Local shelter saved lives of about 94% of cats, dogs brought in last year
~ Press release provided by Page County Administrator’s Office
STANLEY, Feb. 5 — For a second consecutive year, the Page County Animal Shelter has earned a “no-kill” designation for achieving a save rate greater than 90 percent.
Overall, the local shelter saved the lives of 94.4 percent of cats and dogs that came through the facility in 2023. In order for a shelter to be designated as a no-kill facility, it must maintain a euthanasia rate of less than 10 percent.
“We’re lucky to have the team at the shelter,” said Page County Administrator Amity Moler. “They continue to make us proud, and their love and commitment to the animals in their care shines through this recognition.”
The Page County Animal Shelter took in 501 cats and dogs last year, euthanizing about 5.6 percent of the animals due to health or safety concerns. The shelter saved the lives of about 89 percent of 233 cats and about 99 percent of 268 dogs.
Animal welfare organizations that are identified as no-kill facilities do not euthanize animals in order to create space for new animals. No-kill facilities may, however, euthanize animals to relieve pain or suffering or to protect the public from animals that are considered too dangerous to be adopted.
Page County’s recent no-kill designation marks the fifth time the shelter has accomplished the feat. The shelter first earned the designation in 2018, and maintained the designation for the next two years. The facility missed the designation in 2021 due to a resident who moved out of the area, abandoning about 100 cats. The majority of the cats suffered from feline leukemia, a highly contagious virus that is always fatal in cats.
For saving 96 percent of animals in 2022, the Page County Animal Shelter in 2023 received national recognition from the Best Friends Animal Society.
The designations, said 18-year animal shelter manager Jami Cooper, reflect the facility’s ongoing commitment to saving as many animals as possible.
“Animals deserve to live just like any other being,” she said. “I’m super proud of our staff and the volunteers we’ve had. We’re proud of what we do.”
Cooper highlighted the work of two special volunteers — Tracey Briggs of Page Paws and Betty Wilson.
“They are great at spreading the word, making social media posts and sharing them with other groups,” said Cooper, adding that the local shelter relies on social media to share information about local needs and adoptable animals. “They are integral with helping us save dogs’ lives, while Cat’s Cradle is integral with helping us save cats.”
Last year, she continued, Cat’s Cradle helped the Page County Animal Shelter place nearly half of all cats that came to the facility. The nonprofit animal rescue group found homes for 108 of the shelter’s 233 cats.
Collaborations between the Page County SPCA and Cat’s Cradle, as well as the Page County-based advocacy group Page Paws, expand local efforts by providing spay and neuter services. Collectively, the groups work alongside shelter staff members and volunteers to provide care to animals and coordinate other efforts, including trap-neuter-return programs.
“There’s a lot to doing all this,” said Cooper. “We’ve got to all work together. It takes us all to accomplish so much.”
For more information about the Page County Animal Shelter,
visit them on Pet Finder
or call (540) 778-2101.
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