The Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA) and the Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for AWA’s regional, no-kill animal shelter from 3-5 p.m. Friday.
The public and all AWA volunteers and supporters are invited. The shelter is located in the former Hillcrest veterinary clinic building at 1904 S. Westwood Blvd. in Poplar Bluff, just south of the U.S. 53 junction.
Light refreshments will be provided, along with tours of the facility, according to a press release from AWA.
AWA recently reached a lease-to-own agreement for the building – the realization of a 12-year campaign to establish a regional, no-kill shelter. It is believed to be the first independent animal shelter in the Butler, Carter, Ripley and Wayne County area since the region was settled in the mid-1800s.
The Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri is registered with state and federal authorities as a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)3 of the U.S. tax code. Donations are tax deductible within IRS rules.
Anyone interested in volunteering or having more information can call the AWA Shelter at (573) 840-0664 or visit www.awasemo.org
In addition to operating its shelter, AWA helps provide vaccinations for puppies in the city’s Animal Control Shelter. AWA also provides modest financial help to qualifying pet owners who need to get their dogs or cats spayed/neutered. Since starting that program in 2009, AWA has spent more than $100,000 helping to alter area pets.