PCHS History

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.

Donate

With donations from generous people like you, thousands of animals have a second chance at life! Make a difference in the life of an animal by donating today. Donations are tax deductible.

Contact Information

3224 19th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-7226
info@pawsandclaws.org

Pet Viewing Hours

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 2pm to 7 pm
Closed Sundays

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Paws and Claws Humane Society