We are a registered charitable organization. We were incorporated under the Society Act on May 29, 2001 and are registered under the Charities and Income Tax Act

<Registered Charity #872368212 RR0001> .

What is the North West Animal Shelter Society? We are a registered charity run by an elected Board of Directors. Our mandate is to build an animal shelter to serve the Bulkley Valley. Also to advocate, rescue and rehome as many unwanted animals as we are able and to provide programs to the community regarding animal welfare education. For example, our successful SNAP (spay and neuter assistance program) began when we realized that the costs of spaying and neutering were prohibiting many people from getting the procedures for their cats and dogs. This program really is a win-win. It ultimately helps the animal (from reproducing), the owner (from financial burden and unwanted kittens and puppies to deal with) and the community (from the social issues and costs surrounding rampant overpopulation). In answer to an often asked question, we are not affiliated with Turtle Gardens.

What areas do you serve? Currently we are concentrated in the Smithers area but we do provide services from Houston to Kitwanga and help people who choose to rescue on their own with spay and neuter assistance and postings on our website.

Where is your shelter? We do not have a shelter building - or any building! All our work is done through a network of dedicated people who communicate via phone and e-mail. Animals are kept in foster care until they are adopted.

Why don’t you have a shelter built yet? We do not currently have enough funds to build and operate a functional shelter. Will there ever be a shelter? Absolutely. But it will take some time. Our main concern is to have guaranteed income to OPERATE. Funds to hire a shelter manager, vet bills, utility bills and a host of other costs will add up quickly. We want to ensure the viability and permanence of the shelter before we break sod. Many shelters start up but they often have to suspend operations or shut down entirely due to lack of funds. We don't want this to happen here.

What do you actually do for animals? We work with the Town of Smithers to rehome their impounded dogs. We foster and adopt rescue dogs and cats both locally and throughout BC and Alberta. We fundraise to make sure our programs are funded and money is put aside in savings for our building. We provide outreach to the community by visiting schools and providing education about animal welfare. We offer spay and neutering asistance program to those who would otherwise not be able to afford the full cost. We have formed relationships with nine outside rescue groups who post available animals on their web sites, and/or take them into their programs, or connect us directly to adoptive families. We work closely with Hawkair who offer a wonderful service and reduced costs to fly our rescue animals south to Vancouver. We assist to screen potential adopters. We assist with photos, transportation to the airport and to veterinary appointments. We help to assess, exercise, train, and bathe rescued dogs. Through the very generous donations of Anipet Animal Supplies, Inc. of Surrey, and the support of Bandstra Transportation to freight the product north; we have managed to distrubute large quantities of cat food and litter, dog food and bedding.

If I donate, where does my money actually go? Can I request that it be used for a specific purpose? Every little bit helps. Did you know that most of the funds raised through our donation boxes are used to operate our spay and neuter assistance program? You can request that your donations go to a specific purpose; SHELTER BUILDING FUND, SNAP PROGRAM, RESCUE (rescue funds help us cover the costs of revolution, deworming and vaccinations)General donations that are not specified will be used where we determine they are most needed. We offer tax receipts for all donations

We welcome anyone who can assist us with moving this project forward. First and foremost we need people with a love for animals and dedication to community. If you have experience in construction, estimating, law, volunteer management, lobbying, event management or previous animal welfare experience great! We need more expertise in those areas.

If you can help out in some small way, please e-mail smithersnwass@hotmail.com. We are sorry but we do not have a dedicated phone number at this time.

If you would like to make a donation to assist us with our goals, it can be made at any

Bulkley Valley Credit Union, deposited directly into the account of the North West Animal Shelter Society.