PAWS of Jackson Hole received a donation from PetSmart Charities to help fuel spay and neuter efforts in Teton County, WY, Star Valley, WY and Teton Valley, ID. With the help of this donation, PAWS of JH will significantly increase its spay and neuter voucher program that serves three local communities and engages 12 veterinarian offices.
PAWS of JH began a spay/neuter voucher program in 2008 in Jackson, Wyoming. Since then, the number of unwanted pets in Jackson/Teton County Animal Shelter has been reduced by 40 percent. PAWS expanded the spay and neuter voucher program to Star Valley, WY and Teton Valley, ID in 2011. The staggering number of feral cats and the rural nature our mountain towns show the need for further expansion in all communities to see greater spay/neuter success rates. PAWS of JH will use the grant to engage with partners to increase outreach, as well as focus on trapping, neutering and returning (TNR) populations of feral cats. It is our goal to see a marked reduction in the number of animals at the shelters in Teton Valley, ID and Star Valley, WY, with the help of this grant.
Amy Romaine, Executive Director of PAWS of Jackson Hole, noted that the program’s success to date is largely due to partnerships across three communities. “We work with veterinarians across county and state lines, and partner with dedicated volunteers, shelters and our local rescue organization to provide free or low-cost spay and neuter services for pets. Reduction in the number of homeless animals is directly related to accessible spay and neuter programs. We are grateful to PetSmart Charities for this investment in our program.”
“PAWS of Jackson Hole has not only demonstrated an understanding of the needs of local pets but also how best to effectively address those needs,” said Jenny Aho, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “Having identified a need for affordable spay and neuter procedures is a great step in proactively reducing pet homelessness in the area.”
