Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Yaqui Animal Rescue, a nonprofit based in Sullivan City, has been steadily growing its impact since its founding in 2013. With more than 250 rescued animals at its ranch, along with fostered pets in the community, the organization has expanded its mission beyond animal rescue to include educational partnerships, low-cost spay and neuter clinics, and workforce development programs for high school students.
“Our mission is to save as many animals as possible, to rehab them, to vet them, and then find forever homes for them,” said Becca Arizmendi-Chavez, Chief Operations Officer of Yaqui Animal Rescue. “And the animals we can’t place are either at the ranch or in forever foster homes. But we also give back to the community by helping with food, vaccinations, or even vet bills when people can’t afford them.”
The demand, however, often exceeds what the organization can provide. “We’re getting 30 calls or messages a day from people saying, ‘I found this animal, can you please help?’” Arizmendi-Chavez explained. “We wish we had a million or two million dollars to help everyone, but we don’t. That’s why we’ve had to fundraise continuously, build partnerships, and even take on initiatives ourselves.”
One of the most significant initiatives was the creation of Yaqui Animal Rescue’s spay and neuter clinic in partnership with Donna North High School’s Veterinary Animal Science program. Launched in April 2025, the clinic sterilized 150 animals in its first session, and by September, the total will reach more than 430 animals.
The partnership also provides a clear career pathway for students. “The students will graduate having shadowed about 300 hours with a licensed vet and will earn a vet assistant certification,” Arizmendi-Chavez said. “This makes them job-ready right after high school or competitive applicants if they want to pursue veterinary school. They’re now aligned with students from more affluent communities who often have these opportunities.”
These programs are possible thanks to a combination of grassroots donations, monthly supporters, and grants. Earlier this year, Hidalgo County Commissioners Court approved funding that helped purchase medical equipment. “Donna North was able to purchase some equipment; we purchased the rest, and we have another $11,000 coming from the county, probably by the end of October,” Arizmendi-Chavez noted.
But sustaining and expanding these efforts requires continued community support. “We do it through grassroots fundraising—asking people for their donations. Some people are monthly donors. Our gala every November is our biggest fundraiser, and it helps sustain us through the year,” Arizmendi-Chavez explained.
The organization is now calling on businesses and community leaders to step forward as sponsors. Yaqui Animal Rescue is seeking sponsorships for its upcoming clinic on September 27–28, as well as its annual gala on November 21 at the Mission Event Center. The gala is expected to draw 400–500 attendees and will feature keynote speaker Dr. Jeff Young, known from his Animal Planet television show. “He’s very invested in spay and neuter programs and educates communities about responsible pet ownership and leadership,” Arizmendi-Chavez said.
Sponsorship packages are available for both events, offering businesses and philanthropists a chance to be part of the solution. “We’re making really big moves to make a really big impact in our community,” Arizmendi-Chavez emphasized. “But we can’t do it alone. It takes a village, and we need our local businesses and organizations to stand with us.”
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to learn about Yaqui Animal Rescue’s work, visit https://yaquianimalrescue.com
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