Over the last few months, Hoof & Paw has been working to support services the nonprofit offers by pursuing grants and funding opportunities beyond revenue brought in from the thrift store and donations. These efforts have led to some real successes for the grant writing team, headed by volunteer Kat Burroughs.
In August, Hoof & Paw received $1,000 for vaccinations of shelter animals from Athletes for Animals (AFA), an organization founded by David and Kelly Backes. David Backes is a retired National Hockey League player, and he and his wife founded AFA after volunteering for many years in animal shelters. This funding is significant for Hoof & Paw, because all animals who enter the shelter and are made available for adoption are all spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Vaccinations for animals run, on average, $45 per animal and total more than $10,000 a year, so the support of AFA is a tremendous help.
In August, Hoof & Paw was also notified that it had been awarded a $4,000 grant from the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund (CPOF). The CPOF is a specific charitable fund established in 2001 by the Colorado State Legislature. This grant is to assist Hoof & Paw in subsidizing the spay and neuter of owned animals in 2024.
Hoof & Paw works with Moab Veterinarian Clinic to offer six spay and neuter clinics a year to community members for heavily discounted rates. On average, it costs $115 to spay/neuter an animal, and at local clinics, Hoof & Paw charges pet owners between $25-45 per animal. Hoof & Paw pays the balance. Costs vary, due to the animal and surgery being performed.
“Hoof & Paw is thrilled to be awarded with this grant,” representatives said in a news release over the weekend. “Because we feel that spay and neuter in our communities should be within every animal owner's reach. We believe that by reducing unexpected litters of animals, it will ultimately lead to happier and healthier animals and more success for people in our communities and their efforts to care for their critters.”
Hoof & Paw has been the recipient of support from San Miguel Power Association‘s (SMPA) Community Focus Program. In 2022, SMPA awarded $1,000 to assist Hoof & Paw moving its thrift store location, and in July of 2023, Hoof & Paw was awarded $650 to aid in upgrading its very outdated point-of-sale register system at the thrift store.
“These contributions were extremely helpful in assisting Hoof & Paw to effectively and efficiently operate our thrift store, which is a significant aspect of our funding source and an important community resource,” representatives added.
Hoof & Paw is also in the process of pursuing grants and funding to assist in the direct care of its shelter animals: a trap, neuter and release (TNR) program for community cats, additional support for community spay and neuter clinics, and funding for youth in the community to explore careers in working with companion animals, marketing and retail.
“Hoof & Paw is beyond thrilled at the success, support and encouragement,” representatives said. “The funds we have been awarded will have direct impacts for companion animals in our community and for the people who love and care for them. Thank you so much to these organizations, to pet owners who utilize our services and to all of our community members who support Hoof & Paw and our mission. We will keep you updated as our pursuits continue.”
