Paw Place Rescue inc.

Tag: cats

  • The Reality of Animal Control in Texas Counties Without Services

    THE TRUTH!

    When most people hear the term “Animal Control”, they assume every county has an official department that picks up strays, enforces laws, and protects both animals and the public. The reality, however, is very different—especially here in Hill County, Texas.

    Texas Law on Animal Control

    Under Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 822, counties are required to designate a “local rabies control authority.” This authority is tasked with enforcing rabies quarantine and public health rules. What the law does not require is a fully funded animal control department to pick up strays, manage dangerous dogs, or handle community-wide overpopulation issues.

    This gap leaves many counties—including ours—without the infrastructure to deal with the growing crisis of stray and feral animals.

    What Happens Without County Animal Control

    When a county has no official animal control:

    • Law enforcement officers (sheriff or police) may respond to emergency cases but typically have no shelter, kennels, or staff to manage the volume of animals.
    • Stray and feral animals multiply, creating risks of bites, disease transmission, property damage, and tragic roadway accidents.
    • Aggressive or dangerous dogs may fall under the “dangerous dog” provisions of Texas law (Health & Safety Code §822.041-047), but enforcement requires private citizens to file reports, attend hearings, and often pay fees—not an easy process.
    • Nonprofits and rescues, like Paws Place Rescue, step in where the county cannot. These organizations are community-funded and volunteer-driven, with no government budget to rely on.

    The Community Burden

    Because Hill County does not operate a county-funded animal control facility, the burden falls on:

    • Private rescues and shelters – which are selective based on space, funding, and safety concerns.
    • Citizens – who are often left with no option but to rehome pets themselves or rely on out-of-county humane societies.
    • Law enforcement – who may have to make difficult calls in urgent, dangerous situations without proper facilities.

    This is why community-driven efforts matter so much. Without official county support, the only way to address the stray and feral population is by working together—through spay/neuter programs, responsible rehoming, donations, and volunteer support.

    Moving Forward

    It’s important for residents to understand:

    • Texas law only guarantees rabies control, not full-service animal control.
    • Counties can choose to fund and operate animal control, but many—like ours—do not.
    • Real solutions will come from community partnerships, civic involvement, and local leadership stepping up to prioritize animal welfare alongside public safety.

    Until then, rescues like Paws Place Rescue Inc. will continue to carry the responsibility that, in many places, belongs to a taxpayer-funded department.

    👉 If you want to be part of the solution, please attend our community meet-ups, volunteer, or donate. Together, we can reduce the crisis of stray and feral animals in Hill County.

  • Why Adopting from a Rescue Matters: A Personal Mission Beyond the City Limits

    The heart behind Paws Place Rescue Inc.

    When you adopt from a private sanctuary like Paws Place Rescue Inc., you’re doing more than just finding a pet — you’re giving a second chance, restoring hope, and becoming part of something greater than yourself. Our mission reaches beyond city limits, quite literally.

    Outside the City, But Deeply Rooted in the Community

    Our rescue is located just outside the city limits of Whitney, Texas — and that’s no accident. We chose this path because of what we witnessed within the city’s system. Under current city policy, stray or surrendered dogs are held for just 72 hours before facing euthanasia. There is no long-term care, no rehabilitation facility, and no emotional support for these animals.

    Whitney currently has no animal control, no shelter, due to funding and policy constraints, also lack access to affordable medical care and charge high adoption fees — all without providing the emotional or physical rehabilitation so many animals desperately need.

    What Makes Us Different

    At Paws Place Rescue Inc., every animal we take in becomes part of our home. Our sanctuary is not a warehouse for pets. It’s a safe haven — a home-based environment where animals are loved, socialized, and prepared for life in a family.

    We don’t rush the process. Each animal receives:

    One-on-one attention Medical evaluations and treatment Home integration and behavioral assessments A healing touch that only love and time can offer

    Why We’re Selective

    We are intentional about the animals we take in — not to limit, but to protect. Many of our animals live alongside free-roaming farm animals and vulnerable species. We evaluate every intake for temperament, breed compatibility, and the sanctuary’s environment, ensuring peace and safety for all. Because we operate on donations, not government funding, we only take on what we can fully care for.

    This allows us to provide quality care over quantity and to ensure no animal falls through the cracks.

    We Operate on Heart, Not Policy

    This rescue is not driven by policy — it’s driven by purpose. Every animal here is valued as a living being, not a number on a kennel door. We also believe in involving the community through:

    One of our visions is pet adoption events, donation drives, education and wellness workshops. Featured rescue stories from community members, grief and memorial gatherings for lost animals.

    We know that grieving an animal is just as sacred as grieving a human, and we want to create a safe space for those emotions to be shared and validated.

    Our Heartbeat: Zoey’s Story

    This sanctuary is dedicated to Zoey, a city shelter dog who changed our lives forever. We took her in as a foster from the City of Whitney Animal Control. She was to be euthanized. Zoey suffered from severe seizures, and despite our tireless efforts, she passed away. She never knew a cold cage again — only love.

    Zoey showed us that these animals deserve more than 72 hours. They deserve a fighting chance. Her life and loss led us to open our home — and our hearts — as a private rescue sanctuary guided by faith and compassion.

    Be Part of the Mission

    Whether you adopt, donate, or simply share our message — you’re making a difference. You’re giving these animals a voice, a name, and most importantly — a future.

    Adopt from compassion. Adopt from care. Adopt from rescue.

    Welcome to Paws Place Rescue Inc., where every life matters — and every story begins with love.

    Zoey

    To donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DRTADYXSPCP28