Storm Lake’s first dedicated animal shelter is getting closer to reality, but there’s still work to do before its doors can open.
Caring Paws Rescue has raised more than $500,000 toward its $750,000 capital campaign to transform the former Lake Animal Hospital building at 107 West 16th St. into a shelter for stray and abandoned animals.
President Sue Lyngaas says the organization is anticipating a major gift that could push the campaign beyond its goal.
The fundraising effort has included support from individuals and local businesses, along with community events. Lyngaas says that support is encouraging and reflects the community’s desire to establish a permanent shelter in Storm Lake.
Some work has already taken place outside the former veterinary clinic. Old fencing and several trees have been removed, and the nonprofit has mowed and cleared the roughly acre-and-a-half property behind the building. That area is planned for a public dog park. Caring Paws has also contacted a fencing company, but a date for installing the new fence has not been set.
The next major step is selecting a contractor for the building renovations. Lyngaas says plans include adding 10 dog kennels, each with an attached outdoor kennel accessible from inside the building. The project will also include interior painting and potentially repairs to weakened wood siding on the building’s exterior.
The renovations will determine when the shelter can open, but Lyngaas says that timeline has likely shifted into next year.
In the meantime, Caring Paws is continuing its fundraising efforts. The organization is selling popcorn throughout October, with orders expected to be available for delivery in Storm Lake around mid-November.
Farmers also have another way to support the project during harvest: donating grain. Caring Paws is registered to receive grain donations through participating AgState elevators and Platinum Crush near Alta. Farmers can designate a portion of their grain for the nonprofit instead of selling it and donating the proceeds. Farmers should contact their elevator to confirm the donation procedure before making a transfer.
A December open house is also planned, featuring tours of about six homes. Tickets are expected to become available through Storm Lake United.
Caring Paws purchased the former veterinary clinic and its equipment for $375,000, finalizing the sale in March. Once open, the shelter is expected to provide care and adoption opportunities for dogs and cats, while also supporting the nonprofit’s trap-neuter-return program for community cats.
More information about the organization and ways to support its work is available at caringpawsstormlake.com.
