Since 1998, PAWS-itive Partners has been a staple in North Platte.
From spay and neuter programs to prevent overpopulation to promoting the adoption of homeless animals, PAWS-itive Partners has championed their cause to promote and support the animals of the North Platte.
That’s how the idea for their new program came to fruition: short-term pet care. When people experience sudden hospitalization, serious illness, death or homelessness, it also causes disruption in a pet’s life.
Jo Mayber, president of PAWS-itive Partners, said some have sought euthanasia for their pets in these types of situations, while others may be denied the care they need for fear of leaving their pets behind. pet. This is where PAWS-itive Partners comes in. For up to 30 days and free of charge, they will help care for pets in situations when the owner is unable due to medical, health, or other reasons beyond the owner’s control.
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“The only requirement is to be referred by a caseworker, social worker or someone involved with that client or patient,” Mayber said.
The program is not just limited to traditional pets, cats and dogs. Mayber said they will try to develop a custom plan for each patient to learn each pet’s needs and make sure there is someone with experience to watch and care for the pet.
“We want to custom make it and make it as easy for the pet as we can,” he said.
PAWS-itive Partners works with Great Plains Health, nursing homes, Connections Homeless Shelter and veterans services in the Lincoln County area so they can reach PAWS-itive Partners with someone in need of emergency pet care .
“It takes the pressure off of having to think about our pets,” said Leah Wescoat from Great Plains Health. “We’ve got your care and you’re worried about your health so if someone comes in and says ‘we’ve got your dogs,’ that’s great.”
Wescoat said some patients with medical problems refuse to be admitted for longer treatments or stays because they are concerned about their pet’s care and don’t want to leave them.
“They really put their pets before themselves a lot of the time,” Wescoat said. “So taking that worry away from them as well as offering this service allows them to get treatment and get healthy and live longer to be with their pet.”
Wescoat said the hospital is happy to work with PAWS-itive Partners to make sure people and pets get the care they need. They also ensure that all patients’ information is kept confidential and that they are open to the idea of their pet being cared for by PAWS-itive Partners.
From there, Mayber said, they will continue to be contacted by a caseworker or social worker to send photos and updates about the pets to the owners so they can be sure they are being cared for.
While this service is already in use, PAWS-itive Partners needs more volunteers to care for pets. These fosters can range from one night to 30 days.
“Volunteers will be vetted and we want references and everything, but there aren’t enough of us to do it on our own,” Mayber said. “We need people in the community.”
Volunteers can care for animals indoors or outdoors and are responsible for providing companionship to the pets during the care period, as well as feeding, grooming and exercise.
Mayber, who has fostered several pets herself, said the most important thing is that volunteers have experience with pets and love them.
