It's also one of the few pet shelters and official animal pounds located at a national park. After a lost dog or cat arrives, the shelter staff waits for about a week to 10 days for the owner to show up. If the animal isn't claimed, it is prepared for adoption. All the costs for the rescued pets, including food, mandatory neutering and shots, are paid for through donations. Flagstaff veterinarians provide health care.
Volunteers also keep the animals in temporary foster homes until a suitable owner is found.
The shelter does not euthanize rescued pets. Each day, volunteers arrive at the modest kennel to spend time with a rescued dog or cat. Dogs are taken on hourlong walks. So far, we're 100 percent successful with our pet placements. Each Saturday, she travels to Olsen's Grain Store in Flagstaff with dogs and cats ready for adoption.