Q  My pet is lost/I've found a pet.  What should I do?

A Come out to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter and fill out a lost/found pet form. Shelter hours are Tuesday-Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 2-5 p.m. and their phone number is 620-694-1924. Bringing a photo is helpful. It is best to check at the shelter every few days to see if your dog or cat has been brought in. If you have found a pet you can either try to find the owners yourself or if you want the Animal Control Officers to come and pick it up you will need to call 620-694-2636, they work daily from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Another thing to do is call the Hutchinson News and place an ad (if you have found a pet, the Hutch News will print the ad free of charge for four days) and call KWBW Pet Patrol 620-662-4486. The information will be read on air. (Thank you to Apple Lane Animal Hospital, Country Junction Animal Clinic and Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital for sponsoring "Pet Patrol".)

If your pet is spotted but not at the location when you get there, leave something with your scent on it, a blanket or article of clothing. If your pet returns to that area they are more likely to stay close to your familiar scent.

If you post signs, be sure they are large enough to be read by passer-bys.

FYI - The Hutchinson Animal Shelter offers micro-chipping for $35. If your pet is picked up or brought into the shelter, they will be scanned and you will be reunited quickly.

Q  Does Cause for Paws offer training for my dog?

A  Cause for Paws volunteers hope to hold training classes at the Hutchinson Dog Park.  Cause for Paws members will be able to take these classes free of charge. If you are interested in taking classes call 620-728-2906 and leave a message, your call will be returned.

From "Puppy Kindergarten" to "Advanced Obedience", the Hutchinson Kennel Club offers ongoing classes to help train your beloved pet. These classes are taught by some of Kansas' finest trainers and will make a difference in your life and your dog's life. An obedient dog is a happy dog!

Q  What volunteer opportunities are there?

A  Cause For Paws can always use help at special events such as the Salty Dawg Festival, driving the Rescue Van and special events held throughout the year.  If you have a certain interest, there are also many committees that would love to have your input.  

Q  How does my donation help Cause for Paws?

A  Cause For Paws donations go to the STOP spay/neuter program, Hutchinson Dog Park, Rescue Van and educational events. If you have a certain program or issue you would like your donation to go towards, just let us know and the entire donation will be put into that account. Since we are a 501(c)3 your donation could be tax deductible.

Our funds are dependent upon donations, membership fees, fundraisers and grants. As with any non-profit group, the needs of our programs far outnumber the funds we have available. 

 Q  When does the board meet?  May I attend?

A  The Cause for Paws board meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 125 E. Ave B, Hutchinson City Hall in the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m.  Anyone is welcome to attend. If you would be interested in coming please contact us first, if possible.  We reserve time at the first of each meeting to hear any comments or suggestions. There are occasions when the meeting gets moved due to scheduling conflicts or holidays. You can always call us at 620-728-2906 and we will return your call.


Q  Do I have to be a volunteer at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter to volunteer for Cause for Paws events?

A  No, we have many events where you can help and not be a Shelter volunteer. But, if you are handling a shelter dog or cat you need to first attend a Shelter orientation. Check the calendar for upcoming trainings. 

Q  What is the purpose of the Rescue Van?

A  A very generous donation by the Bob Neuway Legacy Fund enabled Cause for Paws to purchase a Van that is used to transport animals from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter to shelters and rescues in other areas of the country. To be a rescue van driver you must be a current Cause for Paws member, have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record, this is required by our vehicle insurance.

Q  Why transport animals out of our Shelter?
A Sadly, there is a limited amount of space in our Shelter. There are days where the Shelter can get in 50 or more dogs and cats. If the Shelter is full then dogs and cats will be euthanized. It is the hope of Cause for Paws that no adoptable dogs or cats would have to be euthanized for space.

Q  Is the Hutchinson Animal Shelter a no-kill shelter?

A  There are many definitions of "no-kill" shelters. Unfortunately, there will always be wonderful dogs and cats that are euthanized for health and behavior reasons. One of the goals of Cause for Paws is that no adoptable animal be euthanized and to help with that goal, Cause for Paws established the STOP spay/neuter assistance program to help families that are financially unable to have their companion animals "fixed".