SAN ANGELO, Texas — Concho Valley PAWS will finally be able to open for pet adoptions after a sudden illness spread through the shelter a few weeks ago, killing three dogs.
The City of San Angelo reported the issue is unique to canines within the shelter and poses no risk to the community. All other animals at the shelter, in addition to shelter staff, were not affected. It is still an ongoing criminal investigation with the San Angelo Police Department.
November and December are months generally high for adoption. Shelter employees were devastated they weren’t able to find animals a good home sooner.
For now, Concho Valley PAWS Executive Director, Jenie Wilson, is grateful the shelter can proceed with adoptions.
“We’re excited for everyone to complete their treatment so we can go ahead and begin adoption. It was a challenge to suspend adoptions while the shelter was still functioning but we’re hoping people come out and adopt an animal because we’re over capacity," Wilson shared.
While Concho Valley PAWS is hoping for a great turn out for their event, they’re also hoping these pets don’t end up back in the shelter because of impulsive adoptions.
Pets are at least a 15 year commitment and not just a normal Christmas present. Wilson wants potential adopters to think twice before taking a pet home.
“Before adopting, you really need to think about what is best for your family. Do you want a cat or dog? High energy, low energy? Young or older? Puppies especially take a lot of time and patience to deal with. These are the questions that need to be brought up before adopting a pet,” Wilson explained.
For clarification, Concho Valley PAWS is the agency that is contracted with the City to handle animal adoptions from the shelter. The City Animal Services Division oversees the operations and maintenance of the City Animal Shelter and is responsible for animal control and animal ordinances in the City of San Angelo.
The Concho Valley PAWS ‘A Home for the Holidays’ is a free cat and dog adoption event taking place from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at 3134 N US Hwy 67.
It is also recommended to fill out your adoption application before attending the event. That as well as what animals the shelter has available can be found on the Concho Valley PAWS website.