JACKSON, Wyo. —The Animal Adoption Center (AAC) is excited to share two spring updates that will create positive momentum in animal rescue regionally.  First, the AAC Spay/Neuter Wyoming team is returning to the Wind River Reservation (WRR) for the first time since the onset of COVID-19.

Next, the AAC has partnered with Aska’s Animals, in Teton Valley, ID, and is delighted to announce the opening of a new facility to better serve the needs of homeless pets. This collaborative space will be used to increase the AAC’s animal intake capacity so more lives can be saved!

The first weekend in May, the AAC’s team of vets, vet techs, and volunteers from around the state will set out to spay/neuter nearly 200 animals and administer hundreds of vaccines on the WRR. All of these services are free of charge to registered tribal members. These clinics are designed to help address the significant pet overpopulation problem on the reservation. In addition to spay/neuter, the AAC’s adoption team will have open arms for unwanted litters of puppies, kittens, and injured animals ready to find their family here in the Tetons.

The last Spay/Neuter clinic before the pandemic in October 2019. Thank you to the Arapaho Charter High School for hosting the team again this Spring. Photo: Barbara Folger

As a foster-based organization, securing places for rescue animals to reside while they wait to find their forever homes is the AAC’s most significant barrier for intake. This is especially true for litters of puppies, kittens, and medical cases; all of which require more specialized and hands-on care. “Over the past year, the AAC team has been awed by the outpouring support we have received from residents of the greater Jackson area and beyond who are passionate about animal rescue. This led to a record of 462 cat and dog adoptions in 2020. The demand for adoptable pets has continued into 2021.” Jenna Martin, AAC Advancement Director.

In an effort to address both the need for foster care and the demand for adoptable animals, the AAC has teamed up with a new nonprofit, Aska’s Animals, to launch a pilot program with expansion into Teton Valley, ID. This collaboration’s foundation was forged more than a decade ago and is constantly evolving in a positive way. “Aska’s commitment to saving the lives of homeless pets never ceases to amaze us! She is an outstanding advocate for animals in need,” says Carrie Boynton, Executive Director.

While the long-term vision is grand, the initial pilot project has involved the construction of a 12’X16’ “Puppy Palace” that will reside on the property of Aska’s Animals in Victor, ID. This new facility will house homeless puppies, kittens, and medical cases while they complete their quarantine period and/or receive any medical care they need. The “Puppy Palace” will also offer community engagement and volunteer opportunities for Teton Valley residents. “This is an exciting step in our growing partnership. We are thrilled to be able to help save the lives of an even larger number of homeless animals through this project.” Aska Langman, Board President and Founder of Aska’s Animals.

The Puppy Palace under construction April 2021 at Aska’s Animals.

The “Puppy Palace” is expecting to welcome its first residents after the upcoming spay/neuter clinic. “Our team is over the top excited to reach animals in need on the reservation and beyond. We are thankful for our partners, adopters, and donors who fuel our life-saving mission,” Carrie Boynton. To learn more about how to get involved with either organization please visit their websites!