GCAO animal adoptions double in 2024

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Animal Outreach reported a significant increase in adoptions for the year 2024. The shelter successfully placed 582 cats and dogs into new homes, nearly doubling the figure from the previous year. The rise in adoptions marks an important milestone for the organization, which has actively worked to address the challenges of overcapacity and resource limitations. 

“This year has been a huge improvement,” GCAO’s assistant manager Serena Jewel said. “We’ve been able to not only increase our adoptions but also implement new programs like our microchip events, which have been beneficial in reuniting animals with their families.” 

In addition to the number of adoptions, GCAO launched a microchip program towards the end of 2024, allowing the shelter to microchip 120 animals. The initiative reduced the typical microchip cost from $55 to $25, an effort aimed at making the service accessible to more pet owners. 

“We understand that budgets can be tight,” Jewel said. “By offering microchips at a reduced price during our events, we help our community keep their animals safe and facilitate reunions when lost pets are found.” 

Despite the progress, GCAO faces ongoing challenges in managing its capacity. Throughout 2024, the shelter maintained a steady flow of animal intakes, balancing incoming animals with adoptions. Jewel noted that the organization is still at capacity, a situation compounded by the ongoing need for animal care and support within the community. 

“The past year was not without its challenges,” Jewel said. “While we saw more adoptions, we also saw a strain on our resources, especially with an influx of medically needy animals due to unregulated puppy sales in the community.” 

To combat issues arising from those sales, GCAO collaborated with local authorities to advocate for ordinances that protect animal welfare. Jewel emphasized that community cooperation has played a vital role in addressing the challenges facing shelters. 

“By speaking with the city about regulating puppy sales, we’ve seen improvements in the health of the animals that come to us,” Jewel said. “It prevents outbreaks and allows us to focus resources on the animals that truly need our help.” 

In 2024, GCAO also prioritized partnerships with organizations such as Okandogs and Spokane Humane Society. These collaborations have allowed GCAO to transfer 124 animals to other shelters. 

Going into 2025, GCAO has set ambitious goals to further enhance its outreach and animal care programs. The shelter aims to double its adoption figures once again while continuing to provide support for both the shelter animals and the community. 

“Our main goal for 2025 is to keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully double our numbers. It’s about finding every animal the home they deserve,” Jewel said. 

Additionally, GCAO recognizes the importance of spay and neuter programs to mitigate the overpopulation crisis affecting shelters nationwide. Jewel explained that while the shelter itself cannot provide these services directly due to budget constraints, it continues to coordinate with external veterinarians and clinics to refer community members to low-cost options. 

“The straining of our available resources is a significant hurdle, but we’re committed to finding solutions that work for both the animals and the community,” Jewel said. 

The shelter’s commitment to animal welfare extends to the staff, many of whom have spent years cultivating relationships with the animals in their care. Jewel praised her team for their hard work and compassion.  

“Our staff truly loves these animals and ensures they receive the best care possible,” Jewel said. “Each animal is treated as if it were one of our own pets and that bond is special.” 

One person in particular Jewel wanted to highlight is the outreach’s manager, Cyndle Miller. Jewel attributed a lot of this year’s successes to the leadership of Miller.  

“She's been super supportive. Not only was she brand new in the previous year of (2023) but she jumped right into this seat head-first and has been just amazing with not only supporting the staff, but all our decisions that we've had to make,” Jewell said. “She's also really helped us get in connection with some new transfers. So, we've actually started to slowly be able to transfer some dogs out so that we can take more from our community overall. She's been the best manager that the staff out here could ask for.” 

One of GCAO’s success stories this year is Samson. Samson came to the shelter after escaping from dog fighting and he had a permanent mark around his muzzle. He showed up to the shelter in 2021. However, shortly after 129 days, staff noticed he was anxious with the other animals and noises. The team worked to get him into one of their private foster homes. He then spent another 323 days in foster care.  

“In total Samson remained in our care for 1,352 days before finding his home,” Jewell said. “But he found his forever home. This year, he found a home with a repeat adopter. She adopted from us in 2023 and now he has a happy home with his sister, kids and everything else that he could ever dream of.”  

As GCAO looks to 2025, it also calls on the community for support. The organization accepts donations such as blankets, dog treats, toys, and monetary contributions. Jewel emphasized the need for patience and compassion from the public as the shelter continues to navigate the complexities of animal rescue and adoption. 

“We are always grateful for community support, but understanding our operational constraints is equally important as we strive to help as many animals as possible,” Jewel concluded. 

    Zeus is available for adoption at Grant County Animal Outreach. The sweet boy is a long-term resident at the shelter. “He's so gentle,” GCAO’s assistant manager Serena Jewel said. “He'll just sit waiting for pets. He has manners. He'll shake with both paws. (He) knows how to sit. He's a good dog.”
  

    Peter Pan is available for adoption at Grant County Animal Outreach. She is 5 months old, born at the shelter and likes to learn. She is looking for someone patient to take her home and show her the ropes. GCAO’s assistant manager Serena Jewel said that cats often have a higher turnover rate than dogs in the shelter.