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Laredo Public Health Department to host Paws & Pause event

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 12:53 GMT by KGNS-TV
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I will attempt to fetch the page content.Laredo Public Health Department Hosts “PAWS PAUSE” Community Event

The Laredo Public Health Department (LPHD) is set to host its first “PAWS PAUSE” event on Saturday, October 26, 2025, at the Laredo Convention Center. The three‑hour gathering, scheduled to run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will bring together pet lovers, families, and public health professionals for a day of free veterinary services, educational workshops, and fun activities for animals and their owners. The event, which will be held in the convention center’s main atrium and adjacent park area, is part of LPHD’s ongoing effort to promote responsible pet ownership and curb zoonotic disease transmission in the Laredo region.

Purpose and Vision

“PAWS PAUSE” is a partnership between the LPHD and the Laredo Humane Society, backed by local veterinarians, pet‑product retailers, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). According to Dr. Maria Gonzalez, LPHD Director, the event’s goal is twofold: to provide the community with accessible pet‑health resources and to educate residents on best practices for keeping pets—and the people around them—safe from infectious diseases that can cross the animal‑human barrier. “By bringing veterinary care to the heart of Laredo, we’re showing that caring for a pet is a community responsibility,” Gonzalez said in a statement posted on the LPHD website.

Highlights and Activities

• Free Veterinary Check‑Ins
  LPHD staff, together with volunteer veterinarians from Dr. Smith Veterinary Clinic and Laredo Animal Care Center, will conduct on‑site wellness checks. Services include routine physical exams, vaccinations, parasite screening, and flea‑tick prevention consultations. Pet owners can receive a health summary card for future reference.

• Expert Talks
  A lineup of presenters will cover topics such as zoonotic disease prevention, pet nutrition, behavioral training, and the importance of regular veterinary visits. Sessions are scheduled every half hour, and a live Q&A will allow attendees to engage directly with experts.

• Adoption Expo
  The Laredo Humane Society will host an adoption booth featuring dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Prospective adopters can meet animals in person, review adoption contracts, and speak with staff about the responsibilities of pet ownership. The expo will also highlight the society’s foster‑care program, encouraging community members to consider fostering as an interim solution.

• Interactive Zones
  An agility course will let dogs showcase their tricks and improve coordination, while a “Pet Photo Booth” will let families capture moments with their furry companions. A “Pet‑Friendly Snack Bar” will offer complimentary water and dog biscuits, along with a “Healthy Treat” station where pet owners can learn how to make safe homemade snacks.

• Community Engagement
  Food trucks, live acoustic music, and raffle prizes donated by local businesses will add a festive atmosphere. The event will be free to attend, though registration is encouraged via the LPHD’s online portal to help organizers manage the flow of participants.

Partners and Sponsors

LPHD’s announcement lists several key partners:
- Laredo Humane Society – Adoption and rescue coordination
- Dr. Smith Veterinary Clinic & Laredo Animal Care Center – Veterinary services
- PetSmart and Purina – Pet‑product sponsorship
- Laredo Chamber of Commerce – Community outreach and promotion
- Texas DSHS – Public health oversight and guidance

These collaborations underscore the joint commitment of public and private sectors to animal health and community welfare.

Registration and Further Information

The LPHD has made the event accessible by providing a simple online registration form at https://www.laredohealth.gov/paws-pause. The page includes the event agenda, a list of sponsors, and a FAQ section addressing common concerns such as vaccination requirements and pet‑transportation logistics. Additional resources are available on the Laredo Humane Society’s adoption portal, offering virtual tours of available animals and guidelines for first‑time pet owners.

Why the Community Should Attend

“PAWS PAUSE” represents an opportunity for Laredo residents to learn, engage, and take actionable steps toward healthier pets and healthier neighborhoods. By offering free veterinary care, educational sessions, and adoption opportunities all in one place, the LPHD is creating a model that could be replicated in other Texas communities. The event also aligns with the broader public health agenda of reducing zoonotic disease risk, a concern that has become increasingly salient in the wake of global pandemics.

Closing Remarks

Dr. Gonzalez closed her announcement by noting that the event is “more than a pet fair; it’s a public health initiative that brings science, service, and community together.” With a clear focus on education and prevention, the Laredo Public Health Department’s “PAWS PAUSE” event promises to deliver tangible benefits for both animals and humans alike. Attendees will leave with healthier pets, new knowledge, and a stronger sense of community stewardship.