Prairie Paws Animal Shelter is growing. Not here in Ottawa, but taking on responsibility at a new location. The Manhattan City Commission voted in favor of an agreement presented to the city, to outsource the operation of the city’s animal shelter to Prairie Paws. They noted that Prairie Paws is a no kill shelter founded in 1946 in Franklin County and serves more than 3,000 pets annually, across six counties. Prairie Paws will be compensated $350,000 annually to provide the scope of services required by Manhattan, as well as nearly $4,000 for cost of transition. The agreement also includes leasing their current building for one dollar a year. The Manhattan City Commission says a high level of service to the citizens and animals is a priority.
Director Vanessa Cowie says the organization is fortunate to have robust programming and financial support and that serving more animals and more citizens is the most effective way to achieve their goals.
