EPAS Unleashed

As National Foster a Pet Month comes to a close, we sit down with Community Programs Manager, Joe Cortez to talk about all things foster and how this lifesaving program is a game-changer to lifesaving. Ever thought about fostering? This program is perfect for those that don't want a long-term commitment. Whether you’re in it for a few weeks or just a few days, every bit helps.   Coming into s...

In honor of National Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month, which occurs every April, we are sitting down with our Animal Protection team and our partners Sun City Cats to talk about the importance of bringing awareness to cruelty, especially for our feline friends.  This year's campaign, “Claws Against Cruelty: Kindness for All Cats,” brings attention to one of the most vulnerable populations w...

In this episode of EPAS Unleashed, local trap-neuter-return advocacy organization El Paso TNR joins us to talk about the importance of community involvement, debunk myths about feral cats, and share impactful stories to promote humane solutions for managing outdoor cats, especially during kitten season. Are you seeing cats in your neighborhood? If you live in El Paso, visit El Paso TNR's webs...

In this episode of EPAS Unleashed, we sit down with our resident cat expert Wesley Walker to discuss various aspects of cat health, including the importance of vaccinations, weight management, dental care, and the significance of spaying and neutering.  We also delve into common health issues such as kidney disease and dental disease, as well as the importance of litter box maintenance and care fo...

EPAS Unleashed is back, and we're kicking off with an episode that truly speaks to today's challenges. In this month's episode, Community First, we sit down with Kristen Gurrola and Alyssa Atilano from the Community and Pet Support Team at El Paso Animal Services to talk about pet ownership and the challenges many pet parents find themselves facing when navigating increased pet cost...

As pet parents, our jobs are much more than just making sure our pet has the basic needs—we also have to make sure they are loved and protected. In this month’s episode of EPAS Unleashed, we talk with Certified Behavior Consultant Jenna Pellerito about dog behavior, what to look out for when looking for a dog trainer, how to keep our pets happy with enrichment, and the importance of Fear Free Trai...

Living in the vibrant Chihuahuan Desert, we are no strangers to seeing wildlife. In this month's episode of EPAS Unleashed, we talk with Nicole Roque from Texas Parks and Wildlife about our diverse ecosystem, how we can not only live amongst but coexist with our local wildlife, and how to protect ourselves, our pets and our wildlife. About Nicole Roque Nicole Roque has serves as the Community...

May is National Mental Health Awareness month and we sat down with Executive Director, Isidro Torres with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) El Paso branch to talk about mental health, mental illness, resources for the community and of course, how pets can help support mental health and wellness.  During the month of May, NAMI's national Mental Health Awareness campaign was all ab...

Temperatures are rising and we're feeling the heat—the heat of being inundated with puppies and kittens, and the prevalence of disease in our region. In this month's episode of EPAS Unleashed, we sit down with our guest, Dr. Priscilla Rubio from TLC Animal Hospital to talk about how YOU can help 'Beat The Heat.' This episode covers the importance of vaccinating your pets, spayi...

EPAS Education Coordinator, Jessica Navarro sits down with Wayside Waifs to talk about their No More Bullying program and how it increases empathy amongst elementary school students toward both humans and animals.  Thanks to a partnership following a recent fellowship, El Paso Animal Services will be bringing this program to the El Paso community! Learn more about the No More Bullying program in t...

Happy Howlidays from all of us at El Paso Animal Services! In this month's episode of EPAS Unleashed, we sit with Dr. Priscilla Rubio from TLC Animal Hospital to answer your questions about pet safety around the holidays—everything from what can and CAN'T pets eat, what plants are dangerous, and other ways you can avoid an emergency trip to the vet that nobody wants.  Thank you to all of...

Did you know that there is extensive research that proves there's a strong link between family violence and animal abuse? People abused by people often abuse animals, and people who abuse animals also often abuse people—it's an endless cycle.  In this month's episode of EPAS Unleashed, we sit with Anabel and Marissa from the EmpOURment Project at the El Paso Center Against Sexual an...

You've probably heard the popular saying, "Adopt Don't Shop." In this month's episode of EPAS Unleashed, we talk about why you should make adoption your ONLY option, how breeding is not only (in most cases) illegal in the borderland, the impact it has on pet overpopulation, and how you can help. Every year, millions of animals end up in shelters across the country, while b...

Our guest this month said it best, “From East Coast to West Coast, ear tips save lives!” This month’s episode of EPAS Unleashed, we chat with host of The Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron about community cats, TNR, and how a community can come together to save lives while also reducing the cat population in neighborhoods. We cover a lot of information in this episode, and reference some great...

Anyone can foster, and we mean ANYONE! But don't take it from us, one of our amazing fosters and volunteers Josette sits down with us to talk about how she finds the time to make a difference in shelter pets lives, even with a full time job and pets of her own. We hope this inspires you to consider fostering with your local shelter or rescue, too! If you're local to El Paso and want to t...

June is National Foster Appreciation Month, and in this month's episode of EPAS Unleashed, we chat with our Foster Coordinator, Valentin Garcia about all-things fostering! All your foster questions are answered here, and learn a bit about how this program came to be.  Thank you to all of the amazing people that open their homes to a shelter pet in need!  About Valentin Garcia Valentin joined...

May is National Chip Your Pet Month, and in this month's episode, we speak with our Community and Pet Support Supervisor, Renee Rojas to talk about the importance of pet microchipping, and the resources that El Paso Animal Services offers to help keep pets at home with the families that love them.  If you're in El Paso and your pet needs a microchip, we offer FREE microchipping services...

In this episode of EPAS Unleashed, we sit down with our Volunteer Coordinator, Jessica Hernandez to learn about the volunteer program at El Paso Animal Services, how the community can help, and upcoming events. Whether you're a dog lover, a cat lover, want to help from home, are 8 years old to 99 years old, we have something you can help with! If this episode inspired you to volunteer, visit...

In this month's episode of EPAS Unleashed, we talk about Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month, a day in the life of an Animal Protection Officer, and how you can help keep your community's pets safe from cruelty or neglect.  To find out more about our 'Go Orange for Animals' campaign and how you can help, visit our website www. ElPasoAnimalServices.org/news. About Gina Ramirez Gi...

If you have baby fever, or you just love kittens and thought about fostering, this episode is for you! We get down to the nitty gritty of fostering neonatal kittens, kitten season and TNR (trap-neuter-return) with this month's special guest, Nicole Wisneskie from Best Friends Animal Society.  To find more information about kitten season and fostering, visit our website www. SaveTheKittensEP.c...

In this month's episode of the EPAS Unleashed Podcast, we're talking to our sole resident veterinarian, Dr. Tony Chacon, about National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month or National Prevent A Litter Month, the importance of spaying or neutering your pet, the health and behavior benefits, and some common misconceptions associated with fixing your pet.  To find spay/neuter resources in the El Pa...

On our last episode, we talked about National Train Your Dog Month. This bonus Q&A episode, we took your questions to one of our Training & Enrichment Coordinators, Mason Castillo. Tune in later this month where we'll talk with our Veterinarian, Dr. Tony Chacon about Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and the many benefits of making sure your pet is spayed or neutered.  Have ideas for future...

Kicking the year off with our very first episode of EPAS Unleashed! January is National Train Your Dog Month, so this month we are talking to El Paso Animal Services' very own Animal Training & Enrichment Coordinator, Mason Castillo about what animal training is, the importance of puppy socialization, and learning animal behavior.  El Paso Animal Services offers great resources to new pet...

Hello animal lovers! We are excited to introduce our new podcast, EPAS Unleashed! Every month we'll bring you new episodes covering various topics, including pet tips, lifesaving news, special guests and more. We are making this for you, our community, and would love to cover topics you'd find interesting—reach out to us if you have an idea! Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov . Hav...