The excitement any person would feel when bringing home a new pet knowing you have a companion ready to fill your world with joy and laughter is a feeling I hope everyone will one day know.
Making the decision to adopt that pet instead of shopping can make that excitement even sweeter.
Clark County’s local shelter gives you the opportunity to save a life and give an animal that deserves so much love, a place that feels like home.
“It pulls at the heartstrings knowing that you saved a life and you know when you adopt a shelter pet you’re not only saving that pet, but you’re opening up space for another animal,” says Addie Wills, head of the Clark County Animal Shelter.
Clark County’s shelter has been open and housing pets since the 70s.
From a mobile home with a few kennels, to a full shelter with facilities and animals coming in and going out, the place has been consistently growing.
“Our programs have really grown and we’re really proud of the things that we’ve accomplished in the last bit,” says Wills.
Being a municipal shelter, they accept any and all strays and unwanted animals from Clark County.
Adopting doesn’t mean the pet isn’t properly checked out or in bad behavior like stereotypes may typically lead you to believe.
“We don’t place any animal for adoption until it passes its behavior test and it’s seen to make sure it is spayed or neutered or needs to be,” explains Wills. “That’s all done so we’re sure they’re ready for adoption. You know you’re getting a pet that we know is medically sound and that temperament wise we know that they’re ready to go into a home.”
Dogs are always coming into the shelter and after being checked and ready to go, they become available for adoption.
“We only have five or six dogs that are available but we’ve got a whole slew that are going to the vet tomorrow so that number always changes,” says Wills.
At press time, the shelter was housing around 35 dogs.
Every animal housed in the shelter available or unavailable is well taken care of on all fronts.
The workers and volunteers take time to learn about the animals so they know they will go to a home that suits their needs and personality.
“Our shelter specifically, I like to say that we’re all hands-on with the dogs and that we all learn their personalities and their quirks and what they like and don’t like and that kind of thing. We do the best we can to try and place the animal in a home that fits them.”
Adopting is important but Wills stresses that the most crucial factor is community education and stopping animals from needing to go to shelters in the first place.
“The best thing ultimately is if the animal can be in a home where it’s familiar and it’s loved and it doesn’t have to come here and go through that whole process,” says Wills.
It’s always one of their goals to try their best to aid in the prevention of animals having to be put in shelters.
They have a low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic for those whose pets need that option.
Help at the shelter means a lot whether that be donations or services; anything and everything helps.
“We need boots on the ground- volunteers,” she says. “We have a core group of ladies that come and run with dogs on the weekends and the dogs absolutely love it.”
Donations are always welcome. “Our budget stays pretty tight so anything that we can use as far as cleaning, laundry detergent, and trash bags, things people don’t think about,” says Wills.
Adopting a shelter pet can mean so much to the animal. You’re truly giving them a fresh start and nothing can mean more to them than that.
“I think shelter pets are grateful,” says Wills. “They may have been through not great situations. They come into a home and everything is new but it’s a really cool experience to watch them grow and learn things and bond with the family. Adopting is definitely rewarding on all fronts.”
