Palm Valley Animal Society Seeks $1.2M From Edinburg for Expansion Project

Staff Report

EDINBURG—The Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) will present a funding request to the Edinburg City Council on Tuesday night, seeking a $1.2 million investment to support the expansion and consolidation of its operations at the Laurie P. Andrews Center. Both PVAS facilities—the Trenton Center and the Laurie P. Andrews Center—are located in Edinburg, making the city a key partner in the organization’s efforts to improve animal welfare services and operational efficiency.

PVAS plans to highlight ongoing challenges at its aging Trenton facility, which has been in operation since 1984. The organization cites limited expansion potential, high maintenance costs, and outdated kennels as key concerns. Additionally, the facility’s outdoor housing conditions and operational inefficiencies create logistical difficulties in caring for the thousands of animals PVAS serves annually.

The proposed expansion would relocate operations from Trenton to the Laurie P. Andrews Center, a six-acre property offering room for growth. The plan includes constructing 300 new state-of-the-art kennels, building a customer-facing facility to improve community engagement, and expanding medical services to provide comprehensive animal care. PVAS estimates the total project cost at $6 million, with the City of McAllen and the PVAS Board of Directors already pledging financial support.

Benefits to Edinburg

PVAS leadership emphasizes that the investment would bring multiple benefits to Edinburg, including:

• Reduced Service Costs: The city and its residents would have access to PVAS services at lower rates compared to non-partner communities, ensuring cost-effective animal care and support.
• Improved Public Health & Safety: Expanding the medical and intake facilities would help control stray animal populations more effectively, reducing health risks and improving overall safety.
• Enhanced Community Engagement: The new facility would provide opportunities for Edinburg residents to participate in adoption events, volunteer programs, and animal welfare education initiatives.
• Economic & Brand Impact: Partnering with PVAS would align Edinburg with a well-regarded nonprofit organization, fostering goodwill and demonstrating the city’s commitment to animal welfare. Additionally, increased activity at the Laurie P. Andrews Center could drive local economic benefits through job creation and increased community involvement.
• Stronger Regional Partnerships: By joining forces with McAllen and other stakeholders, Edinburg would play a leadership role in regional animal welfare efforts, setting a new standard for collaboration and care in the Rio Grande Valley.

PVAS Executive Director Suzette Cruz will lead the presentation at the council meeting, underscoring the importance of city support in achieving a more sustainable and humane future for animals in the community.

Source – Palm Valley Animal Society

Partnership Benefits

• Reduced Cost for Services:
  • Partners will benefit from a reduced rate for services compared to non-partners, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality animal care and community support.
• Enhanced Visibility and Recognition:
  • Partners will gain increased visibility through association with state-of-the-art facilities and expanded community services.
  • Opportunities for partners to feature in promotional materials showcasing their commitment to animal welfare.
• Community Goodwill:
  • Supporting the expansion project will strengthen the partner’s reputation as a compassionate and socially responsible entity.
  • Positive brand alignment with an organization dedicated to animal welfare and community service.
• Engagement Opportunities:
  • Partners can engage in community initiatives, events, and educational programs hosted at the new facility.
  • Opportunities to participate in and sponsor workshops, seminars, and outreach programs.
• Strategic Partnerships:
  • Being part of a strategic partnership with Palm Valley Animal Society can open doors to new collaborations and networking opportunities within the community.

Current Partners and Team

• Partners:
  • Palm Valley Animal Society
  • City of McAllen
• Consultant Team Lead:
  • Shelter Planners of America
• Design and Engineering Partners:
  • ERO Architects
  • Chanin Engineering
  • Baird, Hampton & Brown (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Design)
  • Melden & Hunt (Site Civil Engineering)
  • WJHW (AV, Media, Lighting/Sound)
  • Heffner Design Team (Landscape Design)

Call to Action:

We need your support to turn this vision into reality. By partnering with us and contributing to the expansion of The Laurie P. Andrews Center, you will be directly impacting the welfare of countless animals and enhancing the services we provide to our community.

Your investment of $1.2 million will enable us to build state-of-the-art kennels, modernize our facilities, and create a more efficient and compassionate environment for both the animals and our dedicated staff. Join us in this transformative journey and help us set a new standard for animal care in the Rio Grande Valley.

We appreciate your consideration and support, and we look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you on this vital project.
Thank you for your time and attention.

Contact Information:

• Suzette Cruz
• Executive Director