JACKSON, Wyo. — PAWS of Jackson Hole is pleased to announce that on Jan. 1, 2022, it officially adopted Teton Valley Community Animal Shelter (TVCAS), becoming PAWS of Teton Valley. The leadership of the two non-profits worked in unison to ensure a smooth transition for the animals and staff.
Like TVCAS, PAWS of Teton Valley Pet Adoption and Support Services will serve as an open admission animal shelter providing the following services: Animal adoption and fostering and accepting all stray and surrendered pets in the Teton Valley community.
Several surrounding communities do not have access to an open admission animal shelter and PAWS of TV will assist on a case-by-case basis and they will serve as a transport partner with regional and out-of-state shelters when the PAWS of TV shelter has capacity.
As they have been doing since 2011, PAWS will continue to provide spay/neuter and veterinary financial assistance to community pet owners, and support the pet-owning community with training resources and educational programs to the Teton Valley, Jackson, and Star Valley communities.
The relationship between PAWS and Teton Valley Community Animal Shelter is not new. They have worked together for more than 10 years on medical and transport cases and on improving the shelter facility in Driggs. PAWS has granted more than $70,000 to the Teton Valley shelter to fund essential equipment and needed repairs.
“Adopting the animal shelter is the next logical step for PAWS to expand our mission and help more pets and people in our communities. We are thrilled to be growing our partnerships in Teton Valley this year, and to have animals directly in our care. Having our own shelter has always been in our long-term plans, so when this opportunity was presented, we welcomed it.” said Amy Moore, Executive Director.
This is a positive step to ensure the sustainability of an animal shelter facility in the Teton Valley community. For years, the shelter has been committed to providing a haven for lost and homeless pets in Teton Valley. The current TVCAS staff brings years of experience in humane animal sheltering practices and will continue to deliver the best possible care for Teton Valley’s homeless pets. PAWS brings more than 20 years of best practices in management, program development and fundraising to the shelter. Now one organization, the PAWS of Teton Valley Pet Adoption and Support Services facility, will have the ability to incorporate proven development and management strategies to make certain the shelter is operational in perpetuity.
“It is incredibly important to serve the community through this vital resource. An open admission animal shelter combined with our usual programs will ensure local pets and their people are supported in array of ways. We strive to offer a progressive sheltering experience for both the animals and people who want to adopt or become involved with our program.” said Jess Farr, PAWS Program Director. “Focusing on pet welfare issues in our own backyard is a top priority for the PAWS organization.”
PAWS’ mission is to prevent pet homelessness, to protect pets from harm and suffering and to promote responsible ownership. To learn more, go to PAWSofTV.org. 
