The Laredo Animal Protective Society (LAPS) is Laredo’s only no kill shelter. They reside on a block of land in the mostly vacant area of west Laredo. Located at 2500 Gonzalez Street, LAPS is open for walk-ins from 11am -3:00pm Wednesdays through Saturdays and by appointment on from 3:00-5:30pm Wednesdays through Saturdays.
All dogs are available for adoption. They are vaccinated against distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus, bordetella bronchiseptica and rabies. They are given a SNAP blood test if over 7 months and are on flea/tick preventative if over 2 months. All dogs are dewormed, microchipped and spayed/neutered. LAPS tries to rescue dogs from being euthanized at the city shelter; however, they have limited space.
Fostering animals is a great way to help LAPS. The number of dogs they save depends on the number of people who open their homes to foster. When fostering, LAPS encourages you to share your experiences and insights with them. This helps to ensure a perfect fit with the animals “furever” home. There is no cost to foster. LAPS will provide you with the necessary supplies for the dog you foster. All you need to provide is a safe, clean, caring environment with food, water, and shelter. Dogs should have plenty of socialization, love, and exercise.
Ruby is a miniature dear head chihuahua that was fostered by the Perez family. She was fostered after Princess passed away. The Perez family had loved and cared for Princess for 15 years. They felt their home was quiet and empty without Princess. Afraid to adopt a new dog, they optioned to foster Ruby. After a few days, it was a sealed deal. Ruby was already part of the family. She has since been adopted by the Perez family. She enjoys going for walks with the family and riding in the car. She especially likes laying on Mom and Dad’s lap, chasing the cat out of her spot and sleeping in the bed with Mom and Dad. Mrs. Perez shares, “Ruby has brought life back to our quite house and more love than we could imagine. Ruby loves kissing her Daddy every night before she cuddles to sleep.”
The Perez family is just one example of the lives you touch when you give to United Way of Laredo. With your support, United Way is able to provide financial resources to agencies like LAPS to ensure they are able to provide programs and services to those in need. For more information on how you can support the United Way of Laredo or any of their network of agencies contact the United Way at uwlaredo@unitedwaylaredo.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaylaredo.org If you are in need of community resources and are not sure where to turn dial 2-1-1 for information on programs and services in available in our community.