$19,759 raised by 42 donors
100% complete
$10,000 Goal
The Pet Coalition of Ellis County is creating a critical and more compassionate safety net for pets and the people who care for them in a community with limited animal welfare infrastructure.
In a county spanning more than 950 square miles—with no county-run shelter and local rescues already at or beyond capacity—too many animals face uncertain outcomes. The Coalition was formed in October of 2024 to meet this gap, not by replacing existing organizations, but by connecting them, strengthening them, and supporting the community. The work we do is intentionally collaborative- supporting local shelters, rescues, animal welfare partners and community leaders rather than duplicating their role.
Since its founding, the Coalition has mobilized a growing network of volunteers and partners to deliver real, preventative solutions. Through initiatives like “This Stray Can Stay,” we empower residents to safely assist stray animals by providing food, supplies, vaccinations, and access to spay/neuter services—keeping animals out of overcrowded systems whenever possible, while assisting adoption promotion.
What makes the Pet Coalition especially impactful is that the work focuses on preventing a crisis before it begins, keeping pets out of the shelter system. By connecting families to low-cost veterinary care, microchipping, pet food support, and rehoming guidance, we are addressing root causes of abandonment and reducing owner surrender, while helping the broader community respond to a changing animal welfare landscape with kindness, coordination and action.
At the same time, we are addressing urgent, often unseen needs. For victims of domestic violence, a beloved pet can become a powerful tool of control. Abusers often threaten to harm the animal if the victim leaves, causing many survivors to delay escape from a dangerous situation. Through our partnership with The Heights of Ellis County we provide resources and shelter for their pets to help remove the barrier to safety—protecting not only animals, but the people who love them.
While we are not a shelter and do not have the capacity to take in every animal, our role is essential. We provide coordination, resources, and support in situations where no single organization can meet the need alone.
Every vaccine administered, every pet kept in a home, and every animal safely supported through our programs represents a life diverted from crisis.
Together with our volunteers, donors, and community partners, we are building a more compassionate, coordinated future—where fewer animals enter the system, and more families stay whole.
Our goal is to reduce shelter overcrowding and the abandonment of pets through advocacy, education and affordable preventative care. By uniting a compassionate network of like-minded people within the community we plan to uplift the lives of animals and ensure all pets get the chance to find and stay in a loving home. We value our partnerships to help pets in need.
Partnerships with Rescues & Medical Organizations
Money to help with Community & Shelter pets (preventative & Urgent care)
Volunteers
The Pet Coalition of Ellis County is building a stronger, more compassionate safety net for pets and the people who love them. Formed in late 2024, the coalition exists to reduce shelter overcrowding, prevent pet abandonment, and connect Ellis County residents with practical, affordable resources that help animals stay safe, healthy, and in loving homes. Its work is intentionally collaborative—supporting local shelters, rescues, animal welfare partners, and public officials rather than duplicating their role.
In a county facing increasing animal welfare pressure, including the 2025 closure of shelter operations at the Ellis County Animal Care Center, the Pet Coalition of Ellis County has stepped forward as a community connector and problem-solver. The organization has mobilized more than 50 volunteers, organized pet food and supply drives, partnered on vaccine clinics, supported low-cost preventative care, and advanced solutions such as microchipping, spay/neuter assistance, food support, and surrender-prevention efforts. Its “This Stray Can Stay” program helps residents who are willing to temporarily shelter found animals by offering food, supplies, medical support, and adoption-promotion assistance.
What makes the Pet Coalition especially impactful is its focus on keeping pets out of crisis before they ever enter a shelter system. By connecting families to pet food resources, low-cost care, rehoming guidance, and adoptable pet listings, the coalition is addressing the root causes of abandonment and owner surrender while helping the broader community respond to a changing animal welfare landscape with kindness, coordination, and action.
There is another layer to this work not immediately seen. For victims of domestic violence, a beloved pet can become a powerful tool of control. Abusers often threaten to harm the animal if the victim leaves, causing many survivors to delay escaping dangerous situations. Imagine facing that choice: your own safety — or the life of the animal who offers comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love. Through our partnership with The Heights of Ellis County, we remove that barrier by providing resources for shelter and safety for the pets of domestic violence survivors. When a victim makes the brave decision to leave abuse, they can step into safety knowing their cherished companion is protected too. When we protect their pets, we protect their courage.
By preventing crisis before it happens, the Pet Coalition of Ellis County is helping create a future where fewer animals enter shelters and more families stay whole.
Organization name
Pet Coalition of Ellis County Inc
Causes
Animals
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Ellis
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Address
PO BOX 485