Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) was founded in 1974 as the Upper Valley Humane Society. The facility, then operated by and located in McAllen, was turned over to the Humane Society by the City of McAllen to carry out the entire operation and functions of the municipal animal facility. In 1981, the Upper Valley Humane Society received a donation of 2.5 acres of land located at 2501 W Trenton Rd in Edinburg. This encouraged the subsequent purchase of the adjacent 2.5 acres for 5 acres. Contributions from the surrounding cities and donations from local citizens ($50,000 from Bob Sobel and $100,000 from L.L. Rowan) secured construction on this land, and the facility opened on October 31st, 1983, with 56 dog runs and 60 cat kennels. After much deliberation and consideration, our Board of Directors determined that it would be in the organization's best interest to make significant changes. As a result of these changes, we changed our name from the Upper Valley Humane Society to Palm Valley Animal Center in 2007. Since our inception, we have grown from receiving several hundred animals a year, with 22 dog runs and 9 cat kennels, to receiving more than 40,000 animals a year, with 350 dog runs and 185 cat kennels. Our staff has grown from a few volunteer helpers to over 100 trained professionals. Serving the community for 50 years, our commitment to animals has never wavered, and we look forward to our next 50 years of lifesaving. In 2015, after extensive research and planning, the PVAS Board of Directors broke ground for a new adoption and education facility with the support of community leaders. In May 2016, The Laurie P. Andrews Center opened its doors and has been breaking adoption records for Palm Valley Animal Society ever since.
