JACKSON, Wyo. — Across the nation, animal adoption numbers are on the rise and Jackson Hole is no expectation. The Animal Adoption Center (AAC) has seen a tremendous increase in both foster and adoption applications since March 14 when they closed their doors to the public due to the pandemic.
To help local families find their next furry family member, the AAC has doubled its number of transport partners as well as intake numbers. Learn more about the AAC’s COVID response in the above video!
“Following our weekly or biweekly intake of animals from overcrowded shelters, our team gets the opportunity to connect homeless animals with families that are eager to open their homes and hearts to those in need,” said Jenna Martin, AAC Advancement Director.
Since the start of 2020, the AAC has been a part of 66 animal transport efforts.
These transports have varied in size and distance, from picking up one dog in Idaho Falls to flying in 14 dogs and cats from Abilene, Texas.
In total, the AAC has brought 325 homeless animals from Texas, Utah, Idaho, California, New Mexico, Arizona and Wyoming into their rescue program this year. In addition to bringing in hundreds of young, highly adoptable animals, the AAC continues to welcome numerous medical cases and dozens of senior pets into their rescue program.
Most recently, the AAC participated in a Dog Is My CoPilot (DIMC) flight, which carried 93 Laredo, Texas canines to safety. Six of the seven dogs that joined the AAC program were deemed “code red” due to treatable medical conditions that their source shelter was unable to address as a result of limited medical funding.
While these dogs were deemed “un-adoptable”, DIMC and the AAC were excited to fly them to Jackson where they can get the care they need before finding loving, forever homes.
One of these special dogs, named Patty, marks DIMC’s 16,000th transported animal. Patty, a two-year-old shepherd mix, tested positive for a tick-borne illness.
“Our team is grateful to have the resources to help dogs like Patty get the treatment they need to live their best lives here in the Tetons,” said Carrie Boynton, AAC Director. “Our dedicated donors and compassionate adopters give us the capacity to rescue animals with diverse backgrounds and special needs.”
The AAC is a proud nonprofit participant in Old Bill’s Fun Run. Gifts donated to the AAC through this collaborative fundraiser will give dogs like Patty a second chance and help the AAC continue at this record-setting pace. Old Bill’s gifts are matched through September 18.
