Veterinary Resources
We’ve put together this page as a starting point for the pet owners, hobby farmers, and ranchers we serve across Palo Pinto County and the surrounding communities. If you ever have questions about your specific animals, our team is always happy to talk them through with you directly.
Livestock and Large Animal Resources
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension—Palo Pinto County
The Palo Pinto County AgriLife Extension Office is your local connection to the Texas A&M University System’s research-based resources for agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. The office provides educational programs, technical assistance, and practical guidance for livestock producers, hobby farmers, and 4-H youth in our county. Whether you’re looking for herd management guidance, soil and water resources, or support for your youth exhibitor, this is a great local starting point.
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
The Texas Animal Health Commission is the state agency responsible for protecting the health and marketability of Texas livestock. Their website provides resources on disease prevention, biosecurity, movement regulations, reportable disease requirements, and current livestock health alerts across the state. Producers in our region should be familiar with TAHC regulations—particularly around brucellosis, trichomoniasis, fever ticks, and other diseases relevant to cattle operations in North Texas. The TAHC veterinary hotline for reportable disease concerns is (800) 550-8242.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA)
The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is one of the oldest and largest livestock organizations in the nation, serving cattle producers across Texas and Oklahoma. They offer resources on brand law, theft prevention, legislative advocacy, and best management practices for beef cattle operations. The Palo Pinto County chapter connects local producers to a broader network of industry support and representation.
Palo Pinto County Livestock Association (PPCLA)
The Palo Pinto County Livestock Association hosts the annual county livestock show and rodeo, providing a competitive platform for local 4-H and FFA youth to exhibit the projects they’ve worked on throughout the year. The PPCLA also awards college scholarships to local agricultural youth and serves as a hub for the county’s ranching and farming community. Texas West Animal Health is proud to support the work this organization does for the next generation of producers in our region.
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL)
The TVMDL is the state’s primary animal health diagnostic laboratory, providing diagnostic testing services for livestock, companion animals, and poultry across Texas. Producers who need disease confirmation, necropsy services, or herd health screening can submit samples through their veterinarian. Our team works with the TVMDL for diagnostic submissions when needed.
Wildlife and Hunting Resources
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department—Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
CWD is a concern for landowners, hunters, and wildlife managers throughout Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s CWD page provides current information on testing requirements, carcass transport regulations, voluntary check station locations, and best practices for hunters and landowners. CWD surveillance is an active priority in our region, and Texas West Animal Health is TAHC-certified to collect postmortem CWD samples and submit them for testing. Learn more about our large animal services.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department—Hunting Regulations
The TPWD Outdoor Annual provides current hunting seasons, bag limits, licensing requirements, and zone information for deer, dove, turkey, and other game species in Texas. Landowners and hunters in Palo Pinto County should review the current year’s regulations before each season.
Youth Agriculture Programs
Palo Pinto County 4-H
Palo Pinto County 4-H is coordinated through the local AgriLife Extension office and offers youth development programming in agriculture, livestock, leadership, and more. Enrollment is managed through the Texas 4-H Online system. For questions about joining or current programming, contact the Palo Pinto County Extension Office at (940) 659-1228. Texas West Animal Health is proud to support local 4-H members and their projects throughout the year.
Texas FFA Association
The Texas FFA Association supports agricultural education and leadership development for students across the state. FFA chapters throughout Palo Pinto County and the surrounding region prepare young people for careers in agriculture, food, and natural resources. We’re proud to serve many FFA families in our community and support the next generation of Texas agricultural leaders.
Companion Animal Resources
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
The AVMA maintains a comprehensive library of pet health resources for dog and cat owners, covering topics from preventive care and dental health to emergency preparedness and disease information. It’s a reliable, veterinarian-backed source for general pet health questions.
American Heartworm Society
Heartworm disease is a year-round concern for dogs and cats in Texas. The American Heartworm Society provides owner-friendly information on transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment, as well as current guidelines that inform how we approach heartworm prevention at our clinic.
Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)
The CAPC offers parasite prevalence maps, regional risk data, and educational resources on fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworm. Their interactive tools allow pet owners to see current parasite activity in their county—a helpful resource for staying ahead of prevention in our area.
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
The AAHA publishes vaccination guidelines, wellness care recommendations, and pet health articles developed by veterinary professionals. Their resources can help pet owners understand what preventive care is recommended at each stage of a dog or cat’s life.
Emergency and Poison Resources
After-Hours Emergency Clinics
If your pet needs emergency care outside of our regular clinic hours, we’ve compiled a list of emergency veterinary providers in the region.
The Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour toxicology resource for pet owners.
Hotline: (855) 764-7661
A consultation fee applies.