The program is designed to ensure that people facing mental health challenges or emergencies do not have to choose between their own safety and the well-being of their pets.
The gist
Through this collaboration, the HHS will offer free temporary boarding for up to 90 days, including meals and daily care. Pets may also receive spay and neuter services and updated vaccinations during their stay, with the owner’s consent, according to the release.
Originally developed to support victims of domestic violence, the initiative has since expanded to assist anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or other emergencies, recognizing the strong emotional bond between individuals and their pets and aiming to remove barriers that might prevent people from seeking professional help, per the release.
“Pets are a huge support for individuals, and having a safe place to take care of them can mean the difference between life and death,” Texana Crisis Center Manager Eilean Mackenzie said in the release. “When someone is in crisis and needs to leave home, to reach out and either stay or go, it is often about the safety of their family members, including their fur babies.”
What they offer
According to its website, the Texana Crisis Center offers two programs for adults in mental health crises including:
- The Extended Observation Unit, which provides up to 48 hours of intensive stabilization for individuals at moderate to high risk
- The Crisis Residential Unit, which offers short-term residential care for those at lower risk who need structured support
Moving forward
All services provided through this partnership are available at no cost to clients receiving services at Texana’s Crisis Center, per the release. Individuals seeking more information can contact the crisis hotline at 1-800-633-5686.
