SPCA of Texas Partners with Parkland Health to Provide Animal Care for Hospital Patients with Pets

New program offers temporary care for pets when qualifying Parkland patients are admitted, eliminating the stress of patients choosing between care for themselves or their pets.

DALLAS — The SPCA of Texas announces a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Parkland Health to provide temporary care to the pets of qualifying patients in need of animal assistance while at Parkland. This collaboration ensures patients do not have to choose between getting care for themselves or caring for a pet.

The agreement aligns with both organizations’ missions to deliver high-quality, accessible, health-related services that meet patient needs. Under the program, Parkland identifies eligible patients and the SPCA of Texas picks up their pets for care while the patient receives treatment. Acceptance for animal care assistance is determined case by case, and patient privacy, confidentiality and security are maintained throughout the process.

“We are proud to partner with Parkland Health on this important program that supports the relationships between people and their pets as we work to enhance that animal-human bond,” said SPCA of Texas Sr. Director of Lifesaving Operations Sarah Sheek. “Emotional health can be lifesaving for both humans and their furry companions. By taking in and caring for vulnerable animals when their human is in a desperate situation, we hope to alleviate a great deal of stress for both of them to augment their healing.”

The program supports patients across Parkland Health, not only those entering through the Emergency Department. Once a pet is referred, the SPCA of Texas transports him or her to its shelter, where each animal is examined and provided medical care, if necessary. Pets also are vaccinated and microchipped and receive daily care, enrichment, food and boarding. Pets can be cared for at the shelter for up to 14 days, with extensions considered by mutual agreement. Animal care assistance is available for a variety of species, including, but not limited to, dogs and cats.

By providing safe transport, temporary shelter, veterinary services and reunification, the SPCA of Texas and Parkland Health reduce barriers to treatment, strengthen the human-animal bond and help patients return home to the companions who matter most.

About SPCA of Texas

Founded in 1938,the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas County. The entity maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruel situations each year in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other organization and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.

About Parkland Health

Parkland Health first opened its doors in 1894 and is now one of the largest public hospital systems in the country. The hospital averages more than 1 million outpatient visits annually.

Services include a Level I Trauma Center, the only burn center in North Texas, verified to treat adult and pediatric patients, and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The system also includes a network of community-based health centers, including primary care and women’s clinics, and numerous outreach and education programs. Parkland is the primary teaching hospital for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

To learn more about Parkland Health, visit parklandhealth.org.