EPAS Unleashed is back, and we're kicking off with an episode that truly speaks to today's challenges. In this month's episode, Community First, we sit down with Kristen Gurrola and Alyssa Atilano from the Community and Pet Support Team at El Paso Animal Services to talk about pet ownership and the challenges many pet parents find themselves facing when navigating increased pet costs, lack of housing, and a struggling economy.

The CAPS program has evolved over the years with one goal in mind—keep families together. Tune in to find out how this small but mighty team works with the community to keep pets with the families that love them through education, resources, and support.

Want more information on available resources through our CAPS program? Visit www.ElPasoAnimalServices.org/PetSupport.

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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As pet parents, our jobs are much more than just making sure our pet has the basic needs—we also have to make sure they are loved and protected. In this month’s episode of EPAS Unleashed, we talk with Certified Behavior Consultant Jenna Pellerito about dog behavior, what to look out for when looking for a dog trainer, how to keep our pets happy with enrichment, and the importance of Fear Free Training.

About Jenna Pellerito CBCC-KA, ABC-DT

Jenna Pellerito is a Canine Behavior Consultant and Dog Trainer who has been in and out of the animal welfare field for 7 years. Outside of working in shelters, Jenna primarily consults behavior cases full time, both in Columbia, SC and virtually worldwide, where she works hands on with clients and their dogs to help them overcome severe behavioral issuesShe also has a vibrant social media presence where she talks about the importance of teaching dogs with compassion, mutual understanding and backed by science. For more information on Jenna, visit her website www.TheFutureIsForceFree.com or follow her on social media @thefutureisforcefree.

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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Living in the vibrant Chihuahuan Desert, we are no strangers to seeing wildlife. In this month's episode of EPAS Unleashed, we talk with Nicole Roque from Texas Parks and Wildlife about our diverse ecosystem, how we can not only live amongst but coexist with our local wildlife, and how to protect ourselves, our pets and our wildlife.

About Nicole Roque
Nicole Roque has serves as the Community Outreach Specialist at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site in El Paso, Texas. She has worked within the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for about six years, beginning her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Franklin Mountains State Park focused on creating opportunities for underserved communities in the outdoors. Since beginning her journey at Hueco, she has developed a personal passion for cultural and heritage interpretation as well as community engagement. She is driven by the joy of sharing the wonders of the outdoors and culture in her community. Outside of work she enjoys cats, nature bathing, doodles, aerial arts, and letting the sun filter through her eyelids.

Have ideas for future Unleashed episodes? Email us at EPASoutreach@elpasotexas.gov! Don't forget to follow us on social media:

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