Mission:

PAWS of Jackson Hole's mission is to foster and enrich relationships between people and companion animals to create a better, pet friendly community for all.

Vision:

As innovators in animal advocacy, PAWS of Jackson Hole leads our communities to where:

- Shelter pets are the first choice for families seeking a companion animal.

- No companion animal is abused or neglected.

- Lost animals are reunited with their families.

- All pet owners have access to affordable spay/neuter procedures.

- All pet owners have access to fundamental and emergency veterinary care for their companion animals.

- Pets are cared for and protected during times of disaster.

- Victims of domestic violence have a safe shelter to take their pets.

- Dogs are welcome in public parks where they can socialize and exercise in a safe, off-leash environment.

- Our communities are dog-friendly and responsible pet ownership is the norm.

About Us:

PAWS of Jackson Hole obtained its 501(c)(3) status in September of 1999. The mission when we started was simply to support the Jackson/Teton County Animal Shelter and encourage people to adopt pets, rather than purchase through a pet store, backyard breeder, or even online. Promoting adoption through local media campaigns and supporting this shelter remains a key focus; however, in 2011 we outlined a goal of extending our support to our surrounding community shelters. We hope to assist the Animal Humane Association of Star Valley and the Teton Valley Community Animal Shelter in the coming year, in the same manner that we contribute to Jackson's community shelter.

Our other programs include an educational platform in which we promote responsible pet ownership. We have a "mutt mitt" (poop pick-up bag) program which helps to keep our community clean and free of pet waste. We offer financial assistance to people having trouble paying for unexpected vet bills and we offer FREE Spay/Neuter vouchers to all residents of our three-county vicinity. Lastly, we donated a custom pet shelter to our local domestic violence shelter so that victims who are fleeing abusive relationships can take their pets with them to the safe environment of the shelter.

In 2010, PAWS was thrilled to announce our latest community endeavor, the development of a community dog park. Sophie's Place Dog Park opened on August 26, 2010 to a crowd of hundreds of dogs and their people and has been a tremendous asset to our valley.