History Timeline of PCHS
1974
Marge Mourning began helping area unwanted animals by taking out a small ad in the local newspaper,
then finding new homes for those unclaimed.
1976
Marge Mourning establishes Paws & Claws. Rescued animals were all placed into caring foster homes. 100% volunteer staffed. Paws and Claws funded by Membership dues and donations only.
1979
Paws and Claws Incorporated as a 501[c] [3] Nonprofit.
1988
Salem Corners Property purchased, [30 dogs in a kennel facility]
1989
Marge Retires and new board formed.
1990
Office established on 1st Ave. SW (now City Market). Hired 1st paid staff (1 employee). Cats boarded at area kennels awaiting adoption. Post Bulletin features weekly adoptable pet.
1992
Initiated free monthly spay/neuter programs with area Veterinarians.
1994
Cat Shelter moved to location south on 1st Avenue (near old KTTC bldg.). 50 to 75 cats housed and cared for. Initiated Active community education programs: schools, youth groups.
1996
Paws and Claws has Pet of the Week spot weekly on KTTC-TV. Expanded Public education and public relations
1999
Cat Shelter Expanded and moved to Eastwood Rd. Facility [65+ cats]. Community Spay/Neuter Fund initiated and Guardian Angel Program Started.
2001
Dog Shelter moves to 7th Street location (old Cascade Clinic). Housed 40 – 45 dogs on site
2002
Paws and Claws begins selling city animal license tags.
2004
New Strategic Plan created and implemented.
2005
Land donated to Paws and Claws for new building. Hired first shelter manager.
2006
Consolidated Cat and Dog Shelters into the rented 7th Street Facility (both dogs and cats).
2007 – 2010
Emphasis on Capital Campaign to raise funds to build a permanent new shelter.
2011
Board decides to build new 3 million dollar shelter on prime donated land. Board obtains mortgage. Architect and Builder selected.
2012
Construction of new shelter begins at 3224 19th St NW.
2013
New shelter grand opening in July.
2014 – 2015
Number of adoptions increases to over 1000 per year.
2016
“Burn the Mortgage Campaign” begins.
2017
Entire Mortgage payed off.
2018
Number of adoptions increases to over 1300 per year.