About Us
The Souris Valley Animal Shelter strives to improve the quality of life for pets and people in the Ward County and the entire North West region of North Dakota. The Animal Shelter reunites lost pets with their owners, cares for, loves, and finds homes for stray, surrendered and abandoned animals, controls the pet population with mandatory spay/neuter requirements for pets that are adopted from our facility and by offering financial assistance when needed. Additionally, we microchip animals for identification purposes, provide burial/cremation services, and promote responsible pet ownership, but our fundamental goal is to place all of our dogs and cats in humane environments full of love! During a recent nationwide study a vast majority of Americans believe that a better world is possible through the kindness of animals and we are morally obligated to take care of animals. We at the Souris Valley Animal Shelter are guided by the principle of Caring for the World Around Us by caring for the animals under our care.
[Home] [Top of Page]
History
Over 29 years of community service and the successful return or placement of approximately 19,750 animals. In addition, we have closed four major puppy mills. On a national level we have assisted with housing 10 Hurricane Katrina animals, all of which went to loving homes. Within the past 2 years, we have rescued more than 45 dogs from neglect situations.
The Souris Valley Animal Shelter strives to improve the quality of life for our two- and four-legged friends in 11 counties, comprised of approximately 100,000 people- encompassing more than 75 miles. In addition, the SVAS provides a safe haven for homeless animals that have no place to go- without us hundreds of animals would be abandoned to either die on the streets or in the city pound. We take in approximately 75 animals per month. In addition to those surrendered by their owners, we take in strays from the city, the surrounding counties and Minot Air Force Base. To date the SVAS is contracted with nine cities within three counties.
Of course, our mission would be impossible if it weren’t for our volunteers who do everything from walking dogs, socializing cats, cleaning kennels, manning information booths/fundraisers to taking care of the grounds-our volunteer force fills in our gaps wherever needed. Our public and corporate members provide financial support through yearly individual and corporate memberships.
We also have other great examples of how we touch the lives of people and animals in our community through our valuable programs which is the foundation of this proposal.
[Home] [Top of Page]
Our Mission Statement
The Souris Valley Animal Shelter is an advocate for animals; we speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- We shelter and care for lost and unwanted animals.
- We find lifelong, loving homes for every adoptable pet.
- We implement spay/neuter programs.
- We promote responsible pet ownership through Humane Education.
We gladly invite you to be a part of this!
[Home] [Top of Page]
Legally We Cannot
We receive numerous phone calls concerning animal abuse, animal neglect, animal abandonment, or animal mistreatment. And as much as the SVAS would love to handle or investigate these cases we do not have legal jurisdiction within the state of North Dakota. The SVAS provides shelter, food, water and care for animals that are surrendered, abandoned, neglected but we are nothing more than a depository. However, there are actions that the general public can and must take to prevent and/or stop unjustifiable neglect. It is our responsibility to stand up for the rights of animals. Please take a moment to read and familiarize yourself with the statutes concerning the Inhumane Treatment of Animals. We all have a moral obligation to take care of the animals under our care- so act and act quickly and make sure the proper authority acts on your complaint! Remember this, just because the call is made doesn’t mean something will be done—follow-up, follow-up, follow-up!!!!!!!
Phone Numbers:
Animal Control: 701.852.6802
Police Department: 701.852.0111
Ward County Sheriff: 701.857.6500
NORTH DAKOTA CENTURY CODE. TITLE 36. LIVESTOCK. CHAPTER 36-21.1. HUMANE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS. 36-21.1-02 Overworking, mistreating, or abandoning animals.
[Home] [Top of Page]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Click below for
SVAS Meeting Minutes
January 2010
February 8, 2010
February 15, 2010
Larry Crawford (2010)
President
Larry Crawford is no stranger to leadership. He is the former president of the Town and County Sportsman’s Club, former director and Vice president of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. He is the current president and long time volunteer for the “Achievers Club” and has held a management position for more than 20 years for the Booster Club of the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron. Now, Crawford wants to use his management experience to help the Souris Valley Animal Shelter. Crawford and his wife are huge animal lovers and believe the Animal Shelter is a valuable and necessary asset to the community. His family has welcomed several members to their family and each came from the Animal Shelter. Over the years, his family has sponsored cages, and made donations. This year Crawford donated a handmade clock to be auctioned off at the Gala. The shelter holds a special place in his heart as he has four four-legged family members buried there. Crawford has extensive experience in fundraising, scheduling, planning, budgeting, and long-range projections. He has worked in building construction and facility maintenance for the past 30 years and could use his skills to help evaluate the needs for the SVAS property.
Dave Bosh (2010)
Dave Bosh has lived in the Minot
area for over 25 years, moving here from Lakota, North
Dakota in 1983 to attend and eventually graduate from
Minot State University. Bosh is currently the Safety
Coordinator for Investors Real Estate Trust after
spending 20 years with the Ward County Sheriff’s
Department. His wife Paula is a Victim Specialist in the
local Federal Bureau of Investigations office. Their
daughter Erin is a recent Minot State graduate working
as a Coordinator at the Choice Hotels Reservation
Center. The Bosh’s currently have a Springer Spaniel,
Bailey, a SVAS alumni. They recently built a home in the
Trestle Valley area allowing for more space for a dog to
explore and oversee all there is see. It is a good
place to be a dog. In his past work with the Sheriff’s
Department, Bosh had been peripherally involved with the
Animal Shelter for years. He has personally seen the
staff at work and he knows the quality of the care. His
hope is to give his time to the Animal Shelter to pay
back all that he has received as an Animal Shelter
Alumni dog owner.
Nancy Wegenast (2011)
Nancy is married to her husband Todd since 1981.
They have a daughter named Nichole. They also have a dog
named Sadie who is 13 yrs old and she has been a
faithful and a loving companion. Nancy has always been
an avid animal lover. She has also been a strong
advocate for women, children and animals and through
various organizations she has collected supplies (wish
list) for Humane Society, Domestic Violence and Young
Women's Christian Association (YWCA).
JoAnn Blore (2010)
JoAnn is such an animal lover; she has never been without a pet. In fact, she has had the pleasure of adopting her pets from the Souris Valley Animal Shelter. The organization is very close to her heart and she is honored to help financially whenever she can. Blore is a recently retired nurse. She is also an active volunteer for the Norsk Hostfest and First Lutheran Church. Joann will bring not only a love for animals, but also, a vast knowledge of Minot to the board. Because of her work throughout the community, she has been able to connect and network with numerous people who are in a position to support this very important organization. Blore
has many goals for the organization including putting an
emphasis on pet adoptions and building community support
for the SVAS.
Jeremy Boyce (2010)
Jeremy Boyce is currently a broker and owner of Re/Max Signature Properties in Minot. He is an active supporter of the Souris Valley Animal Shelter through membership and fundraising events. Pets are a big part of Boyce’s life and through the Board he feels it would be a good opportunity to give back to the organization that has given so much to him. Boyce would like to help find ways to improve and grow the SVAS more successfully, and as a business owner he has the skills to help accomplish that. Because of his many years of being a business owner, Boyce can bring organizational sills and expertise to the board. This year, he is the chairperson for the Real Estate RPAC. Under his leadership the group has raised the largest amount of money in its history. Boyce is also active in other areas of the community including taking on the role of President and Vice President of the Downtown Business and Professional Association. He is also part of the DECA organization at Minot High School and performs entrepreneurial lectures.
Dawn Palumbo (2011)
Dawn was raised in the Minot area. She attended the
Minot High School as well as Minot State University. She
currently works at ING, and is married to her husband
Todd for two years. Todd is a Sergeant with the Ward
County Sheriff’s Department. They have two dogs named
Shooter and Ellie. Shooter was adopted and Ellie was a
stray. They are expecting a child in the spring 2010.
They are big supporters of the Animal Shelter and have
supported many fundraisers for the shelter because they
believe in its mission. Dawn's hope is to devote her
time in helping the shelter in any way she can.
Susan Wagers (CEO)
Susan is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and is an Air Force brat and spouse. She and her husband Charlie have been married for 22+ years and have 2 sons, Justin,
22 and Zachary, 17. She has 2 cats named Nala and Penny and one dog named Peanut. In her spare time Susan enjoys reading and writing and has a secret obsession with Ping Pong. She is the Executive Assistant (email Susan) and has worked at the shelter since January 2006.
Kristine Seabolt (Shelter Manager)
A Minot native, Kristine was raised an Air Force brat. She has a darling 4-year-old son, Emmett, who brings such enjoyment to Kristine’s life. She is a dedicated and devoted single mother. She is the owner of 2 dogs, a Black Lab mix named Cyan and a Husky mix named Miki. She also has 3 cats named Raisin, Calypso and Ebony. In her spare time Kristine enjoys reading and spending time with family and increasing her collectables, including unicorns. Kristine is the Shelter Manager (email Kristine) and has worked at the shelter for 10+ years.
STAFF
Vanessa Carns
Vanessa is from Williston, North Dakota and she and fiancé, Charles Inman now make their home in Minot. Her immediate family includes 3 cats named Simon (an SVAS alumni), Gracy and Simba, 2 dogs named Harley and Babe and a rat named Nibbles, also adopted from SVAS. She is currently fostering several animals including Max, Nibbler, and Sable. When not at the Shelter, Vanessa enjoys reading, surfing the internet, playing video games, going out with family and friends and listening to heavy music. Vanessa is our Kennel Supervisor.
Carrie Huffman
Carrie Huffman is originally from Minot and has lived
here all her life, except for the four years she was in
Grand Forks for school. She got married in 2009 and she
and her husband are currently house hunting. She has 3
cats: Tennessee, Brychan, and Munch and is currently
fostering a kitten name Fisher. In her spare time Carrie
spends most of her time knitting and spinning fiber into
yarn. She also loves to go fishing, hunting, and camping
with her husband.
Gloria Payne
Gloria is from Honduras, Central America. She is married to a fire fighter from the Air Force. They moved to Minot in December 2006. They have 3 rats: Mr. Goobert, Jack Sparrow, and Spikoly, which they adopted from the Shelter. Since Gloria is an avid animal lover, when she found out that the Shelter was hiring, she applied and got hired right away. It is therefore not an overstatement to say that this job is "not so much a job as it is a fun hobby" !!
Heather Alexander
Before coming to North Dakota, Heather has lived in
Texas, California, and Utah. She has been married for 19
years and has 3 kids. She loves animals. Her hobbies are
reading, watching TV, and traveling.
Sammy Groves
Sammy was born and raised in Minot, ND. She lived in
town for 14 years and then moved to the country. She has
four horses, three dogs (one named "Oreo" adopted from
the Shelter), three inside cats, and about twenty barn
cats! She also trains horses in the spring and summer.
She played hockey for the Minot Majettes for two years.
Sammy graduated from Magic City Campus in 2009.
Jolene Mullikin
Jolene is 26 years old and enjoys reading and medical fiction. She has two dogs named Cocoa and Digger. They are Springer Spaniel mixes. Her hobby is collecting state quarters and playing video games. She also
enjoys watching medical shows.
Justin Wagers
Justin is 22 years old and was born in Cincinnati Ohio.
His hobbies are golfing and bowling. He loves sports and
his favorite teams are Cincinnati Bengals, Reds, and
Ohio State. He has three pets Nala, Penny and Peanut.
Rudha Dias
Rudha moved to Minot in 2002 along with her two
siblings. She started working for the Animal Shelter in
October 2008. Prior to that she was a teacher’s
assistant at MSU’s College of Business while attending
classes. In Fall '08 she obtained a Master’s Degree in
Management. She has two rats, Meko and Taco and enjoys
being around people and pets. She has been supporting
our office staff with special projects since starting
her career here with us. She enjoys her work and takes a
lot of satisfaction from it. At the same time, she takes
it seriously and considers it an important
responsibility. During her spare time, she loves reading
and is very keen in using every inch of her spare time
productively. Rudha is our Business Manager.
[Home] [Top of Page]
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Adoption Requirements For Your Animals
Does SVAS Euthanize Animals
How Long Does An Animal Stay At SVAS
What Is The Adoption Process
What Happens If I Get The Animal Home And It Just Doesn't Work Out
I Have An Animal That I Can No Longer Keep Or Care For. What Do I Need To Do In Order To Surrender The Animal To You For Adoption
I Can’t Adopt An Animal Right Now, But I Want To Help, What Can I Do
I Just Found A Stray Animal, What Do I Do
Where Can I Find Good Animal Training Information On The Internet
What Are The Adoption Requirements For Your Animals?
Because animals are individuals with specific needs and preferences, just like humans, the requirements vary between animals. With this in mind, we are looking for homes that can meet the mental (social interaction and training) and physical (food, shelter, and exercise) needs of the animal. For some animals, placement is fairly easy, but on occasion, we do have animals with special needs, be it a health concern requiring surgery or medication, a moderate behavioral concern requiring additional training, or a more severe behavioral concern requiring management (high levels of exercise, no access to other animals, not being allowed to be around children, etc.) For these special cases, we will make every effort to ensure that a potential adopter is made fully aware of the animal’s special needs and we will do our best to ensure that placement is in the best interest of both the animal and the adopter. Top of Page
Does SVAS Euthanize Animals?
Yes, but every effort is made to minimize the number euthanized. Our focus is the well being of all animals that come through our doors. If an animal is showing signs of distress in our shelter, we take actions towards calming the animal, be it by moving them to a less stressful area of the shelter, providing additional play and training time, and providing mentally stimulating toys for them to play with. We also have foster homes available to help animals that need a little extra TLC to become more adoptable. Top of Page
How Long Does An Animal Stay At SVAS?
Healthy, meaning the animal does not have a terminal or chronic disease, and friendly animals are given every opportunity to find a new home. The animals are periodically evaluated to determine their temperaments, behavior, and disposition. Top of Page
What is the adoption process?
If you are interested in adopting an animal, we ask that you fill out an adoption application. On average, it takes 24-48 hours for us to evaluate an application. Upon approval of the application, the adoption may be completed (pending any necessary medical or behavioral evaluations or treatments required prior to the adoption). The adoption fees are $45.00 for dogs and $35.00 for cats.
**We also strongly recommend that you and all of the members of your household spend some time getting to know the animal to make sure that the animal is compatible with your home. In some cases, particularly during some dog adoptions, a staff-supervised introduction between the resident and potential adoptive dogs may be requested for the safety of both the adopter and the animals.** Top of Page
What Happens If I Get The Animal Home And It Just Doesn’t Work Out?
Built into our adoption contract is a 30-day trial period. During which time, should something arise, be it a change in lifestyle or an unforeseen behavioral issue with the animal, please call the shelter at 852-6133 to make arrangements for returning the animal. Although no refund is given, the adopter is permitted 45 days in which to select a different animal. Top of Page
I Have An Animal That I Can No Longer Keep Or Care For. What Do I Need To Do In Order To Surrender The Animal To You For Adoption?
Please call the shelter at 701-852-6133 to be placed on our Waiting List. We understand that some situations require urgency and we will evaluate each on a case-by-case basis. On average, it is approximately 6 months or more, depending on how many pets are on our waiting list at the time. Surrendering fees are: $30.00 for the first animal and $10.00 for each additional pet surrendered not to exceed $50. This fee helps to cover a small fraction of the overall cost of housing and caring for the animal(s).
**If part (or all) of your reason for not wanting to keep the animal is a behavioral concern, please ask us if we have suggestions on resolving or managing the concern. Although we understand that not all human-animal matches are “made in Heaven,” we do have a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with many behavioral concerns.** Top of Page
I Can’t Adopt An Animal Right Now, But I Want To Help, What Can I Do?
The shelter is always looking for donors, members, and volunteers. If you would like to donate to the shelter, please see our Wish List for items that we currently need. Monetary donations are always appreciated. The shelter also raises funds through our recycling program.
Please consider showing your support for our cause by becoming a member of the Animal Shelter. Individual Memberships cost $25 per year and Family Memberships cost $50 per year. Membership Application
Volunteers are much needed and highly appreciated team members at SVAS. They spend their time doing all sorts of activities; from walking dogs and playing with cats, to helping with fundraisers and other shelter activities. Whatever your abilities and availability, we have a place for you! Top of Page
I Just Found A Stray Animal, What Do I Do?
If you are able to SAFELY handle the animal, check to see if it has a collar and tags. If so, please try to contact the owners. If not, please contact your local law enforcement.
If you cannot SAFELY handle the animal, please contact law enforcement. Do NOT attempt to capture or approach the animal. Top of Page
Where Can I Find Good Animal Training Information On The Internet?
SVAS endorses and uses the Pets for Life program developed by the Humane Society of the United States and the Dumb Friends League (DFL). The DFL has some of its Behavior Helpline Tips available in .pdf format on the web at http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm They also have dog-specific training material at http://www.ddfl.org/beh-commands.htm
Please feel free to contact the shelter at 852-6133 if you have questions with regards to this information or if you require further assistance. NOTE: If your animal exhibits aggression towards humans (particularly you or any member of your family), a trainer experienced in working with aggression should be contacted immediately. Top of Page
