Funding for animals: Lovell Animal Shelter facing budget problems

The Lovell Animal Shelter is dealing with a small budget to cover the cost of rabies shots and spaying or neutering dogs and cats at their shelter, and the staff is seeking financial help from the community.

“There is a small-town budget that is not enough to cover spaying or neutering for dogs and cats and to give them rabies shots when they get adopted,” said Lovell Animal Control Officer Jessica Throssell. “Our shelter is having trouble getting rabies shots for dogs and cats as well as funding for medical needs for the animals.”

Throssell said the Lovell Animal Shelter is looking for some help with donations and grants to keep the animal shelter operating. She said any donations big or small from the Lovell community are deeply appreciated in helping the animals at the shelter.

“Our department is looking into grants to get funding,” Throssell said. “I have looked into grants from microchips to getting new kennels and everything in between.”

Throssell said the Lovell Animal Shelter has a donation box for anyone who wants to donate items that can be used for dogs and cats. She said anything big or small can help. 

“The Lovell Animal Shelter has a donation box at the Bank of Lovell to drop off items,” Throssell said. “People have brought in donations to our shelter such as blankets and towels. People have also donated laundry detergent to clean blankets and towels, so every little bit helps.”

Throssell said she has been working to get the word out to the Lovell community and has spoken with people about pet adoption.

“I meet with people at local events,” she said. “I have communicated with people, and if I have an animal up for adoption, I will bring it and a donation box. Our shelter is looking for any help we can get, and if people want to donate, they can visit our website or stop by at the police department with any donations.”

Rabies vaccines can cost money and are required by town ordinance, which is why the Lovell Animal Shelter needs all funding they can get when sending the animals to veterinary clinics.

“Here at our clinic, the cost for vaccinations is $20 for cats and dogs,” said veterinarian Jane Undem from Lovell Veterinary Services. “I do give discounts to all animals that come from the pound or when they are in the pound. Any dog or cat can get 20% off for their first set of shots, including spaying or neutering.”

Undem said she encourages anyone from the community to help make any donation they can. She said the Lovell Animal Shelter does their best to help the animals and hopes they can find a forever home for them.

“The Lovell Animal Shelter does a great job,” Undem said. “The girls that work there are conscientious and do great work. They try very hard to place these animals in a home, and it would be nice if someone can come up with some funding or donations.”  

For more information on how to donate to the Lovell Animal Shelter, visit the Lovell Animal Shelter Facebook page or send an email to jthrossell@lovellpolice.com.