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PALS – Pet care assistance for the Disabled

Appealing for benefits is best done under the guidance of an experienced disability lawyer.

Meals on Wheels in Austin has a program to help care for the companion animals of the housebound.

Author Attorney Lloyd Bemis:

Social interaction and feelings of isolation can be challenging for people with disabilities who often spend a great deal of time alone. The emotional stress and physical pain of being disabled can be overwhelming, especially if faced without family or friends. A special animal companion to count on can be a much needed lifeline for those with mobility issues and having a pet to talk to and care for can make all the difference. Pets are there when others simply cannot be, and the benefit of having a furry friend to hold and touch is both comforting and therapeutic for those who struggle daily with the challenges of disabilities.

Companion pet assistance

PALS – Pet care assistance for the Disabled in Austin. Pet ownership is not easy for the disabled. Animal companions need food, walks, grooming and occasional boarding along with trips to the veterinarian.


Pet ownership is not easy for the disabled.

Animal companions need food, walks, grooming and occasional boarding along with trips to the veterinarian. These tasks can be highly challenging to individuals who a housebound. Finding someone reliable to help care for a dog or cat and concern for the well-being of a loved pet only adds to the daily stress of dealing with a disability.


PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) is a special program created by Meals-On-Wheels of Central Texas to serve seniors and the disabled by delivering pet food and providing transportation for basic veterinary services to the mobility challenged.

According to Heather Allard of Meals-on-Wheels

“A person must be a meal recipient client of MOWCTX in order to be eligible for PALS services. MOWCTX serves elderly and disabled homebound folks who are not able to prepare a hot, nutritious meals for themselves at lunch time and who do not have any other resources in the home, such as a family member or attendant care, to prepare a lunch for them. There is not an age limitation or income limitation. Rather, our services are based on who needs the help. Once an applicant is determined to be eligible for meal services, their case manager will refer them to us for PALS services. It is important to note that there are waitlists for both the meal program and the various PALS services. “


PALS delivers pet food and other supplies every second Saturday of the month to those with four legged friends in need.

PALS can also supply collars, leashes, bedding, toys, and scratching posts when available. Pet food is delivered once a month, but pet owners may request what they need.


PALS also provides assistance when an animal needs veterinary services.

They will take the pet to regular vet appointments, spay/neuter surgery and they will drive the companion animal in for its annual vaccinations. Animals are transported in crates or carriers and advance notice is required. PALS will also pick up the pet and return it to its home after an appointment. This service is made possible though the help of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and Emancipet.


Pets who belong to disabled individuals often suffer from lack of exercise or socialization.

To help address this issue PALS initiated a program where volunteers are scheduled to come by weekly (or more often) to walk dogs. Families often volunteer together to perform this community service as a way of bonding and teaching children how to care for animals and those less fortunate.


Cat and Dog assistance for the disabled

Meals on Wheels in Austin has a program to help care for the companion animals of the housebound. Call 512-476-MEAL

PALS always welcomes donations in the form of money or supplies.

Money can be kindly donated here. Supplies can be dog or cat food, (Purina dog or cat food preferably) cat litter, or new and gently used pet supply items such as collars, leashes, bedding, scratching posts, and toys. Donations may be dropped off at Meals on Wheels Central Texas at 3227 East 5th Street, Monday through Thursday, 8am to 5pm, and Friday, 8am to 2:30pm


Volunteers may offer their services by contacting the PALS Coordinator at pals@mealsonwheelsandmore.org or by calling 512-476-6325.

If you wish to receive meals or pet services please call the main number at 512-476-6325 and ask for “Intake”.

There is also an online Client Interest Form.


The Fair Housing Amendments Act along with the Americans with Disabilities Act protects the right of people with disabilities to keep emotional support animals, even when a landlord’s policy prohibits pets.


The Pet Food Bank of Austin & Travis County also can supply food for loved pets in need.

Contact jasper@sysmatrix.net (512) 288-4480 (512)453-7737

They have a number of donation drop off locations around Austin:

Donation barrel locations:

Bark ‘n Purr – 4604 Burnet Rd, Austin map
Tractor Supply – 1711B W Highway 290, Dripping Springs. 858-7229 map
Whole Pets Market – 911 W Highway 290 W, Dripping Springs. – 858-5400
Healthy Pets – 4301 William Cannon at Arbor Trails. – 892-8848
Just For Pets – 3742 Far West Blvd, Ste 104, Austin. – 342-2220
DLS Feed Store – 13030 W Highway 290, Austin. – 288-5025
Emancipet – 7201 Levander Loop, Buildings I & K, Austin TX 78702 – (512) 587-7729
Taurus Training and Doggy Play Day
Taurus McNeil – 6917 McNeil Dr., just off Hwy 183. – 258-5588
Taurus Metric – 12419 Metric, just south of Parmer. – 832-1012
Taurus Lamar – 715 S. Lamar Blvd, near Barton Springs Rd. – 442-3416
Austin Animal Center
7201 Levander Loop, Austin, TX 78702


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Applying for Social Security or Long Term Disability benefits can be a confusing process. Most initial Social Security claims are denied and Long Term Disability Insurance providers are notorious for denying legitimate claims. If you’re struggling because you don’t know where to start, or if you feel like giving up because your claim has been denied, we are here to help. The attorneys at Bemis, Roach and Reed have experience navigating the complexities of Social Security and fighting insurance companies. We also understand that most applicants are not in an ideal situation financially. If you use the services of Bemis, Roach and Reed, you don’t have to worry about paying for representation and then losing your claim. The only fees we collect are a percentage of the back benefits you receive. This means you are not expected to pay upfront and you are not expected to pay if we cannot win your claim. Call us today for a free consultation. Call 512-454-4000 and get help NOW.

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Attorney Lloyd BemisAuthor: Attorney Lloyd Bemis has been practicing law for over 35 years. He is Superlawyers rated by Thomson Reuters and is Top AV Preeminent® and Client Champion Gold rated by Martindale Hubbell. Through his extensive litigation Mr. Bemis obtained dual board certifications from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Lloyd is admitted to practice in the United States District Court – all Texas Districts and has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Mr. Bemis is a member of the Travis County Bar Association. He has been active in the American Association for Justice and is a past Director of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Bemis and all the members of Bemis, Roach & Reed have been active participants in the Travis County Lawyer referral service.

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