Stray dogs and cats are one of the most critical animal-related problems we face in Lake County and on the Flathead Indian Reservation.  Without any other shelters in the area, without Animal Control, and without law enforcement authority over stray animals (with the sole exception of accident emergencies), MVAS is the most important player in addressing this problem.
 

There are several reasons why the stray problem is a health and safety priority:
 

Strays are in danger of being hit by cars
 

Strays can pose a threat to human (especially child) safety
 

Strays are often disease vectors, especially with the prevalence of parvo (a serious, often lethal viral canine disease) on the reservation.

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Strays are often unsterilized and contribute to the pet overpopulation
 

Strays (especially unneutered strays) often fight and injure each other on the streets
 

Strays can fall prey to other animals, especially in rural Western Montana
 

Strays can, and sadly sometimes do, get shot
 

With this in mind, we are developing a vision and programs to address these problems.  The solutions for dogs vs. cats are distinct and different: 
 

DOGS
 

We have a two-pronged strategy for addressing the stray dog problem:
 

1. To increase our capacity to take in stray animals (through expansion of our facility, our staff, our protocol and our foster program)

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2.  To establish volunteer Advisory Councils on Community Canines (ACCCs) in several local communities that will boost collaboration with community members to address the stray dog problem.

CATS

Our strategy for addressing the stray cat problem is developing a trap and release program which offers certificates specifically for strays.
 

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