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Palm Valley Animal Society seeks county support after $384,000 grant; commissioners approve MOU
Summary
Palm Valley Animal Society outlined expanded spay/neuter services, a new full-time veterinarian and a $384,000 Maddie’s Fund grant to create a regional training hub; the court approved an MOU and related funding to support the shelter's campus consolidation plan.
Representatives from Palm Valley Animal Society told the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court that a recent $384,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund will support a first-of-its-kind high-volume spay/neuter training initiative serving the Rio Grande Valley. Keeley Lewis, who identified herself as an advisory-board member, said the shelter has conducted 575 public spay/neuter procedures this year, recently hired a full-time veterinarian, and will break ground on a consolidated campus this May with completion targeted for May 2027.
Board member Saul Sanchez asked the court for county partnership and financial support to complete the consolidation project and expand services. He emphasized the shelter’s role as a safety-net provider for Hidalgo County residents and framed the consolidation as a regional infrastructure investment that would increase surgical capacity and reduce shelter intake.
The court then considered agenda item 25e: a memorandum of understanding between Hidalgo County and Palm Valley Animal Society (PIVAS) to provide funding for campus consolidation and related services and authorized the county judge to sign documents. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the MOU by voice vote.
Court members and staff acknowledged the shelter’s grant award and its ongoing partnership with the county. The record shows approval of the MOU and an authorization for the county judge to execute required documents; the motion carried without further amendment.
