About Us
Shelter Pet Safety Net

Our Story

Shelter Pet Safety Net is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 2019, devoted to improving the lives of homeless animals in Bastrop County. We began by providing emergency medical care funding for shelter animals. Thanks to public support, we were able to expand our services to subsidize spay/neuter surgeries for Bastrop County pets owned by people in financial need. We provide resources needed by the Bastrop County Animal Shelter, help with shelter-to-rescue transport funding, and support the shelter’s volunteers as well. Shelter Pet Safety Net’s own volunteers also provide foster-based rescue for a small number of animals outside the shelter system, reducing the load on the shelter. We changed our name to Shelter Pet Safety Net (from “Bastrop County Animal Shelter Helpers”) in 2021 to avoid confusion with the shelter itself, but our mission is unchanged! We are proud to collaborate with other local humane organizations in order to achieve our goals.

Our Mission

To improve the lives of homeless dogs and cats, and prevent unwanted litters, in Bastrop County, Texas.

Our Vision

Working with the community, make Bastrop County a place where:

  • The county shelter always has room for the intake of animals needing assistance
  • The county shelter can place all its healthy and behaviorally-sound animals into good homes, or with other humane organizations
  • Sheltered animals live with minimal stress during their stay
  • Every dog and cat in the county is cared for responsibly

Who We Serve

  • Homeless animals at the county animal shelter
  • Animals rescued by us
  • The pets of county residents who cannot afford Spay/Neuter surgery.

Why Donors Choose Us:

100% Local Focus

Every dollar supports animals from Bastrop County

100% Volunteer-Run

No paid staff means maximum impact

Collaborative Approach

We work with the county shelter and other local organizations

Transparent Operations

See exactly how your donation helps

Flexible Giving

We honor specific donor requests to the best of our ability

Hear What Our Partners at the Bastrop County Animal Shelter Have to Say About SPSN

Key Points About Us

100% volunteer-run by leaders with financial acumen

The only local group funding care for both dogs and cats at the Bastrop County Animal Shelter

Our scope is limited to Bastrop County animals by our Bylaws

100% dependent on donations from the public, No government funding

Public Charity with 501(c)(3) status, independent of the shelter

We work in concert with other local charities who support our mission

A good home for every dog or cat in Bastrop County!

We believe the best way to achieve this is through a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of pet homelessness while providing compassionate care for animals already in need.

SPSN Volunteer Opportunities

Most roles offer flexible time commitments – tell us what you can give!

Low Cost Spay and Neuter Financial Assistance

Our spay and neuter partnerships help financially-disadvantaged pet owners access affordable sterilization services. We’ve prevented tens of thousands of unwanted pets from requiring shelter assistance through our spay and neuter certificate program.

Our Rescue Program

The program is foster-based and keeps the animals from needing to enter the county shelter. We have also been able to assist with other shelter-diversion opportunities that help people keep their pets.

Life-Saving Treatment

When sick or injured cats and dogs arrive at the county shelter, we can quickly fund their medical care through our pet rescue program. We have helped hundreds of animals get a second chance.

Help for Shelter personnel

We buy medical equipment (autoclaves, microscopes, ultrasound, air purifiers), kennel improvements, neonatal puppy and kitten supplies, and more. These much-needed items enhance what the limited county budget provides for the shelter.

Enrichment for Shelter Animals

We have upgraded play yards, purchased toys and treats, and sponsored training to relieve the stress of confinement.

Volunteer Support

Fostering is crucial for saving lives, but it can get expensive. That’s why we have a program to send needed food and supplies directly to shelter foster volunteers. We even sponsor recognition for outstanding shelter volunteers!

Finding Forever Homes

Getting Pets Home Where They Belong – Homeless animals need opportunities to be seen at adoption events and on social media, because out of sight is out of mind. Sometimes, they need a ride or even a flight to another location where adopters are waiting. We help with all of these things!

Shelter Pet Safety Net loves to hear from leaders who'd be interested in joining our Board and helping to carry on our mission.

If animal welfare is your passion, contact us!

For legal and financial documentation Visit :

Legal and Financial Details

Our Impact Through Community Support

We have been able to expand our services and help more animals through our spay/neuter subsidy programs, purchasing medical equipment and other supplies for the county shelter, funding transportation for shelter animals, providing supplies for foster homes, obtaining grooming services for shelter animals, and more.
your donations make it happen!

Contact Us

Shelter Pet Safety Net

P.O. Box 1415 Bastrop, TX 78602x

512-943-7477

hello@shelterpetsafetynet.org

For spay/neuter program details:
Spay Neuter program

Our Dedicated Board of Directors

Jenni Ritchie

President

Jenni has volunteered with animal welfare organizations for almost 30 years, including fostering, adoption counseling, organizing capital projects and events, and feeding baby songbirds.
After retiring from a 33-year career in the energy industry managing information technology around the globe, Jenni moved to Bastrop and organized Shelter Pet Safety Net to help the Bastrop County Animal Shelter meet emergency medical needs
She also holds a Texas real estate sales agent license.