Anonymous donor sponsors dog and puppy adoptions

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - Effective immediately, adoption fees for all dogs in search of loving homes at the Pocatello Animal Shelter will be sponsored by an anonymous donor until the end of the year or until funds are exhausted.

"We are incredibly grateful for the kindness of our anonymous donor, whose generosity will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of our shelter dogs," Pocatello Animal Shelter Administrative Assistant Sarah Moore said.

The anonymous benefactor’s commitment to the welfare of animals in our community will make the dream of a forever home a reality for many dogs at the Pocatello Animal Shelter. If you are looking to adopt, feel free to stop by the shelter, located at 3100 Avenue of the Chiefs in Pocatello. Who knows, you might find the perfect pet waiting for you.

But before you adopt, shelter directors want to remind you of the responsibility that comes with these animals. The Pocatello shelter, like many others across the state, has been flooded with stray and abandoned dogs.

Shelter workers believe this is mostly due to unethical breeders and people not spaying or neutering their pets.

Shelter administrative assistant Sarah Moore wants to remind potential pet owners that dogs are not gifts, they are a lifetime commitment.

"Even though the adoption fee is going to be covered," Moore said. "There's a lot of other financial expenses that go into owning a dog. You can expect a general vet visit if something medically comes up to be probably around $100, if not more, depending on what's going on."

"The most important thing is to take responsibility for that dog," Moore continued. "So that means that if anything behaviorally comes up, it's your responsibility to train that dog. If your dog likes to get into the trash, it's your responsibility to train them. If they try to run away from the yard, you gotta train them and work better to manage to keep them in the yard. So it's not just this is going to be a perfect loving companion. You've gotta put some work back into that dog for them to be that perfect, loving companion for you."

Moore also reminds potential pet owners that they need to make sure their pets get spayed and neutered when they adopt or buy a pet. And that pets require a large amount of time and energy, So be aware before you choose to adopt.

For more information on Pocatello Animal Services and to view adoptable pets, click HERE, call 208-234-6156 or like the department’s Facebook page.

The shelter is open Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Holidays.