By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
After nearly eight years of fundraising, renovations and volunteer work, Del Rio’s Animal Advocacy & Rescue Coalition (AARC) recently hosted its first low-cost spay and neuter clinic.
The clinic was held at the former Rathke veterinary building, 404 Converse St, once home to longtime local veterinarian Hermann Rathke’s practice. The building had sat vacant for about five years before AARC acquired it in 2018.
According to Katelyn Hargrove Hurta, director of AARC, the organization spent years restoring and equipping the facility before it was finally ready to begin hosting clinics.
“Since 2018, we’ve been working diligently to rescue animals in need while also undertaking the huge project of remodeling the Rathke Building,” Hurta said. “It took years of fundraising and generous donations just to complete the remodel, and then several more years to fully equip the facility.”
Hurta said the organization recently reached a major milestone by hosting its first clinic.
“After eight long years of tireless work, we were finally able to host our first low-cost spay and neuter clinic,” she said.
Over the course of two days, one veterinarian, a veterinary technician and a small team of volunteers spayed or neutered and vaccinated 53 dogs and cats from across the community.
Hurta said donations from supporters allowed the organization to significantly reduce the cost of the procedures for pet owners.
Even with the successful clinic, the demand remains overwhelming. AARC officials said the clinic still ended with a waiting list of 36 additional animals needing services.
“The need for affordable spay and neuter services in our community is tremendous,” Hurta said. “It’s one of the only proven ways to reduce the number of stray animals and unplanned litters throughout the city and county.”
AARC operates entirely through donations and volunteers. Those interested in supporting the organization can donate through Cash App at $AARCdelrio or directly through its account at The Bank & Trust in Del Rio.
