Concho Valley PAWS 'begging' community for help; with shelter full, pet adoptions are free – Standard-Times

SAN ANGELO — With no empty kennels available at the animal shelter, Concho Valley PAWS is “begging the community for help” by offering free pet adoptions for a limited time.
On Wednesday, Feb. 2, the non-profit said they had zero empty kennels with more than 350 animals available to be fostered or adopted. A spokesperson for Concho Valley PAWS said the number of animals at the shelter could impact San Angelo’s ability to be a “no-kill” community.
In 2021, the City of San Angelo and Concho Valley PAWS celebrated a milestone — identifying San Angelo as a “no-kill” community; meaning 90% of the animals left the shelter through local adoptions, out of state adoptions and through return to owner programs. 
“No-kill is not a final destination, it’s a way of doing business,” Jenie Wilson, Concho Valley PAWS Executive Director, said. “Sometimes, in a community with so many unaltered pets, keeping the no-kill initiative alive can be a struggle. We are experiencing that now,” Wilson said. 
While the San Angelo animal shelter handles more than 5,000 lost and stray animals each year, Concho Valley PAWS “prepares the pets who are not claimed by owners for foster and adoption placement,” a news release stated. 
“Space is finite, so any influx of animals can jeopardize the lives of long stay residents.” Wilson said. “We are at the end of January, a historically low post-holiday adoption month with a large population of larger mixed breed dogs.” 
Wilson said PAWS is waiving all adoption fees from through February 12 in hopes of encouraging those who may have been on the fence about adopting to do so.
The shelter has several dog breeds, from chihuahua mixes, shepherd mixes, working breeds and pits. 
PAWS is also advocating for the community to foster a pet until a permanent home can be found. 
“Volunteer fosters open their homes and hearts to pets in need of a safe place to stay,” the release stated. 
PAWS provides for all the medical care, food and expenses associated with the animal. 
“We are begging the community to help,” Wilson said. “If you can’t adopt, please foster. If fostering is not possible, please share social media posts and help us advocate for these animals.”
Wilson said donations from the public can be made to offset the cost of transporting animals as well as their veterinary care.
“There is something everyone can do,” she said.
To adopt, visit Concho Valley PAWS, 3134 N. US Hwy 67, Wednesday through Saturday from 1-7 p.m.
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Rosanna Fraire covers entertainment, things to do and trending news in West Texas. Send her news tips at [email protected]. 

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