One Year, Countless Smiles (and Saved Lives!) at Emancipet’s Austin Dental & Surgical Center!
April marks the incredible one-year anniversary of the opening of Emancipet’s Austin Dental and Surgical Center! Meet Rocko, whose life has been touched by the compassionate care at the Austin Dental and Surgical Center.
April marks the incredible one-year anniversary of the opening of Emancipet’s Austin Dental and Surgical Center! It’s been an amazing year of providing even more affordable, life-changing care to the pet families in Austin, Texas.
We cared for nearly 3000 patients!
Affordable Surgical and Dental Services for Pets
There is a critical need for affordable dental and surgical services for pets. Periodontal (dental) disease, a common issue among pets, affects around 40 million pets in the US. The high costs of dental cleanings and extractions, and other surgical procedures, create barriers for many pet owners seeking care for their beloved cats and dogs.
Emancipet offers basic routine and advanced dental cleanings and procedures. With periodontal disease so common in dogs and cats, it is recommended that every pet receive a dental cleaning by age 3 to help prevent dental disease later in life.
Emancipet also offers surgical procedures to treat injuries or illness to pets to help them lead happy, healthy lives.
Rocko’s Story: Life-saving Cancer Removal
Meet Rocko, whose life has been touched by the compassionate care at the Austin Dental and Surgical Center.
Rocko, a 13-year-old Shih Tzu mix with a heart as big as Texas, is the beloved companion of Ali. As Ali lovingly describes,
“From the moment we met, he’s been my rock—my constant source of comfort, joy, and emotional well-being. He was the first piece of my little family.”
But late last summer, a small lump appeared on Rocko’s ankle, and worry began to creep in for Ali. Sadly, it grew rapidly, leading to a concerning diagnosis from a specialist of a suspected sarcoma – or form of cancer.
The estimated cost for surgery and testing was a heartbreaking $6,500 – a figure that felt impossible for Ali and her family.
With heavy hearts, Ali and her family chose to monitor Rocko closely, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.
By late February 2025, Rocko was clearly in pain. His bright spirit faded, his appetite disappeared, and the joy seemed to have left his eyes.
The following days were filled with tearful goodbyes, revisiting cherished memories and soaking in every last moment. Then, on the very morning of his scheduled farewell, something shifted. A hope sparked within Ali, and she reached out to Emancipet for help.
An appointment was scheduled immediately. What happened next felt like a true miracle.
The estimated cost for Rocko’s surgery and necessary testing at Emancipet was a mere fraction – just one-tenth – of the original quote. It was nearly the same amount Ali was preparing to spend on his euthanasia.
Within a week, Rocko was in surgery. The procedure went smoothly, and almost immediately, Ali saw a glimmer of his old self returning. The biopsy confirmed a grade 2 spindle cell sarcoma cancer, but the amazing news was that our amazing surgeon Dr. Haight was able to remove the entire tumor!
Now, just four weeks post-operation, Rocko is back to his happy, mischievous self, showering Ali with his usual unconditional love. Every moment with him is now a precious gift. As Ali put it,
Rocko’s story shines a light on why Emancipet exists. Access to quality veterinary care shouldn’t be a privilege; it’s a vital lifeline for our beloved pets.
As Ali so powerfully stated,
“We came painfully close to saying goodbye to Rocko far too soon, simply because we couldn’t afford a procedure he urgently needed. Pet ownership is a beautiful, challenging journey, and without Emancipet, I wouldn’t have been able to give Rocko the life he deserves.”
