Paws and Claws Humane Society of Rochester MN, strives to promote and provide humane protection and shelter for abandoned or lost companion animals, and seek adoptive homes for companion animals under their protective care.

Community Impact of the New Shelter

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Paws and Claws Humane Society already has a tremendous impact on Rochester and its surrounding communities.  When built, their new animal shelter will serve to enhance the organization's impact in a variety of ways.
 
Economic

The construction project for the new shelter will result in a total impact of between 3.5 and 4 million dollars for the local economy.

In the new shelter facility, Paws and Claws will provide care for 125 lost or abandoned companion animals on a daily basis.  Given the national average cost of $15 per day - per animal to provide that care, Paws and Claws will save the communities it serves over $685,000 annually in animal care costs.      
 
There are over 400 active volunteers currently assisting in all aspects of the organization's operations.  Those volunteers account for over 25,000 hours of contributed service annually. The estimated value of that contribution is $500,000 annually. Volunteer hours are expected to grow even further once the new facility is operational.

Community Health

Disease Control for stray and abandoned animals has been a long standing issue for the counties in Southeast Minnesota.  Paws and Claws provides solutions for this issue in two ways.  By caring for over 600 animals annually and ensuring they are placed into good homes, a large segment of the abandoned animal population is addressed. (Paws and Claws also ensures that every animal in its care receives proper veterinary care, thus providing healthier animals when adopted).  Additionally, Paws and Claws is the leading advocate for Spay - Neuter education and animal population control in Southeast Minnesota.  In the new shelter, an average of 30% more animals will be cared for and adopted into loving homes. Greatly enhanced education opportunities will be provided by integrating a large community room space into the facility.
 
Over fifty percent of the households in the United States have at least one companion animal as members of the family. Numerous studies have been conducted on the physical and mental health benefits of pet ownership.  Based on the number of animals it places each year, Paws and Claws plays a significant role in enhancing the general health of the community.  The new shelter will enable Paws and Claws to play an even larger role in this area in the future.  Listed below are just a few of the benefits these studies have identified:

Adults

1. Improved cardiovascular health through decreased blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities. (Pet owners are more likely to survive a heart attack)
2. Improved mental health through decreased feeling of loneliness and increased opportunities for socialization.

 
Seniors

1. Pet owners are better able to cope with daily activities than non-pet owners.
2. Those with pets feel a sense of purpose which helps prevent depression.
3. Pets have been shown to help their owners deal more effectively with the early stages of Alzheimer's.

     
Children

1. Those who have a pet in the family are more self reliant, sociable and less selfish then those children without pets.
2. Children with pets are less likely to develop asthma.
3. Children coming from families with pets have better relationships with their peers and adults in both grade school and high school.  

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