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The Pet Patrol
The Pet Patrol Mission:
Pet Patrol, a people pet
partnership, is a volunteer based, 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes
the proven health benefits of companion animals and is dedicated to
preserving the human-animal bond. Our mission is to assist limited income
elderly and those affected by chronic or life-threatening illnesses in the
Houston area by helping our clients care for the pets with whom they share
their lives.
The unconditional love of
a companion animal is a gift for countless thousands of people living with a
challenging illness. Our animal companions provide love, diversion and a
reason to get up in the morning. They also provide proven health benefits to
their owners.
Description of Services Provided by Pet Patrol, A People,
Pet Partnership
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Free pet food and supplies.
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Free food delivery
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Free basic veterinary care such as annual immunizations, vaccinations, and
flea control.
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Free foster care for pets in the event that an owner goes into the
hospital.
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Health and educational information, including "safe pet" guidelines to pet
owners.
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Free transportation to and from veterinary clinics.
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Work with businesses in the community to provide free grooming.
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Inform the community about the healing benefits of pet ownership
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Free spaying & neutering.
Eligibility
Clients: Any resident of Houston who is able to present a letter
confirming that they are frail and elderly or have a life-challenging
illness (AIDS, cancer, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, diabetes) and
proof of low-income status is eligible to be a client. The income must be
$1,200 per month or lower (the combined income for a couple must be $1,700
or less).
Once a client no
longer has the animal companions with whom he/she registered at intake, that
person will no longer be considered a Pet Patrol client. If new animals are
acquired, the person must again proceed through the regular intake process
to be considered a client.
Animals:
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Each client will
receive assistance for up to two animals only. Ongoing assistance will be
provided for these animals for as long as possible.
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Pet Patrol will
not cover any additional animals that may be added to a client's household.
Our mission is to help people keep their animals--not to assist
people in getting new animals.
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Except for rare
cases in which the animal's health prohibits surgery, all PP animals must be
spayed or neutered before they can be activated as a client. If an
animal has not been spayed or neutered at the time of client intake, the
companion animal will be spayed/neutered within ninety (90) days.
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Due to potential
health hazards for our clients, Pet Patrol will not provide services for
animals that are under nine months of age. Reptiles, wildlife, amphibians,
primates, ferrets or other animals that pose significant health risks will
also be exempt from coverage.
Annual Certification:
An annual recertification will take place to ensure that all clients
are still eligible to receive services.
Contact Information:
The Pet Patrol
P.O. Box 70948
Houston, Texas 77270
petpatrolpartners@sbcglobal.net
www.thepetpatrol.org
281 733-7696
Health Benefits Of Animal Companionship
Pets fulfill a basic
human desire by offering unconditional love and affection. They make us
feel needed and important by their dependence on us. They provide
unfailing friendship and nonjudgmental companionship. And best of all,
these furry, friends can help us stay healthy and
happy!
Research has shown
that animal association contributes to:
Emotional Well-Being
- Reduced depression
and loneliness from having an impetus for nurturance and meaningful
daily activities
- Greater sense of
well-being
- Strong attachment
to pet lessens the effects of traumatic events
- Reduction of
anxiety by providing a relaxing focus for attention
- Relationship with
animal companion continues for adults during times of depression,
personal distress, etc. when human social support may be lacking
- Contact comfort,
hugs
Physical Benefits
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Increased activity – feeding, grooming, walking the dog
- Opportunity for
fun/play time
- Reduce blood pressure
- Lower plasma
triglyceride and cholesterol levels
- Slowed heart rate
- Higher one-year
survival rates following coronary disease

"Pet Patrol has made my life manageable with the indispensable
help they provide with food and other essentials for my beloved pets.
Honestly, I don't know how we would make it without this invaluable
resource. Thank you Laura Welch and Pet Patrol for making our ways a
little smoother."
Richard M. Chase
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