Full to the Brim: Perkins County Animal Shelter is at capacity Your support can make a difference
By Emmalee Parsley Stevens
Grant Tribune
Research shows that across America over three million dogs entered shelters in 2024. A small fraction of those pups are currently awaiting their forever homes in the Perkins County Animal Shelter (PCAS).
Last year, the shelter was able to find homes for eighty dogs, however, the shelter is currently home to twelve dogs with twelve more currently on the waiting list.
PCAS is run by the Perkins County Veterinary staff, alongside Dr. Shannon Jensen who has been in practice for over twenty years. Jensen graduated from Colorado State University and is able to help give quality care to the pets that call the shelter home, as well as her regular clients. Her, and her vet staff vaccinate, spay/neuter, deworm, and provide flea and tick preventative for every dog that comes into the PCAS.
On top of that, they also treat any existing medical conditions the dogs may have.
As it goes, great care comes with a cost. “I would say the average cost for caring for each dog would be around $235 for the males (not including dentals), and $310 for the females (again, not including dentals),” says Vet Tech Kayla Korf.
This also does not include the cost of food they require everyday.
Perkins County Animal Shelter is one of the only shelter located in a 100 mile radius.
Other shelters including McCook, North Platte and Chappell and Sterling, are all reporting the same capacity and over crowding issues due to dumping and strays.
Most of these shelters including PCAS are currently on a waiting list to surrender unwanted dogs due to the high volumes.
PCAS no longer accepts cats due to the length of time it was taking them to be adopted.
There are many ways to help the shelter if adopting isn’t an option. “As always, donating paper towels, bleach, laundry soap, toys, collars, leashes, treats, blankets, towels, etc. can help these pups if adoption is not an option,” says the staff.
Monetary donations are always accepted and appreciated as well.
LILO - The Longest Current Resident
A Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix named Lilo is the longest resident of Perkins County Animal Shelter.
Lilo arrived at the shelter on August 22. She was found as a stray in a neighboring county. The staff would love to find her a forever home. “We would love for her to find a loving home. Not that a loving home isn’t the goal for everyone we bring into the shelter, but it’s even more so when they’re our longest residents and sweet dogs at that!” says the staff.
To view Lilo or any other Perkins County Shelter residents, pet profiles an be found on Petfinder.com using zip code 60140 or on the Perkins County Animal Shelter Facebook page.
The Perkins County Veterinary Hospital and Animal Shelter are located at 68 S. Central Avenue in Grant and can be reached by calling 308-352-2630.