Chatham-Kent has inked a three-year $3.7-million contract with Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) to provide animal control and pound services for all of Chatham-Kent.
The agreement includes the leasing of the animal shelter on Park Avenue East in Chatham, and Arnold Street in Wallaceburg until 2027.
PAWR, which became a non-profit agency in 2014, has been providing a wide range of services to Chatham-Kent for a number of years, taking over the role of animal control for C-K in 2019. It runs 365 days a year, with the help of 12 staff and more than 40 volunteers.
In the name of promoting animal welfare, PAWR runs a pet food bank, handles wildlife issues when volunteers are available, hosts micro-chip clinics, offers spay and neuter programs when grants are available, lends out traps and carriers, and carries out public awareness campaigns.
Included in the contract is the option to extend the agreement for an additional two years for $2.7 million.
