Prairie Paws Animal Shelter

Prairie Paws is a top-​notch shelter organization in a state-​of-​the-​art facility, quietly operating in Ottawa without much community support. A lot of us animal lovers have a hard time with the shelter environment, especially if we aren’t in a position to adopt (again), so I definitely wasn’t seeking out the shelter when I ended up there. Highway 59 in the area is huge road kill offender, and I happened to pick up a stray there who was transferred to Prairie Paws. Feeling awful that I couldn’t adopt him, I followed up and (probably annoyingly) started looking into the shelter and visiting it. The staff have gone out of their way to let me socialize the dogs as a volunteer, answer all of my questions, and welcome me even though they could easily write me off as being unable to adopt right now (my lease and apartment size block it). The shelter, which was rebuilt in 2010 with one million-​dollar donation, is a humane design, with outdoor areas attached to all the dog kennels and Plexiglass so the cats aren’t isolated ²⁴⁄₇. While most urban shelters are overwhelmed and have to keep a 3-​day-​hold/​euthanize policy, Prairie Paws has a super low euthanasia rate that’s mostly cases where the animal is too sick or too feral to be compassionately kept at the shelter. There is so little funding that the shelter is now open only four days a week, but the staff is there every day, running adoption drives at Petco on their weekends and helping families that want to adopt but are worried about vet bills. Jaron Asher, the Director, has personally talked to me every time I come in, and it’s clear his heart breaks over every decision he makes about the shelter animals. All I can say is that you shouldn’t stay away just because you don’t have a ton of extra money or think you can’t help — Prairie Paws is a bright, happy, beautiful place that welcomes all kinds.

I can’t possibly say enough good things about this shelter. We have adopted two dogs (both beagle mixes) and 1 cat from this shelter. We never had any issue with the adoption process; which includes an application, a vet check if you have animals to check on their rabies shots, and a check with your landlords if you have any.
There selection of animals is never in short supply (which is sad for those of use who can’t adopt). The last time I was in there, in addition to dogs and cats, they had a rabbit and birds. They have kittens and puppies. The dogs have amazing runs and you have the opportunity to really get to know the dog before you adopt. When we adopted our second dog we were able to let our dog play with each perspective dog before deciding. You get a chance to play with any cat you want.
The building is fairly new and AMAZING both on the outside and inside. I remember when this shelter was located inside of the city of Ottawa and was itty bitty. This new building is such a change and I am really happy for them.
The staff is friendly and tend to remember your name if you come in more then once. If you contact them by email their replies come back fast and complete. They have many services besides adoption, including; lost and found, grooming, spay &neuter assistance, identification tags, and humane education programs. They building is also located right next to the Cottonwood Animal Hospital. Again, this shelter is amazing and worth going to, to check out animals; even if they don’t have one you like.