As a pet owner in Texas, where warm weather and outdoor activities are common, protecting your furry companions against pests like fleas, ticks, and heartworms is paramount. These parasites not only cause discomfort and health issues for your pets but can also pose risks to your family’s health. With the right preventive measures and awareness, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your pets to thrive in the Lone Star State. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian, especially in Texas’s warm climate, where pests thrive year-round. They can ..read more

You have to salute our local pet rescue organizations who work so tirelessly to take in abandoned, lost, and abused pets. If you think it’s a hard job, you’re right – especially when funding is low and these animals need essential wellness services. That’s why we wanted to share this success story as an example of how Hill Country Animal League’s Santa Paws fundraiser makes a difference. One rescue organization that takes in cats and kittens had to help with a hoarding situation involving close to 60 cats. When the rescue brought one of the cats in for sterilization, our wellness veterinarian ..read more

Imagine dreaming of being a pet owner, but never being able to realize that dream simply because you can’t afford to give it basic veterinary care. The tough reality is that many people throughout South-Central Texas would make fantastic “parents” to area dogs and cats in need of a forever home – if only they could manage to pay for such essentials as vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery. That’s why we’re so dedicated to our mission and to our Santa Paws Fundraiser, which runs through the end of the year.   Here’s a true story that illustrates just how important and helpful your donati ..read more

At one point or another, almost everyone can recall seeing or hearing about local barn or porch cats. These animals know how to make an outdoor environment their own, often compensating home or farm owners by taking care of a nagging bug, mouse, or lizard problem. The question is: Who’s taking proper care of that barn or porch cat?   Even the most independent cat needs certain health and wellness basics, including vaccinations, and pest and parasite prevention. These cats also need a safe, loving home that shelters them against extreme weather and dangerous predators. Last but not least ..read more

It’s that time of year again – time give to give in support of HCAL’s end-of-year holiday fundraising campaign. If you’re unfamiliar with our ongoing efforts to raise money for the benefit of area pets, you may wonder what all the fuss is about.  At HCAL, we’re excited about the impact you and your fellow donors make every year toward the health and wellbeing of the animals we care for. For starters, our end-of-year giving campaign, which runs from November 28th (#GivingTuesday) to December 31st, aims to support low-income pet owners who often struggle to provide their dogs and cats with ..read more

Our Third Annual Barktoberfest, Saturday, October 21, 2023 Barktoberfest 2023 was the purr-fect event for the whole family! This Oktoberfest inspired event is always a free family-friendly affair that features local craft beer, music, and food trucks, as well as rescue pet adoptions, doggy dash races, raffle prizes, a petting zoo, crafts for kids, and more. Local businesses also connected with the community and promoted their products and services through various event sponsorship opportunities. This event benefits affordable pet care, including free to low-cost spay & neuter surgeries fo ..read more

A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip itself is very small; small enough to be implanted just under the skin, between the shoulder blades at the back of an animal’s neck. Each chip has a unique identifier that is detected using a microchip scanner. The microchip number is recorded in a pet database registry with details about the animal and its owner. If a pet become lost, veterinarians and animal shelters can scan them for a microchip and contact their owner via the database. In addition to reuniting pet owners with their lost animal, microchipping pets is i ..read more

As a loving dog owner, every day may feel like National Dog Day, which is a dedicated day reserved for celebrating your furry loved one, while also promoting dog adoptions, but August 26th is the real thing. So, how should you celebrate? While you’re shopping for Kongs or other toys, arranging playdates, or scheduling a trip to the doggie spa, consider giving your dog the ultimate gift – the gift of good health.   The time to ensure your dog’s health is before it gets sick. That’s what preventative wellness care is all about, and our team believes that every dog owner should have ready ac ..read more

The month of August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month, and the perfect time of year to evaluate your pets annual vaccination regimen to ensure their ongoing protection. Vaccinating your pets is the most effective defense against a range of potential illnesses. For young ones, puppies and kittens should receive their initial vaccinations at 8 weeks of age. Subsequently, they will require booster shots every 4 weeks until approximately 20 weeks old to establish comprehensive immunity. It is of utmost importance to complete the entire vaccination sequence. Neglecting booster vaccinatio ..read more

Barktoberfest Event Sponsors Needed in Support of Animal Care & Protection Our 3rd Annual Barktoberfest planning is in full effect! We are gearing up for an incredible event focused on benefiting affordable pet care for residents across the greater Hill Country area. Becoming an official event Barktoberfest sponsor is a great way for local businesses to engage with the community, build brand awareness, and most importantly, contribute to an important community initiative. “We are so thankful for all our sponsors,” said Dawn Fulgham, Hill Country Animal League’s Executive Director. “Since w ..read more