Local Heroes

Eden McIsaac
Staff Writer
  When most people hear the phrase “local heroes,” they think of firefighters and policemen; however, there are many other heroes that are rarely noticed. For example, the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter (IFAS). Not only are they local heroes for animals, they are heroes for people as well.
  I adopted my dog Teddy from the Animal Shelter last August. Since picking Teddy up, he has brought immense joy to my life. Without IFAS’s efforts to help me find him, I would not be able to give Teddy the life he deserves. Like Teddy, there are many other animals waiting at the shelter to find their furever family.
  There are fourteen staff members at the shelter, including ten full-time and four part-time. Since there are minimal staff members, there are several volunteer opportunities. For example, individuals 18+ can interact with animals one-on-one, such as doggy day dates in the mountains. Adults can help with chores around the shelter, such as cleaning kennels. Due to safety and liability reasons, minors can not handle animals without a guardian present.
  One of the main reasons why people surrender their animals is because they “can not have them where they are moving,” according to Carissa, who has worked at the IFAS as the special programs coordinator for six years. Shelters intake animals after they get loose, cause damage, or become aggressive. Last year the shelter received approximately 2,000 dogs and 2,000 cats. Between dogs and cats, dogs are picked up way more often than cats. The shelter responds to dog calls more often than cats because cats are more likely to survive on their own. There is about a 90% adoption rate at the IFAS. In years past, the shelter had drop boxes for surrendered animals; however, those boxes are now available for law enforcement only. When the drop-boxes were in effect, once the shelter reached capacity, animals would be euthanized. Since the boxes have been gone, the shelter does not put an animal down unless suggested by a veterinarian.
  To help keep their veterinarian rates low, the shelter partners with all local vets. This helps the shelter keep adoption rates low enough that people can afford to adopt. The shelter is funded by tax dollars and public donations; the shelter accepts food and toy donations as well. With the help of the IFAS, many people have found the perfect pet for them and in return the animal receives constant love and affection, making it a win for everyone!