Ally Medical ER is partnering with Austin Pets Alive! this August to host a donation drive benefitting animals in crisis. The initiative reflects a growing alliance between the physician-led emergency care provider and one of the city's most impactful no-kill rescue organizations.
Dr. Arthur Abello, an emergency physician and APA! board member, sees the partnership as a natural extension of Ally Medical’s mission.
“We help people through their toughest moments,” he said. “But pets can be part of that healing process, too. They lower stress, provide companionship and give people a reason to get up in the morning.”
Dr. Abello’s personal connection to rescue work started when he and his partner adopted their dog, Daniella — Dani for short — from the Austin Animal Center.
“We saw her photo and fell in love,” he said. “She’s part of the family now. She helps us stay grounded and relax — and she’ll go to anyone for pets.”
While Dani came from AAC, Dr. Abello quickly became a supporter and board member at APA!, calling it a critical “safety net” in the city’s no-kill system.
“APA! takes on the difficult cases — treating dogs with parvo, responding to disasters and transporting animals to places where adoption demand is higher,” he said. “It’s lifesaving work.”
The August donation drive invites the Austin community to contribute supplies and funds to help APA! continue its efforts. Ally Medical employees have long been hands-on with the shelter — volunteering to clean kennels, prepare enrichment toys and walk dogs.
“Nearly everyone in our organization has a pet,” Dr. Abello said. “This cause speaks to who we are.”
The collaboration extends beyond short-term drives. Ally Medical has contributed to APA!’s new South Austin veterinary hospital, which treats contagious illnesses that would otherwise threaten shelter populations.
“It’s hard to top helping build a hospital,” Dr. Abello said. “But we’re committed to staying consistent and growing the relationship.”
Dr. Abello also plans to launch a nonprofit focused on public awareness campaigns for adoption and spay-neuter practices — a message he said has faded from public consciousness.
“We used to hear it from Bob Barker at the end of The Price Is Right,” he said. “Now it’s time to bring that message back.”
For Ally Medical, supporting APA! is more than philanthropy — it’s a way to be present in the community and help both people and animals heal.
Pull Quote: "Pets can be part of that healing process, too. They lower stress, provide companionship and give people a reason to get up in the morning.”