What is the mission of the Alaska Mindful Paws (AMP)?

Our mission: Alaska Mindful Paws is part of Homer Animal Services, LLC, in Homer, Alaska, dedicated to providing shelter, care and advocacy to homeless animals in our community.

 

Where do you get your funding from?

Alaska Mindful Paws is contracted out by the City of Homer to manage the animal shelter. Our entire operating budget comes from the City.

 

How do you work with Homer Animal Friends?

Homer Animal Friends has been supporting the animal shelter for years! HAF contributes to the spay and neuter program at the shelter. HAF also provides support to community pets through its spay and neuter coupon program, various clinics, and educational programs. Alaska Mindful Paws provides care and support to homeless, and stray animals that come through the shelter.

 

Does AMP provide animal control services?

Yes. Along with providing a safe place for homeless animals awaiting adoption, Homer Animal Services/Alaska Mindful Paws provides animal control services. This includes, but is not limited to, picking up loose dogs and cats within the Homer city limits, following up on animal complaints or concerns within the city, and providing welfare checks on animals.

 

What happens when you get a stray cat or dog?

First, we scan the animal to see if it has a microchip or other identification. If not, then we check our ‘lost animal’ registry to see if the animal was reported missing. If not, then we post a photo online and share, share, share on social media to try and find its owners. We give the animal a visual health inspection and make sure it is comfortable. If no one comes forward to claim the animal in three-to five days, we move towards making it available for adoption. That means, vaccinations, spay/neuter, a vet check and a microchip.

 

Is Homer Animal Shelter no-kill?

The term “no-kill” is incredibly inflammatory and is a term we try not to use. Unfortunately, there are animals that come into the shelter that we do euthanize. Those decisions are based on an animal’s mental and/or physical health, and they are not taken lightly. The definition of no-kill is a 90 percent save rate, and in that case, we are  ‘no-kill.’

 

What is your euthanasia policy?

We place every healthy animal in our shelter into new and loving homes, or transfer to one of our amazing rescue partners. If an animal is injured beyond responsible repair; old, sick or in pain beyond responsible veterinary intervention, or is a threat to the community, we do offer what we refer to as "the last act of kindness." However, we explore every option and avenue prior to recommending euthanasia. We are committed to saving as many animals as possible, but we recognize that sometimes the best thing we can do for an animal is give it a peaceful end, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Homer Animal Services/Alaska Mindful Paws does not euthanize animals due to time or space constraints, but rather reserves euthanasia for animals who are suffering, who are mentally or physically ill, or considered dangerous to themselves, other animals, and/or humans. AMP works very closely with local veterinarians to determine an animal’s state of health. Euthanasia is conducted by a licensed veterinarian and is performed compassionately and humanely to ease an animal’s pain and suffering.

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What is the AMP policy on spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering is an essential component to reducing the number of homeless animals. AMP aims to educate and encourage the community with regards to spay/neuter. A key goal is to have all animals spayed or neutered prior to adoption unless due to health or age restrictions. This would be difficult to achieve without the incredibly generous support of Homer Animal Friends, which covers 50 percent of the spay/neuter costs for shelter animals.

How can people help?

• By adopting an animal from the shelter. All shelter animals have their vaccinations, are spayed or neutered, microchipped and dewormed

• By providing an item on our wish list of supplies ranging from sponges to dog food that are easily obtainable in most grocery stores

• By volunteering your time (see volunteer information on this website)

• By getting your current pets spayed or neutered

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What do you do if someone cannot keep their pet?

The owner of the animal will need to call the shelter and set up an appointment for animal surrender. A staff member will ask them to fill out paperwork that includes a medical release form and a pet personality profile. Our staff recognizes that surrendering a pet is a difficult and painful decision. We try our best to help each person by providing resources if they are open to keeping their pet, but will always take in animals that can no longer be cared for in the home, for whatever reason. Please keep in mind that Homer Animal Shelter can only accept animals from individuals living within Homer city limits.

 

How do home to home adoptions work?

If you are outside of Homer City Limits and your animal cannot be accepted at the Shelter, or you would prefer to keep an animal while trying to rehome, we can assist with a home to home adoption. We will need pictures of the animal, as well as a Dog or Cat Personality Profile, so we can post accurate details to our social media, and/or call potential adopters we may know are looking for a pet like yours. In most cases you will be responsible for screening potential adopters, HAS will simply provide information on the animals, and then connect you with applicants.
 

What happens if I find an animal after hours?

Call the Homer Police Department at 235-3150 and they will meet you at the shelter to make sure it has a safe place for the night.

 

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