What happens to the pets of local hospice patients?
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nonprofits dedicated to finding homes for animals say there is a big need for those services when a pet owner is facing their final moments in hospice care.
Kerrvile Pets Alive recently rescued Gracie, a 9-year-old tabby cat, whose owner would soon pass while in hospice care.
Karen Guerriero, president of the nonprofit’s board, said the agency works directly with Peterson Health Hospice in Kerrville to rehome pets whenever asked, like in Gracie’s case.
“Our cat rescue coordinator was able to go over and take Gracie to a safe place. She’s doing just great. We’ll adopt her out when when we feel like she’s ready. She’ll be with a foster until then,” Guerriero said.
Miles away in Austin, efforts are also underway to pair deserving pets with new, loving homes.
Luis Sanchez with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), unaffiliated with Kerrville Pets Alive, said the nonprofit runs its PASS program, an acronym that means positive alternatives for shelter surrender.
He said the PASS Program operates as a Facebook page where locals can post pets in need of rehoming.
Through the page or the Austin Pets Alive website, people can also reach out for assistance with things like food and pet supplies.
Sanchez said last year, the program helped 7,000 animals– 4,000 of those in Travis County alone.
While it does not exclusively serve pets of hospice patients, Sanchez said that rehoming scenario occasionally pops up as well.
“This is a really a way to make sure that the pet continues to live with the family that cares and loves them like the person that did before them,” Sanchez said.
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