Q – Is it true that all shelter and rescue animals have some sort of problem - and that is the reason they become homeless?
A:  Definitely not. Some shelter animals do have behavior issues that are typically a result of insufficient socialization and lack of established boundaries & training as youngsters. These behavior traits can easily be modified using consistent, proven techniques and a little patience. The majority of our shelter population, however, are well adjusted, often well-trained, wonderful animals. They typically end up at shelters due to no fault of their own. Pet overpopulation, unclaimed strays, irresponsible pet ownership, and a family’s relocation to a place where pets are not allowed are the primary causes for pets becoming shelter animals. Quite to the contrary, countless people claim that shelter pets make the best life-time companions and seem to sense and appreciate that you have rescued them.
 

Q – Is it recommended to adopt a puppy or kitten versus an adult dog or cat to ensure getting a ‘good’ pet?
A – Not necessarily. Puppies and kittens are irresistible and do give us the opportunity to provide appropriate socialization and training, right from the start. Adopting a puppy or kitten requires a dedicated time commitment, a high level of patience, physical changes in your own daily habits, and often, the acceptance that you may experience some puppy/kitty housebreaking and teething accidents in your home. We have found that the old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is simply not true. Adult cats and dogs are often a better choice for some families than going the puppy / kitten route. Pets are incredibly adaptable creatures, and given the right guidance, they can assimilate into most any new, loving home, no matter what their age.
 

Q - My pet has bitten/growled/snapped at me/my kids/someone else. Can I bring him/her to the shelter for you to find him/her a new home?
A – No! First of all, we view pets as family members and expect that they are treated as such. Thus, it is your responsibility to first seek professional help from a trainer or animal behaviorist to evaluate the circumstances and explore possible solutions. Secondly, if your animal displays severe aggressiveness, it is our policy to refuse entry. The placement of an aggressive animal into society not only poses a threat to public safety, but it contradicts the very mission of the ASWRV. In cases such as these, the kindest thing for all involved is usually prompt and appropriately administered euthanasia. Although a difficult position, it is your responsibility to help make your pet’s final journey a peaceful one. For assistance locating a trainer or animal behaviorist, please contact the shelter.
 

Q – Who owns the shelter and is it a government agency?
A - The Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley is a private, non-profit 501 C-3 corporation. The shelter operates with a very modest core management staff and kennel assistants. The fifteen member Board of Directors actively volunteer and support the shelter operations. We are not a county facility. Currently, we provide services to the Blaine County Animal Control Program functioning as their Impound Facility. On their behalf, we hold and release animals that are brought to the shelter by Animal Control Officers and local citizens.
 

Q – Is the ASWRV affiliated with any animal rights organizations?
A – No.  We are not an animal rights organization, nor do we support any other agency. We are an independent, community-based organization committed to educating the public about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals.
 

Q – How is the shelter financed?
A – The majority of our funding comes from fundraising efforts and donations. Additionally, The Barkin’ Basement Thrift Store in Hailey, offers the shelter a significant amount of its financial support.
 

Q – What will my monitary donation pay for?
A – 100% of your tax deductible contributions will be spent on quality care for our animals. In addition to providing basic sustenance for our guests, we repair and upgrade facilities, support our on-going spay & neuter incentive program, purchase supplies, toys and treats, continue fund raising efforts, and work to improve all shelter operations and community services.

Q – Are there other ways to help the ASWRV besides making a financial contribution?
A – Absolutely! The shelter relies heavily on volunteer participation to accomplish a variety of tasks. Our many volunteer positions are described in detail on this web site under the Volunteers Tab. We welcome your assistance in performing any one of these tasks and also by shopping at and donating to the Barkin’ Basement Thrift Store in Hailey. Spreading the good word about the shelter is also a helpful and important mission!

Q – What if I want to volunteer but find that it may be too depressing to work at the shelter?
A – While we endeavor to make our no-kill shelter anything but depressing, we do recognize that people are sensitive to animals in confinement. Therefore, we have plenty of other off-site volunteer opportunities. Please refer to the Volunteer Tab on this web site for a complete and detailed description of all volunteer positions.
 

Q – How long do you keep animals?
A – In May of 1999, the Board of Directors established a “no kill” policy in regard to the animals at the shelter. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that healthy, adoptable dogs and cats are placed in loving homes. Adoptable dogs and cats are defined as all animals over the age of eight weeks that are reasonably healthy and well adjusted, regardless of whether the animal is elderly, disfigured, blind, deaf or missing a limb. Euthanasia is authorized for animals who cannot be rehabilitated either because they are hopelessly ill, injured, extremely old or are so aggressive that their placement with the public would pose a risk to public safety. Operating within no kill guidelines means there are no time limits regarding the length of stay for any animal at the shelter.

Q – Why are all shelter animals required to be altered?
A - Animal shelters really treat only the symptoms of a greater problem of pet over-population. The underlying cause of this problem is the failure of owners to have their pets spayed or neutered. The ASWRV is committed to solving this problem by spaying and neutering all animals prior to leaving the shelter; And, by offering year-round free spay and neuter procedures to those who qualify.