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 summer, shelters need their community now more than ever. Find out how you can make a difference in a shelter pet's life!

Hosted by: Jessica Navarro
Produced by: Michele Anderson
Special Guests: Joe Cortez, Community Programs Manager at El Paso Animal Services

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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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 we see in our community: cats.

Cats, especially community cats, are among the most underreported victims of cruelty. At the same time, Animal Services has seen an increase in intentional harm involving cats, including poisoning, physical abuse, and neglect.

We talk with Animal Protection Supervisor, Alberto Ortiz about the importance of speaking up and speaking out against cruelty in our community, and with Sun City Cats volunteer Patti Hack about the ways the community cat get involved in caring and protecting our community's feline friends.

Want more information on what to do if you suspect animal cruelty? Visit our website www.ElPasoAnimalServices.org.

Hosted by: Jessica Navarro
Produced by: Michele Anderson
Special Guests: Patti Hack from Sun City Cats and Alberto Ortiz from the EPAS Animal Protection Division

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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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 website for helpful information and ways you can get involved in TNR - www.ElPasoTNR.org.

Hosted by: Jessica Navarro

Produced by: Michele Anderson

Special Guests: Cindy Hernandez and Rachel Haddad from El Paso TNR

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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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 for senior cats. For our cat lovers, this episode is for you!

Hosted by: Jessica Navarro

Produced by: Michele Anderson

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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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 costs, lack of housing, and a struggling economy.

The CAPS program has evolved over the years with one goal in mind—keep families together. Tune in to find out how this small but mighty team works with the community to keep pets with the families that love them through education, resources, and support.

Want more information on available resources through our CAPS program? Visit www.ElPasoAnimalServices.org/PetSupport.

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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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 Training.

About Jenna Pellerito CBCC-KA, ABC-DT

Jenna Pellerito is a Canine Behavior Consultant and Dog Trainer who has been in and out of the animal welfare field for 7 years. Outside of working in shelters, Jenna primarily consults behavior cases full time, both in Columbia, SC and virtually worldwide, where she works hands on with clients and their dogs to help them overcome severe behavioral issuesShe also has a vibrant social media presence where she talks about the importance of teaching dogs with compassion, mutual understanding and backed by science. For more information on Jenna, visit her website www.TheFutureIsForceFree.com or follow her on social media @thefutureisforcefree.

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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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 Outreach Specialist at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site in El Paso, Texas. She has worked within the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for about six years, beginning her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Franklin Mountains State Park focused on creating opportunities for underserved communities in the outdoors. Since beginning her journey at Hueco, she has developed a personal passion for cultural and heritage interpretation as well as community engagement. She is driven by the joy of sharing the wonders of the outdoors and culture in her community. Outside of work she enjoys cats, nature bathing, doodles, aerial arts, and letting the sun filter through her eyelids.

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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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 about "Taking the Moment" and prioritizing talking about mental health without feeling guilty or ashamed. While stigma around mental health persists, one thing remains true—our pets never judge us and are always there to support us with unconditional love!

Learn more about NAMI El Paso and the resources they have available to the borderland community at www.namiep.org.

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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