Alta residents’ animal shelter needs prompt PAWS request to Teton County

During the public‑comment period on March 16, Amy Moore, executive director of PAWS, told the Teton County Board that PAWS’ Drake Shelter in Driggs, Idaho, is the only nearby shelter serving Alta residents and the nonprofit is increasingly bearing costs for that service.

“Over the past four years, PAWS has taken in 39 animals from the Alta area,” Moore said, adding that those animals stayed an average of 21 days each, “representing 825 total days of care.” She described the Drake Shelter as an open‑admission, no‑kill facility and said municipal funding on the Idaho side covers only a small share of costs.

Moore asked the board to consider a modest annual contribution and a formal agreement to ensure Alta residents retain access to safe and humane shelter services and to help cover housing, veterinary care and staff costs. County staff later confirmed the shelter application has been received and will be considered through the community development grants and health department processes as part of the budget cycle.

Chair Newcomb thanked Moore and acknowledged the county will review the formal application through the normal grant and budget processes. No funding decision was made at the March 16 meeting.