WEBSTER — Lifeline of Galveston County, a nonprofit organization founded in 2020, continues to make a significant impact on local animal welfare by providing alternatives to euthanasia for shelter animals and offering community resources.

Caroline McKenna, executive director and co-founder of Lifeline, explained that the organization began with three women who had experience in animal control and wanted to create additional support for municipal shelters. “Our mission is to help local shelters avoid euthanizing animals due to space or lack of resources,” McKenna said.

In 2023, Lifeline opened an adoption center in a former hair salon, where it now facilitates 50 to 80 adoptions per month. The nonprofit also operates a pet food bank and provides free vaccines for the community, all funded through public donations. At any given time, Lifeline manages between 15 and 100 foster animals.

McKenna also praised nearby League City Animal Care and Adoption for its high live-release rates, but noted that Lifeline primarily partners with Galveston County shelters, Galveston Island and Bayou Animal Services, and Dickinson shelters. “They do a phenomenal job, but we fill the gaps where funding and space are limited,” she said.

The organization prides itself on its no-kill philosophy. McKenna emphasized that Lifeline never euthanizes animals unless absolutely necessary for their welfare. Additionally, the nonprofit maintains a relationship with adopters and will take animals back if needed, ensuring pets find safe and suitable homes.

Currently, Lifeline has the capacity to manage approximately 150 animals across its programs, although the adoption center itself houses about 30 cats and five dogs. Each animal’s intake averages $400, a modest amount compared to larger shelters, but one that limits the number of animals the organization can care for at a time.

In addition to ongoing adoption efforts, Lifeline hosts fundraisers and community events. Its first major winter event, “Lifeline PAWty,” is scheduled for December 13 at Walter Hall Park. The family-friendly event will include bounce houses, vendors, carnival games, and vaccines for pets.

McKenna highlighted that monthly donor contributions are particularly valuable to the organization, providing a steady and reliable source of funding. “The end of the year is always challenging for small nonprofits like ours, so every donation helps us continue our mission,” she said.

Lifeline of Galveston County is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and publishes its financial information online. Residents interested in supporting the organization or learning more about upcoming events can visit its website.

For more information or to make a donation, visit https://www.lifelinetx.org/.

_{Photo courtesy: Lifeline}