Local animal shelters unite to save lives in Texas

More than 120 pets moved out of shelters and into new homes during the first-ever multi-shelter adoption event in the Rio Grande Valley.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:00pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a crowd of people and pets at an outdoor adoption event, with blurred vendor booths and colorful decorations in the background, conveying the joyful energy of the community coming together to save animal lives.The vibrant atmosphere of the first-ever multi-shelter adoption event in Mission, Texas, where over 120 pets found new loving homes.Mission Today

Excitement radiated off the sidewalks, vendor booths, and rows of happy people and pets during the first-ever multi-shelter adoption event in Mission, Texas. More than 120 cats and dogs went home during the one-day event, which brought together pets from Mission Animal Shelter, Palm Valley Animal Society, and Weslaco Animal Care Services.

Why it matters

The event grew out of a simple need: help more pets get adopted faster. Staff at Mission Animal Shelter were eager to try new adoption strategies to better serve pets in their care. One idea quickly rose to the top: bring together several shelters that take in large numbers of pets and host one large-scale adoption event for the Rio Grande Valley.

The details

Best Friends helped plan the event, sponsored adoption fees, and supported marketing efforts to raise awareness in the community. Best Friends staff also provided on-site help during the event, from setup and outreach to greeting attendees and handing out goodie bags. On the day of the event, volunteers from across the region joined the shelter staff, helping with everything from setup to animal care and adoption counseling.

  • The first-ever multi-shelter adoption event took place on April 16, 2026 in Mission, Texas.

The players

Mission Animal Shelter

One of the largest animal shelters in the Rio Grande Valley that partnered with other local shelters to host the adoption event.

Palm Valley Animal Society

One of the largest animal shelters in the Rio Grande Valley that partnered with other local shelters to host the adoption event.

Weslaco Animal Care Services

One of the largest animal shelters in the Rio Grande Valley that partnered with other local shelters to host the adoption event.

Best Friends

A national animal welfare organization that helped plan the event, sponsored adoption fees, and supported marketing efforts to raise awareness in the community.

Steven Kotsatos

The director of health, code enforcement, and animal services for the city of Mission.

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What they’re saying

“Three of the largest animal shelters in the Rio Grande Valley have come together and partnered to adopt loving and deserving animals in one setting in Mission, Texas. Our goal is to provide a safe and loving environment for each dog and cat and give them the ultimate chance to thrive and grow in a loving home.”

— Steven Kotsatos, Director of health, code enforcement, and animal services for the city of Mission

“Oftentimes the shelters in the Rio Grande Valley can be siloed, and they tend to do everything on their own. So seeing them all come to one place with one goal in mind was really heartwarming.”

— Melissa Mercado, Best Friends staff member

What’s next

The shelters plan to continue working together to host more multi-shelter adoption events in the future to help more pets find loving homes in the Rio Grande Valley.

The takeaway

This event highlights the power of collaboration and community involvement in animal welfare. By bringing together multiple shelters and engaging volunteers and adopters from across the region, the organizers were able to find homes for over 120 pets in a single day, demonstrating the potential for local adoption to play a bigger role in lifesaving efforts.