction of the current facility. On October 31, 1983, the new shelter opened, containing 56 dog runs and 60 cat cages.
In recent years, additions have been made to the shelter to accommodate the increasing influx of animals each year. In 2000, the Weslaco Humane Society closed and the Upper Valley Humane Society became the only animal care facility for the entire Hidalgo County area. On average, the Upper Valley Humane Society receives 80 to100 animals every day and houses 250 dogs and 130 cats on a daily basis. For the last two years, the shelter received more than 40,000 animals each year.
These astronomical figures, along with a vision of controlling pet overpopulation, inspired our spay/neuter clinic. The clinic opened in June 2001 with Dr. Nance presiding as veterinarian, and provided low-cost spay and neuter services to the public. Unfortunately, Dr. Nance relocated in November 2003, and the clinic is temporarily closed. We are currently searching for a new veterinarian and maintain a positive perspective that we will have a new veterinarian soon.
In 2007, with movement towards a holistic approach to not only combat the animal welfare problem through increased adoptions, but to treat the source of the problem, the Upper Valley Humane Society became the Palm Valley Animal Center. The goal of the Palm Valley Animal Center is to decrease
the number of animals entering the center’s doors annually while increasing the number of adoptions. These efforts are being proactively approached through the implementation of programs and the education of the community on responsible pet ownership, focusing on the implications for our society when one chooses not to do so.
As the population of McAllen and surrounding cities increases, so does the number of homeless pets. The needs of Palm Valley Animal Center also increase on a daily basis. We appreciate all your support and generous contributions to help our facility keep its doors open.
