The Corpus Christi Animal Care Services Division is proud to announce that they have placed second in their Division in the 2013 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100,000 challenge. In addition to placing second in Division four, CCACSD placed fifth in the country, earning the “Most Improved Player “award. On Monday Animal Care Services was presented with a check in the amount of $30,000 from the ASPCA for their accomplishments. Animal Care Services will use the prize money to expand our Targeted Spay/Neuter Program and provide humane housing for cats at the Animal Shelter.

The 2013 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge was a nationwide competition for animal shelters (and their communities) aimed at getting more animals adopted or returned to their owners than ever before. Corpus Christi Animal Care Services competed against nine other similarly sized animal shelters nationwide in our division and 49 shelters overall. The shelter that demonstrated the largest increase of live release (return to owner and adoptions) during the months of June, July and August in comparison to 2012, earned $100,000 from the ASPCA. In placing second, Corpus Christi Animal Care Services saved 858 dogs and cats during the three month period, an increase of 553 lives saved over 2012! The ASPCA reports that nationwide 56,379 lives were saved—an increase of 12,050 over last year.

Corpus Christi Animal Care Services worked closely with People Assisting Animal Control to win this award. PAAC is a non-profit organization that assists Animal Care Services and promotes responsible pet ownership and adoption. Without the hard work and dedication of staff and PAAC volunteers, this award would not have been possible. CCACS and PAAC wish to thank all the volunteers, donors, and sponsors who contributed tremendously to the success of this competition. Most of all, we thank those in the community who saved the life of a needy dog or cat through adoption.