In early 2022, the MCPAWS staff and leadership team went through the process of updating our mission and vision statement to reflect our growing capacity, including all of the branches that make up MCPAWS. Our new mission and vision encompasses how the shelter, thrift store, and veterinary hospital all work together, in unique ways, to achieve the common purpose of supporting our community and transforming lives by connecting pets and people.
Vision
A humane community where all animals are well cared for and loved
We are excited to share this news with our supporters and feel that the current MCPAWS operating model fulfills our new mission and vision in a creative and sustainable manner – reflecting best practices and trends in the animal welfare industry. Anyone who has a pet in their life, knows how these animals can change our lives for the better. By shifting our focus to enhancing and supporting the connection between people and pets, we are able to offer mutually beneficial, holistic services that will better serve our community and broaden the positive impact of our organization.
Our Values
Shelter leadership, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders have come together to identify the following values that guide our work and strategic commitment to animal welfare in our community and beyond:
• Respect for the animals and people we serve and also for the people who make it possible for us to accomplish our mission (donors, volunteers, staff, and clients).
• Service to pets and pet owners in need as well as our community.
• Excellence: We will strive for excellence and professionalism in the services we provide and the programs we administer.
• Creativity: We will remain open to new ideas, stay engaged with new trends in the animal welfare field, and encourage our staff and volunteers to approach problems with fresh perspectives.
• Compassion: We remain committed to holding the pets and people we serve in a compassionate and understanding light.
• Inclusivity: We acknowledge the inherent joy and mutual benefits provided from the human-animal bond. MCPAWS will remain committed to offering services and administering programs that celebrate this bond and work to ensure that pets are placed or able to remain in loving homes, regardless of factors like income, geographic location, and social status.
• Gratitude for our donors, volunteers, staff, and community – and to the animals we serve.
• Leadership We will continue to lead in the field of animal welfare here in the West Central Mountain Region of Idaho as well as across our entire state. We remain committed to establishing working partnerships and providing resources when we can to other nonprofit organizations locally and regionally. We will remain an active participant in the Idaho Shelter Coalition and commit time and resources as we can to ensure its successful role in Idaho animal welfare.
Our History
McPAWs, McCall People for Animal Welfare, a volunteer, grass-roots organization, was formed in 1998 to assist the City of McCall with operation of the city impound facility for dogs. Dogs impounded by the city needed care the police didn’t have time to provide. In response, a small group of dedicated volunteers came together and made that care their priority— feeding, exercising, and providing clean quarters for the dogs; returning dogs to owners; finding new homes for those who had been abandoned.
By 2000, it was apparent that the need in the regional community was far greater than facility could meet. We couldn’t take in dogs from outside city limits and couldn’t take in cats at all. In addition, the small structure which housed the dog pound was scheduled for demolition. It was clear a larger shelter facility was needed.
The Leeta Anderson Animal Foundation (LAAF) stepped up to purchase and remodel the former McCall Veterinary Clinic as a new regional animal shelter. A Board of Directors was established and the acronym McPAWS was dropped to reflect the regional nature of the shelter operation. In 2001 we officially became MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter.
On February 7, 2002 we opened our doors, transferring the two remaining dogs from the old facility. “Build it and they will come” might be our motto. Soon, kennels and cages were filling with dogs and cats from all over the county. In February, 2003 the LAAF generously donated the building and property to MCPAWS.
Since 1998, MCPAWS had great expectations of realizing what had been just a hopeful dream – a shelter facility where the love of animals and a sincere commitment to their humane treatment are mandatory. So many years later, to look back at our humble beginnings, we at MCPAWS are so incredibly grateful to that small group of dedicated volunteers who came together, to ensure that companion animals in our community are cared for with compassion and humanity.
Mission and Vision
Transforming lives by strengthening the human-animal connection
https://mcpaws.org/adopt/adopt-a-dog/
Testimonials
No testimonials submitted

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Idaho
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Idaho
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Idaho
Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
Read more