February 2025 PetWell

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About TCAP & Our Mission

TCAP was established in 2002 to provide an affordable way to spay and neuter pets Since that time, TCAP has opened eight clinics. We’ve also added a variety of services including low-cost vaccines, microchipping, heart worm testing and prevention, and dental cleanings. TCAP’s prices are, on average, up to 87% less than what traditional veterinary clinics charge.

TCAP contracts licensed veterinarians who have extensive surgical experience and are well-versed in preventative animal care We also employ experienced and caring veterinary technicians who work alongside and support our veterinary team during their surgery sessions Our compassionate employees and our amazing shelter and rescue partners throughout North Texas help us in the fight against euthanasia in our area shelters.

The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) is a nonprofit organization that supplies low-cost services to those qualified for assistance programs TCAP provides services to those who are indigent and lack sufficient means to provide medical care for their pets TCAP is able to provide subsidized savings at our clinics thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors This savings allows our clients to care for their pets using low-cost copays.

Wheth ly and

“TCAP

PROVIDES COMPASSIONATE SOLUTIONS TO PET OVERPOPULATION AND COMMUNITY ANIMAL WELFARE. TCAP ACCOMPLISHES THIS GOAL BY MAKING AFFORDABLE, HIGH-QUALITY PREVENTATIVE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO TEXAS PET OWNERS.“

The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) is a nonprofit organization that has been determined by the IRS to be tax-exempt as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

Shop our Amazon Wishlist

Our Amazon Wishlist is stocked with frequently used items By purchasing through Amazon, items are delivered directly to our clinics!

Link Your Kroger Plus Card

The program allocates funds to participating organizations based on the purchases that registered members, family and friends of the organization have made at Kroger using their Kroger Plus card.

Donate

Monetary donations are always appreciated The generosity of our patrons allows us to maintain our low costs and extend affordable services to all.

We also accept newspaper and old towels at all clinics. Feel free to drop them off during our walk-in vaccine hours.

Allen

111N.GreenvilleAve,SuiteA

Allen,TX75002

Arlington 2400SEGreenOaksBlvd

Arlington,TX76018

Denton 713SunsetStreet

Denton,TX76201

FortWorth

2401WestportPkwy,Ste.140

FortWorth,TX76177

Garland 1235NorthwestHighway

Garland,TX75041

Hurst

1856PrecinctLineRd,Ste.108

Hurst,TX76054

“I’ve been taking cats there since 24 and they have done so good with them and they’re really nice people and they do a really good job. And the new girl or guy that they got in there right now that’s doing all the surgeries is doing an excellent job. I give all of them five stars. Thank you. ”

FREE FIX DAY

TCAP is hosting a FREE Fix Day on February 26, for feral & community cats at 7 TCAP locations!

Total Estimated Sterilized Outcome: 525 Cats

$25 Neuters

With the purchase of a full set of vaccines or microchip!

FREE NAIL TRIM WITH DENTAL CLEANING

Receive a FREE Nail Trim with your pet’s Dental Cleaning for the month of February!

Did you know that there are 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats that face euthanasia in shelters right now? It’s not because they're sick or aggressive – it’s instead due to the fact that there aren’t enough homes to go around for these furry friends.

It’s not just a national issue Right here in Texas, our shelters are reaching maximum capacity – and many shelter teams and vets are forced to make difficult decisions daily The stats are sobering, but the solution is simple: taking the time to spay and neuter our pets can help prevent millions of unnecessary animal deaths each year

This February marks Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and it’s never been more important to take part Recent studies show that during the pandemic period (from 2020-2022), U S veterinarians performed 2 7 million fewer spay and neuter surgeries – and that deficit is now playing a key role in contributing to severely overcrowded shelters

Here at Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), we see every day how this simple, routine procedure can work to break the cycle of pet overpopulation Since 2002, we've been hard at work spreading the message and helping make spay/neuter services accessible and affordable for every pet owner in North Texas

But the shelter systems are struggling to recover from pandemic-era challenges – now is the time that your decision to spay or neuter your pet could have ripple effects for years to come.

Make February Count: Your Role in Creating Change

February marks Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and TCAP is working to make it easier than ever to be part of the overpopulation crisis in our local shelters.

We offer eight convenient locations across North Texas and services up to 87% lower in cost than traditional veterinary clinics – just two of the many ways we are getting rid of the barriers that often prevent pet owners from spaying and neutering their pets.

Why wait to make a simple yet impactful difference in our community? Reach out and schedule your pet's spay/neuter procedure at any of our eight North Texas locations

Visit our website at texasforthem.org or call 940-566-5551 to book an appointment. Your decision to spay or neuter your pet isn't just about preventing unwanted litters – it's about creating a healthier, happier future for all pets in our community.

Alongside our spay and neuter services, we offer:

$5 rabies vaccinations

Multiple locations across North Texas

Experienced veterinarians and caring staff

No income restrictions or residency requirements

Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

Together, we can build a Texas where every pet has a chance at a loving home – and where no animal faces euthanasia simply because there aren't enough homes to go around. This February, be part of the solution.

Let’s go back to that pandemic-era research: University of Florida research shows that stay-at-home orders created a perfect storm in animal welfare. Clinic closures and veterinary staff shortages led to millions fewer spay and neuter surgeries in 2020 and 2021 alone.

Now think of it this way: those 2.7 million unoperated pets didn't just stay as individual animals. Many of them produced litters without preventative measures – which led to more litters, which led to more litters, and so on.

It’s a compound effect that’s playing out in overpopulation and euthanasia right here in North Texas

Prior to the pandemic, spay and neuter efforts had been making remarkable progress From 1973 to 2009, we saw euthanasia rates in shelters drop dramatically from 13 5 million to 1 5 million annually

Now, those numbers are creeping back up Shelters across Texas are reporting critical overcrowding, with some forced to make difficult decisions about euthanasia simply due to lack of space

The good news? This crisis is preventable

A single spayed cat can potentially result in hundreds of fewer homeless kittens over a feline’s lifetime. It’s simple math that shows why spay/neuter services are one of the key ways to address pet overpopulation.

Reduced Cancer Risk

Spaying female pets before their first heat offers powerful protection against several life-threatening conditions.

The statistics show that the majority of cats who develop malignant breast tumors are unspayed. By spaying early, you're not just preventing unwanted litters – you're potentially adding years to your pet's life by preventing uterine infections and breast cancer

Improved Male Pet Health

For male pets, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer – and it can significantly reduce prostate problems That means a straightforward procedure may prevent many health issues typically developing in aging unneutered males, leading to a healthier life for your furry friend

Better Behavior at Home

Forget the myths about "personality changes” that come after being spayed or neutered It’s just not true!

Neutered male dogs are less likely to mark their territory inside your home or engage in mounting behaviors Female pets won't go into heat, eliminating the messy cleanup and stressful yowling that comes with heat cycles

Decreased Roaming & Fighting

If you ’ ve ever seen an animal in heat, you know that it will do almost anything to find a mate – and that often includes escaping from your yard or home

Roaming puts them at risk of traffic accidents, fights withother animals, and exposure to diseases

Spaying and neutering significantly reduce these risky behaviors, keeping your pet safe at home

Long - Term Cost Savings

While there's an upfront cost to spaying or neutering, it issues that can develop in unaltered pets From repr roaming, preventing these problems through spay/neute long run

Spay/Neuter Builds Better Communities

We’ve looked at the benefits for pets, but the same applies to owners and communities. The entire community benefits when pet owners choose to spay or neuter their pets.

Every surgery helps reduce the strain on our local shelters, decreases the number of strays on our streets, and allows animal welfare resources to be directed where they're needed most In North Texas alone, TCAP has helped prevent over 20 5 million potential litters through our affordable spay/neuter programs

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Spay & Neuter MYTH VS FACT

MYTH: It’s better to have one litter before spaying a female pet

FACT: Every litter counts

Medical evidence indicates just the opposite In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. At TCAP, our veterinarians regularly provide spays and neuters for pets 6-8 weeks of age so long as they are over 2lbs.

As a pet owner, this should be great news because it’s a lot easier to live with a spayed female or a neutered male Spayed females won’t have a heat cycle, eliminating the likelihood that they will leave bloodstains on your favorite white pants or your newly upholstered sofa, and neutered males are less likely to desire to roam or dart off in search of a mate

There are health benefits to fixing your pet as well. Dogs that are spayed before their first heat cycle have a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer and it essentially eliminates the risk of developing uterine or ovarian cancer In the same way, neutering male pets eliminates testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate problems Perhaps most importantly, choosing to spay or neuter your pet means you won’t run the risk of contributing to canine or feline overpopulation in your community

MYTH: My pet is too young to be spayed or neutered

FACT: In many cases, younger is better

Some young animals can reach sexual maturity as early as 4 months of age. With cats, especially, spaying or neutering sooner can prevent unwanted litters. Young dogs and cats can be better able to handle the surgery. Younger pets may come out of anesthesia more smoothly and recover more quickly with less bleeding and pain

MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

FACT: Your pet’s puppies or kittens have an unlikely chance of being a carbon copy of your pet

Even professional breeders cannot make this guarantee Just like all people are unique individuals, our pets are all unique as well. Aside from this, there are shelter pets waiting for homes that are just as cute, smart, sweet, and loving as your own

To learn more about TCAP’s Spay and Neuter Program visit: Let your dog chew on tennis balls For a game of fetch, tennis balls are perfectly fine. For dogs that want to continuously chew a tennis ball, however, the ball’s surface is too abrasive and can cause abnormal tooth crown wear and pulp exposure.

MYTH: It’s expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

FACT: Spays and neuters range from just $20-$65 at TCAP!

As a non-profit, TCAP strives to make essential pet care affordable throughout DFW. TCAP’s prices are, on average, 70% less than what traditional veterinary clinics charge

TCAP contracts licensed veterinarians who have extensive surgical experience and are wellversed in preventative animal care We also employ experienced and caring veterinary technicians who work alongside and support our veterinary team during their surgery sessions Our compassionate employees and our amazing shelter and rescue partners throughout North Texas help us in the fight against euthanasia in our area shelters.

Curious about how TCAP performed last month? See for yourself the impact that TCAP made in January alone!

TCAP’s Mission to end animal overpopulation & reduce euthanasia rates in North Texas Shelters reflects in our monthly impact.

Free Fix Day & Feral Fix Program

Sterilizations Performed

PAWS & PURPOSE: Meghann

Whitfield

Meet Meghann, the Fort Worth Clinic Manager at TCAP, whose 13-year journey in veterinary medicine is a testament to the power of finding one's true calling. Despite initially veering away from her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian, Meghann's path led her back to animal care, where she has flourished for over a decade.

"I remember as a child I wanted to become a veterinarian but when I got older I did not pursue it as I wished. But since I have worked here I have learned so much and I am so glad I applied here 13 years ago," Meghann reflects. Her story is a reminder that sometimes life has a way of guiding us to where we're meant to be.

At home, Meghann is the proud pet parent to a lively ‘ zoo ’ of six animals. "I have six pets in total in our crazy household," she says with a smile. Her fur family includes Yoda and Pig, two lovable pit mixes, and four cats - Ariel, Simba, Cujo, and Lucy (affectionately nicknamed Lucifur). Each pet has its own unique personality, from lap-loving Yoda to the sunbasking felines.

samemissionofhelping petsbyproviding affordablevaccinesand endingpet overpopulation.

Meghann's passion for animal welfare extends beyond her personal life and into her professional role at TCAP. "I have learned the benefits of keeping your pets up to date on vaccines and the health benefits of having your pets spayed or neutered," she explains, highlighting how her work has deepened her understanding of animal care.

Outside of work, Meghann is a creative soul with a love for bullet journaling and calligraphy. Family time is precious to her, especially as her two daughters approach graduation. "We love going to the square to the second hand bookstores, we love thrifting and just being silly," she shares, painting a picture of warm family bonds

Meghann's compassion and dedication shines through in her work at TCAP "I love when we are busy during the summer, I love seeing returning clients and watching either their puppies or kittens grow with each visit We develop relationships with a lot of our returning clients," she says, expressing how personal connections make her job fulfilling

Her leadership style is characterized by appreciation for her team. "The best part of working with my team is that they are always willing to help with anything I need them to do. I am so blessed to have such a caring group of employees who I get to work with," Meghann enthuses.

When asked about advice for pet owners, Meghann emphasizes year-round care: "I would tell them to keep their pets on heartworm and flea/tick prevention all year long since Texas can go from hot to cold then back to hot"

PAWS & PURPOSE: CONT’D

Meghann's journey at TCAP has reinforced her belief in the organization's mission "How many compassionate people who I get to work with here at TCAP We all are here for the same mission of helping pets by providing affordable vaccines and ending pet overpopulation," she notes, reflecting on what has surprised her most about working at TCAP

From her hidden talents in singing and crocheting to her love for true crime podcasts and mystery novels, Meghann Whitfield brings a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and dedication to her role at TCAP Her story is a beautiful example of how following one's passion can lead to a fulfilling career in animal welfare

Tune in to Meghanns’s Story:

MeghannspeaksonherroleasClinicManagerat theFortWorth,TexasTCAPcliniclocationandwhat inspiredhertochooseacareerinthefieldofVet Medicine.

TolearnmoreaboutMeghann&herpassionfor animals, watchherfullinterview: Meghann’s Story

As a spay and neuter clinic, we often encounter the question, “why should I spay and neuter my pet?”

To answer, let us propose an interesting scenario, instead. For just a moment, imagine a world without spay and neuter.

Efficient Reproduction

No matter their breed, background or training, all dogs and cats share one talent-they do a great job at reproducing According to the ASPCA, a female cat can give birth to up to two litters per year that result in 4-6 kittens on average A female dog can have one litter per year and that results in 4-6 puppies (larger dogs have larger litters) Puppies and kittens are able to reproduce as soon as they reach their first heat cycle at 4-6 months old. Assuming an average of 4 animals per litter, this means that in the course of one year a cat and her offspring can produce 30 kittens. Dogs, because they can only have one litter, will reproduce overall a little slower and would produce approximately 16 puppies. Without physical intervention, these numbers will only grow exponentially

Lack of Resources

Despite the current combined efforts of responsible owners, veterinarians, adoption agencies, fosters, rescue groups, and animal shelters, approximately 3.4 million animals are euthanized in United States animal shelters every year. This is not done out of malice, but simply a lack of room and a lack of resources for the number of pets in our country And that number is with the availability of low cost, high quality resources like TCAP for spay and neuter Now imagine what that number would grow to without the benefits of preventative spays and neuters available to most any household The ultimate outcome would be far more dismal and costly

The Solution

Luckily, we don’t have to live in a world without spay and neuter services that most anyone can afford. In fact, any veterinary professional would tell you that spaying and neutering is the most humane and effective way to combat pet overpopulation As a nonprofit, TCAP seeks to overcome this barrier by providing the lowest cost spays, neuters, and vaccinations in North Texas If you have any questions about sterilizing your pet or request an appointment at one of our convenient locations, give us a call at 940-566-5551 today! Together we can make a difference for people and their pets throughout North Texas

How to Advocate for Spay/Neuter

In-Home Benefits

If disproving common myths and showing them the big picture are ineffective, you can always make an appeal supporting the benefits of spay and neuter for individual pets and their owners If neutered, male pets show a reduction in testosterone This greatly reduces their desire to mark their territory as well as roam (escape) and search for a mate A female pet will no longer go into heat cycles This ends the need to clean up occasional blood spots that inevitably end up on the furniture and floors. Spaying also ends the midnight yowling from your female cat.

Perhaps the only barrier that your friend or family member faces is that they believe that spaying and neutering is too expensive, however, that is where TCAP comes in to help Our spays and neuters range from just $20-$65 As a nonprofit, TCAP strives to make essential pet care affordable throughout DFW TCAP’s prices are, on average, 70-80% less than what traditional veterinary clinics charge TCAP contracts licensed veterinarians who have extensive surgical experience and are well-versed in preventative animal care. We also employ experienced and caring veterinary technicians who work alongside and support our veterinary team during their surgery sessions Our compassionate employees and our amazing shelter and rescue partners throughout North Texas help us in the fight against euthanasia in our area shelters

Spaying and neutering is about the big picture While the short and long term benefits may seem obvious to you, it may not be the same case for a friend, family member, or neighbor At TCAP, we believe that spaying and neutering is the most humane way to combat animal overpopulation However, we recognize that we first have to pass that belief on to others before we will begin to see true results Today we will discuss a few tips we find helpful in the discussion with someone who is unconvinced to sterilize their pet.

Common Myths

There are some commonly held beliefs about spay and neuter that delay or dissuade pet owners from getting their pets spayed and neutered Being educated on what these myths are and how to overcome them through discussion will help you convey the importance of pet sterilization In a previous blog we discussed what the common myths are and why they miss the mark Check it out to learn more: Common Myths About Spay and Neuter

Sterilization Saves Lives

According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 2 4 million pets are euthanized in animal shelters each year. This means an animal is euthanized every 13 seconds. Owners who wish to breed their pet or simply don’t want to alter their pet are directly contributing to this number Many people who feel this way have not seen the big picture, but you will find that revealing this information to them in a respectful manner may help convince them to alter their pets For more in depth information about how sterilization can save lives, check out our blog post where we took a look at the implications of living in A World Without Spay and Neuter

What to Expect Following a Spay or Neuter

At TCAP, we are here to support you during your pet’s recovery process We recognize that having your pet spayed or neutered can be a scary process, but we work to make the experience as pleasant and easy as possible for both you and your pet If you find that you have questions following your pet’s surgery, please feel free to bring them by for a free recheck during our walk-in vaccine hours or reach out to our Client Care Coordinator, her phone number is located on the bottom of your yellow PostOperative Care and Pet Discharge Instructions.

For more information, you can click here!

With any surgery, post-operative care and recovery is just as important as the procedure itself Today, we will review the most important things to keep in mind when you bring your pet home after a visit to your local TCAP clinic for your pet’s spay or neuter

The Patient May Be Impatient Warning Signs

Since your pet does not know to limit his activity, to keep his incision dry, or to refrain from licking his incision it will be up to you to make certain these important post-operative instructions are followed If not, each of these situations can cause serious post-operative complications

Most pets have a higher pain tolerance than we do. Oftentimes, their body tells them that they are 100% better before their incision has had time to heal In some cases, as soon as the effects of the anesthesia wear off, your pet can be back to her old-playful self An average incision typically takes 10-14 days to fully heal This means remaining disciplined as a pet owner and keeping your pet s ecollar on while limiting her activity levels for at least 2 weeks following the surgery is a must The best way to do this is to keep her in her kennel or in a small room (such as a guest bathroom) away from children, other pets, and any other exciting stimuli

When you let your dog outside make certain to keep her on a leash Light walking is okay during this recovery time but running is absolutely not allowed

You will need to watch for signs that your pet’s recovery is coming along smoothly While viewing the incision site please note that your pet may have buried sutures that may not be visible on the skin The incision should be closed and not open.

It is important that you monitor your pet’s surgery site daily to check for signs of bleeding or infection (i.e. weeping or oozing wounds, puffiness, or bubble-like masses under the skin) Male dog’s scrotums may swell after being neutered A small amount of swelling can be typical If a large amount of swelling does occur, you will need to bring him back to a TCAP for a follow up Observe your pet for extended periods of lethargy, loss of appetite, or constipation These symptoms may warrant a need to come in for a free recheck (please note that the anesthesia may cause your pet to feel nauseous up to 24 hours following the procedure and this may briefly affect their appetite)

If you notice any issues with your pet’s incision site or major changes in your pet’s behavior we encourage you to bring him by a TCAP clinic during our walk-in vaccine hours for a free recheck.

SHELTER CONTACT LIST

SHELTER CONTACT LIST CONT’D

SHELTER CONTACT LIST CONT’D

Are you a pet lover? Do you like working in a challenging, high-energy workplace? Do you want your daily efforts to contribute to a great cause? If so, then TCAP is the right place for you!

Working in the veterinary industry is highly rewarding. At Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), our goal is simple, end euthanasia and increase animal welfare in North Texas by providing affordable, high quality preventative care. However, simple is not always easy. Millions of animals each year are euthanized in shelters across the nation because there are not enough available homes for these deserving pets

Our team aims to set this right through providing high-volume, low cost spays and neuters Spaying and neutering pets has proven to be the most humane and effective method available for fighting euthanasia. Last year alone, TCAP’s compassionate veterinary team provided more than 70,000 spays and neuters in the DFW Area. But there are many more animals that need our help.

We need compassionate, driven individuals to join our team. TCAP offers competitive pay, robust benefits, extensive training opportunities, room for career growth, a fun atmosphere, a supportive culture, and a large number of cute and cuddly patients!

TCAP is hiring for all positions such as Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician, Office Manager, and Office Assistant. Benefits include 401K with company match, paid time off, Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, short term and long term disability, $10K life insurance, employee service discounts, flexible scheduling and awesome work-life balance!

Start your career at TCAP Today!

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