The History of Homer Animal Shelter
After many years of makeshift buildings and two decades of fundraising efforts a new Animal Shelter was opened in January 2005. The facility has ten dog runs, two cat rooms and dedicated space for medical procedures and food prep.
Memorial Gardens
The Barney Ryan/Joel Moss Memorial Garden
On September 14, 2010 Homer Animals Friends dedicated the Barney Ryan/Joel Moss Memorial Gardens. Homer Animal Friends contracted with Gardens by Design to have this garden built in front of the Homer Animal Shelter. The gardens are dedicated in the name of two individuals who were very active in Homer Animal Friends and who supported the humane treatment of all animals in Homer.
The second Sunday of September is National Pet Memorial Day. Honor the spirit and memory of your pet by placing a rock with their name in the Barney Ryan/Joel Moss Memorial Garden. Rocks are available at the Homer Animal Friends Store or contact homeranimals@gmail.com to order a rock.
You can also download a Memorial Rock Application and mail it to PO Box 2300, Homer, AK 99603 with your donation.
Current Management
Alaska Mindful Paws manages the Homer Animal Shelter under contract with the City of Homer. They took over management in January of 2017 and appreciate the opportunity to serve our community and its companion animals.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday, 9:00am – 4:00pm.
Click here to email or call the shelter at 235-3141.
Click here to go to the Shelter’s Adoptable Cats Album on Facebook
Click here to go to the Shelter’s Adoptable Dogs Album on Facebook
Volunteers
There are many opportunities to volunteer at the shelter. Whether your preference is walking dogs, brushing cats or socializing kittens; your help is needed and greatly appreciated. Email or call the shelter at 235-3141 to set up a time for your volunteer activity.
Programs
The Golden Paws Program – matches senior citizens (55 or older) with an animal 4 years or older. If qualified, adoption fee is waived and initial shots will be paid by Homer Animal Friends.
The Buster Program – Buster was a dog nobody wanted because he was out of control. He was excitable, pushy, mouthy, but he was also smart. He just could not calm down enough for someone to see the dog he could be. After meeting Buster, we knew we could help if volunteers would help socialize and work on basic skills like sit, down and recall. We did not save Buster, but the Program was started in remembrance of him.
The Buster Program consists of three parts:
- Training and enrichment activities for dogs waiting for homes
- Kennel card which lists the dog’s strengths and weaknesses
- Discount for a Homer Dog Trainers class
Homer Veterinary Clinic offers a discounted office visit and stool sample to any pet adopted from the Homer Animal Shelter. The Clinic also offers a discounted microchip fee for pets adopted from the Homer Animal Shelter.
Helpful Pet Information
Adoption tips (this link will take you to the ASPCA website)
Pet Care costs (this link will take you to the ASPCA website)