Help us build a new Animal Shelter!
Why does Pocatello need a new shelter?
- Our shelter was built over 35 years ago and is no longer able to meet the daily needs of carrying for the animals.
- Many of the walls are deteriorating which leads to unsafe conditions for the animals, employees, volunteers and public.
- Several areas of the shelter are in need of repairs and remodeling which will cost thousands of dollars. These dollars would be better spent on a new shelter than putting another “bandage” on an old building.
- The cost of upkeep and maintenance is extremely high in our current building.
- Lack of storage areas – many items are stored in the kennel areas and in every “nook and cranny” that staff can find. This makes for unsanitary conditions and the clutter brings on stress to staff, volunteers and animals.
- Overcrowding – from the reception area at the front of the building to the garage located in the back of the building we are overcrowded and cramped for space. We no longer can handle the group school tours we used to do or even the public visitors on a daily basis.
- We currently have only one adoption room or get acquainted room available for potential new adopters to meet our animals.
- These conditions lead to a great deal of stress on the animals, staff, volunteers and public.
What a new shelter will provide for the public!
- An atmosphere that welcomes the public allowing them to feel free to visit often and see what the shelter has to offer.
- Safe and spacious holding areas that will offer less stress on the animals in our care and that will meet the needs of our growing community.
- Adoption kennels and viewing areas that will be open and filled with natural light. We encourage potential adopters to bring their family and spend time with the animals they are interested in making part of their family. We will have more adoption / get acquainted rooms for these visits.
- Large puppy pens for litters and moms with pups, giving them the space they need.
- Separate holding areas for new arrivals and those up for adoption will offer a safer way to show the animals to the public and will make the animal more adoptable.
- Increased office space will provide the administration ample room and the required space to maintain an efficient and welcoming environment.
- An exciting community education center that will be used to educate children, pet owners, staff, volunteers and the general public about animal care issues. We will be able to offer indoor and outdoor events.
- A building that is energy efficient and that has fewer maintenance costs then our current facility.
- A building that the city of Pocatello (you) can be proud of!
See plans for the new Animal Shelter!
Please Donate Today!
Your donation can help an animal in need.
"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. Our goals for the future are to continue to help the shelter with any needs that may arise and raising 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