About Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter
"Friends" was formed in 1996 to help raise funds for the Pocatello Animal Shelter and for programs for the community animals. Although the City of Pocatello is considered a non-profit agency, we found ourselves not qualified for many grants. We also found that donations made to the City of Pocatello fell into the general fund to help support the entire fund, not just the animals. “Friends” was then formed as a non-profit group to solicit those funds so the donations can be used strictly for the animals and community programs and not the operating budget for the shelter. We were granted 501 C(3) status by the IRS.
Friends, has raised thousands of dollars since its formation. The money has gone to many programs supporting the shelter and community and to purchase items for the shelter. Here is where some of the funds have been spent:
- Stainless steel cat cages and food bowls.
- Dog beds
- Employee and Volunteer Training.
- Construction of a small outside holding pen for livestock or wild animals.
- Construction of outside dog runs.
- Video/Digital camera for the shelter.
- Information rack to display handouts to the public handling a wide range of animal issues.
- Purchase of Animal Oxygen Recovery Mask Sets for our local Fire Department.
In addition to purchasing needed items for the shelter and community pets, Friends has formed programs to help the community pets. These include:
- Second Chance Fund – This fund was formed to help animals that find themselves in our care with extra medical care needs. These animals are highly adoptable but need a 2nd chance before they can find their new homes and our budget will not allow for the extra expense.
- Healthy Cats Campaign – In the fall of 2001, we found the number of cats entering the shelter increasing dramatically. We then formed the Healthy Cats Campaign. Since its inception, we worked closely with the Bannock Humane Society and have raised funds to help cat owners spay and neuter over 1000 cats. With this program we have also educated the public on responsible cat ownership and other cat issues.
- Bannock Emergency Animal Rescue Services – In 2004, Friends joined forces with the Bannock Humane Society and formed BEARS. Plans are ready to handle rescue services for animals in times of natural or man-made disasters. Plans are also set to set up a temporary emergency animal shelter for displaced pets until they find their owners or new homes. The plan also covers training volunteers.
- Cat Adoptions – In June of 2007, thanks to a donation from a cat lover in town, we started doing ½ price cat adoptions. We subsidized the $85.00 price for adoption at the shelter by paying ½ of the fee while the new owner pays the other ½. This has helped the shelter see a dramatic increase in the number of cats adopted. We will continue this program as long as possible.
Along with generating donations throughout the year Friends holds two annual fundraisers to generate support. They are:
- Run with the Big Dogs – Our first annual Run with the Big Dogs was held in 1998. Owners and their K-9 companions can enter the 2.5 K walk or the 5K walk or run. All owners receive a t-shirt and all dogs a bandana and goody bag full of treats. We have refreshments and draw prizes for all entrants and everyone has a great time. Each year the event continues to get bigger and the last few years have seen about 250 contestants with their humans.
- Cat-nip Tea and Alley Cat Social – Our first annual “Cat-Nip Tea and Alley Cat Social” was held in April of 2005. Those in attendance were encouraged to dress up in their best tea outfit and dine on tea sandwiches and crumpets. Of course those, who are a little on the wild side, could visit our Alley Cat Grill in the alley offering hot dogs, chili dogs and baked potatoes. We had a silent auction, raffle and a “white cat” table with sale items and a pet photo contest. Cat ownership information and supplies were available.
Goals for the future.
Continue to help the shelter with any needs that may arise. These will include
- Keeping the second chance fund going and helping with cat adoptions.
- Raise funds for a new animal shelter that the City of Pocatello can be proud of.
If you would like to help with our efforts either by volunteering your time or making a donation, please contact us at the Pocatello, Animal Shelter at 234-6156 or mail us at: Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 281, Pocatello, ID 83204
Thank you for your support.