MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter
Located in McCall, Idaho, MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides shelter and care to the homeless dogs and cats of Valley County. Relying heavily on donations from the good-hearted members of the community, our non-profit organization is able to continue sheltering and finding homes for hundreds of local dogs and cats each year. Working closely with local residents and law enforcement, MCPAWS is dedicated to finding permanent and appropriate homes for the stray, unwanted, and abandoned dogs and cats of Valley County, and reuniting owners with their lost pets.
Mission
MCPAWS is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of cats and dogs in Valley County, Idaho by: rescuing, caring for, and finding adoptive homes for unwanted pets; acting as a lost and found for cats and dogs; acting to prevent overpopulation by implementing a spay/neuter program; fostering a respect for all life; encouraging volunteerism; and educating the community about responsible pet guardianship.
History
McPAWs, McCall People for Animal Welfare, an all-volunteer, non-profit, grass-roots organization, was formed in 1998 to assist the City of McCall with operation of the city impound facility for dogs (formerly the only animal control facility in Valley county).Dogs impounded by the City of McCall needed care the police didn’t have time to provide. Citizens came together and made that care their priority— feeding, exercising, and providing clean quarters for the dogs; returning dogs to owners; finding new homes for those who had been abandoned. An organization of dedicated volunteers grew from this grassroots effort. By 2000, it was apparent that the need was far greater than ourability to meet it. We couldn’t take in dogs from outside city limits and couldn’t take in cats at all. In addition, the small structure which housed the dog pound was scheduled for demolition. It was clear a larger shelter facility was needed. The Leeta Anderson Animal Foundation (LAAF) offered the use of the former McCall Veterinary Clinic as the location for a future shelter. LAAF also funded a remodel of the facility to meet animal sheltering needs. This unexpected opportunity gave the project much-needed momentum, and the work of shelter design, building re-model, and search for funding sources began to move forward. A Shelter Board of Directors was established, and the acronym McPAWS was dropped to reflect the regional nature of the shelter operation. In 2001 we officially became MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter, serving all of Valley County. February 7, 2002 we opened our doors, transferring the two remaining dogs from the old facility. "Build it and they will come" might be our motto. Soon, kennels and cages were filling with dogs and cats from all over the county. In February, 2003, the LAAF generously donated the building and property to MCPAWS. LAAF is not, however, a source of operational funding-- the money that keeps us going day to day. Those critically important funds are provided by the cities of McCall and Donnelly, by Valley County, by grant funding, and by the private donations of people like you.
Our gratitude goes out to everyone who has supported and continues to support MCPAWS. We need your help now more than ever-- with a larger facility, there are more animals to be cared for and placed, plus the reality of day-to-day costs of a shelter operation. If you want to be involved with our regional animal shelter, would like to make a donation, cick here. MCPAWS Interim Executive Director Nancy Giles can be reached at 208-634-3647 or director@mcpaws.org
Since 1998, MCPAWS had great expectations of realizing what had been just a hopeful dream-- a modern, roomy, shelter facility where love of animals and a sincere commitment to their humane treatment are mandatory. There has been some rocky road to navigate on this journey, but the wagging tails, happy purrs, and smiling individuals as they adopt a new pet, prove it has been worth it! Be sure to drop by MCPAWS and say hello. Visit our furry friends, become a volunteer, or take home your own new best friend!
Vision Statement
We envision a world where every companion animal is loved, wanted and nurtured. MCPAWS will be a proactive organization, educating the community about responsible pet care, and fostering a respect for all life, both human and animal. We will work with other animal welfare groups for the advancement of our common cause. We envision a future of animal welfare groups, including animal control, humane societies, sanctuaries, rescue groups and veterinarians working together to provide shelter for healthy, friendly, cats and dogs, spay or neuter them to prevent unwanted litters, and place them in homes that understand their needs. In addition, we help our community understand and value all animals as an important part of their lives.