🐾 Petition Update: Advocating for Pet-Inclusive Housing in El Paso 🏡💙 Hello everyone, I want to share an important update on our Pet-Inclusive Housing Petition and why it matters now more than ever for both pets and their families in El Paso. Recently, Terry Kebschull, the El Paso Animal Services Director, retired. This leadership change has brought much attention to the importance of having strong leadership in the shelter system, and I deeply admire everyone in the community speaking up and advocating for the animals who rely on these services. As we navigate this transition, it’s critical that we also address the underlying issues impacting shelters, including restrictive housing policies. One of the biggest challenges facing El Paso shelters is restrictive housing policies. Many pet owners are forced to surrender their pets simply because their housing doesn’t allow animals. This contributes directly to shelter overcrowding, leaving limited space for stray and community animals, the very pets shelters are meant to protect (El Paso Animal Services, 2023). If we can reduce these restrictive housing policies and adopt pet-inclusive housing, we could: • Keep families and pets together. • Free up shelter space for stray animals and pets in need, rather than those surrendered due to policy. • Potentially reduce taxpayer costs by limiting the need for multiple new shelters, such as the upcoming Westside facility (El Paso FY25 Budget Overview). Recent research and community advocacy show that shelters are overfilled, with over 200 dogs entering weekly and surrender appointments booked weeks in advance (KFOX-TV, 2023). By addressing housing restrictions, we can ensure shelter space goes to animals who truly need it. In alignment with these efforts, I recently had a video coaching session with Best Friends Animal Society, gaining valuable guidance on strengthening this campaign to increase our chances of success. The good news is that the Animal Welfare budget is increasing from $1,413,113 in FY23 to $1,733,026 in FY25, and an additional $2.3 million is being allocated for public services and a new Westside Adoption Center (El Paso Animal Services, 2025). While this is a positive step, preventing unnecessary pet surrenders through inclusive housing policies could maximize the impact of these funds and reduce shelter overcrowding. Thank you all for staying engaged and advocating for policies that keep pets with their families, support our community, and allow shelters to serve the animals who truly need them. Together, we can create a future where housing and compassion go hand in paw. With gratitude, Carla Marie Gallardo, CVA🩺 🐾 #PetInclusiveElPaso #ElPasoAnimalAdvocacy #KeepFamiliesTogether