Storm Lake’s long‑anticipated animal shelter is officially moving from vision to reality.
Caring Paws Rescue has officially purchased the former Lake Animal Hospital building at 107 West 16th St., finalizing the sale on March 3. The procurement will transform a longtime veterinary clinic into a facility dedicated to stray and abandoned animals—something Storm Lake has never had.
Caring Paws President Sue Lyngaas says signing the papers was a milestone the group has been working toward for nearly two years.
The nonprofit purchased the building and its equipment from longtime veterinarian Dr. Dianne and Jerry Johnson. The sale totaled $375,000, including equipment and inventory.
The purchase was made possible through a combination of grassroots donations, major gifts, and the Samsel Trust—a $400,000 gift left by the late Tom and Joanne Samsel of Lakeside, specifically designated to support an animal shelter in Storm Lake. Lyngaas says more than 100 donors have contributed over the past year and a half, including significant support from former Buena Vista University professors Dr. Ken Schweller and his late wife, Jeanne Tinsley.
Lyngaas says that level of early support has been striking.
Caring Paws plans to launch a capital campaign before the end of the month, with a goal of $750,000 to support renovations, staffing, and operating costs.
The urgency behind the project has only increased in recent months, says Lyngaas.
In February, three dogs were found abandoned in a garbage bag near Rembrandt—a case that drew statewide attention. Lyngaas says Storm Lake’s changing population and rising number of abandoned pets make the shelter essential.
Lyngaas says the Storm Lake Police Department has been picking up strays for years, but without a shelter, they’ve had limited options.
Once open, the shelter will house 10 indoor‑outdoor dog kennels, 50 to 60 cat spaces, and a “catio”—which Lyngaas describes as a partially outdoor, screened‑in space for cats to climb, explore, and enjoy sunlight.
Caring Paws will also expand its Trap-Neuter-Release program with the new space allowing cats to recover safely indoors after surgery—something volunteers haven’t been able to provide.
Plans also include public education programs, obedience training, and a community dog park on the west side of the property.
Before the shelter can open, the building will undergo major remodeling. Small exam rooms will be combined into a large cat room, and an addition will be built on the back for dog kennels.
Caring Paws is still securing a contractor—and that will determine the timeline.
If construction begins in June, Lyngaas hopes the shelter can open in August or September.
Although she’s now retired, Dr. Johnson—who owned Lake Animal Hospital for decades—will continue providing veterinary services to assist with medical needs, including spay and neuter surgeries for the TNR program.
Lyngaas says Johnson’s expertise and involvement are invaluable.
Caring Paws will soon need volunteers for painting, cleanup, and—once open—daily animal care.
Financial donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 54 in Storm Lake, or made online at the Caring Paws website at caringpawsstormlake.com. Interested volunteers are encouraged to watch for announcements in local media as renovation dates are set.
Lyngaas says the goal of the new facility is simple: a community‑centered shelter that gives every animal a chance and reflects Storm Lake’s compassion.
