Changemaker Spotlight: PALS Program at Meals on Wheels Central Texas

by Kristin Dunn

Woman smiles while holding two small brown dogs — *Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Central Texas*

In the heart of Texas, a program is putting compassion into action, uplifting homebound seniors and their companion animals at once. Meals on Wheels Central Texas’ PALS program - which stands for Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors - supports older adults and their companion animals through food deliveries, transportation assistance, annual vet visits, and more.

We interviewed the organization’s Program Support Manager Nora Salinas to learn more about this important initiative, which serves as a shining example of kindness extending to humans and animals simultaneously.

From a Small Seed to a Community Cornerstone

Many of the organizations we rely on today started out small, with a few people seeing a need and choosing to take action. This is true for both Meals on Wheels Central Texas and its PALS program.

“Meals on Wheels began in 1972 as a grassroots organization when 8 volunteers got together to deliver meals to 29 homebound seniors 3 times a week,” Nora said. “Since then, we have continued to grow and are currently serving 3,000 neighbors a day! Over the last 54 years, we have stayed focused and dedicated to ending local older adult hunger and isolation.”

In addition to providing daily meals and companionship, Meals on Wheels Central Texas also offers services like in-home care, home repairs, and grocery delivery.

“Our mission is to empower our older adult neighbors to age in place with dignity,” Nora added.

Responding to Their Community’s Needs

The organization’s services grew in 2007 with the addition of PALS, after the team made an important discovery.

“The moment of realization happened after conducting client surveys with our regular home delivered meal recipients and seeing that many of them were reporting that they had been sharing portions of those meals with their pets because they were having difficulty affording pet food,” Nora said.

Man holding gift bag poses with dog — *Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Central Texas*

With that, the organization took action and PALS was born.

“What began with a single volunteer delivering pet food to 20 pets has grown significantly in both size and scope. Today, in addition to providing monthly pet food deliveries, PALS partners with the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation to offer annual wellness veterinary visits. These appointments include a comprehensive wellness exam, vaccinations, and year-long flea, tick, and heartworm prevention treatments,” Nora said.

“Currently, 85 active PALS volunteers deliver pet food and provide transportation assistance for veterinary appointments, supporting upwards of 150 Meals on Wheels neighbors and their pets,” she added.

The Life-Changing Impact of the Human-Animal Bond

“We know that many Meals on Wheels Central Texas neighbors turn to our services because they lack a strong family or social support network and often experience significant isolation. For many of these individuals, a pet provides essential companionship, routine, purpose, emotional support, and unconditional love. Their pets are truly members of the family,” Nora said.

Woman stands with holiday gift bag as white cat looks on curiously — *Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Central Texas*

She noted that the benefits of pet ownership extend beyond companionship, pointing to a 2021 study that specifically looked at the impact of companion animals on the lives of the clients Meals on Wheels serves.

“The research confirmed several important benefits, including reduced feelings of isolation, increased physical activity, improved overall health, and more opportunities for social interaction,” Nora said.

“The study also found evidence suggesting that pet ownership may contribute to fewer physician visits for medical care. These findings reinforced what we here at the PALS program knew to be true, that pets play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of the older adults we serve.”

A Support System That Keeps Families Together

Programs like PALS also provide a critical safety net during unexpected medical emergencies.

“Recently, a PALS neighbor reached out to us from the hospital after being taken to the emergency room the night before. He was concerned because his puppy dog, Lady, had been left home alone, and he knew he would need to remain in the hospital for additional testing. Unsure of how long he would be away, he turned to PALS for help,” Nora shared.

“Thanks to our incredible team of volunteers, some PALS staff members and the cooperation of his apartment management, PALS was able to ensure that Lady was cared for while her owner was hospitalized.”

Supporting Homebound Seniors and Animals in Every Community

We asked Nora how others can help.

“The first step would be recognizing that the bond between a senior and their companion animal is often essential to their health, happiness, and independence,” she shared.

From there, practical steps can make a world of difference.

“Community members can help in a variety of ways - volunteering with local organizations like Meals on Wheels, checking in on neighbors, fostering connections to resources, or donating pet food, supplies or making a monetary donation in support of programs like PALS.”

She emphasized that even seemingly small actions can make a big difference.

“Something as simple as walking a dog, helping with a litter box, providing transportation to a veterinary appointment, or delivering pet food can make a tremendous difference for a senior who may have mobility, health, or transportation challenges,” Nora shared.

Ultimately, programs like PALS can help a senior stay safe and comfortable in their home, with the companionship of a loyal, loving friend.

“That's why programs like PALS are so important - they help preserve the human-animal bond while reducing stress and preventing seniors from having to make heartbreaking choices between their own well-being and their pet's care,” she added.

Wherever someone lives, Nora noted that “supporting homebound seniors and their pets starts with being a good neighbor.”

“A small act of kindness can have a lasting impact on both a person and the animal they love."

Take Action: If you are in the Central Texas area, learn about volunteering with or donating to the PALS program at MealsonWheelsCentralTexas.org. If you live in a different area, contact your nearest Meals on Wheels or a local community center or animal shelter to find out if similar programs exist and how you can help. Whether you help as an individual or with your faith community, your kind act could help to preserve a bond that changes someone’s life.