The Salem Animal Shelter has undergone a transformation over the past year, evolving from what resembled a condemned building into a functioning community resource. After sitting unused for about six years, the facility required extensive renovations to meet animal care standards. Approximately $15,000 in capital improvements was allocated to the facility in FY2024-25 to bring it back up to date and usable for dogs, cats, and staff. In FY2025-26, $13,000 has been allocated.
Chief of Police Joe Chase provided a tour of the facility, speaking highly of the staff involved in its operation, including Animal Control Officer Gabriel Castro and full-time staff member Chloe Heisler. Castro and Heisler work full-time to keep up with the needs of the animals at the shelter, including playtime, feeding, exercise, and cleaning, along with building maintenance.
“Gabe and Chloe have done wonders for getting this place up and running,” stated Chase, on the animal shelter’s vital staff. “I mean, it’s just night and day.”
The city invested in bringing the shelter up to code with $15,000 allocated toward its renovation during FY2024-25. Utilization of those funds included a new roof installation, HVAC system replacement, ADA-accessible restroom replacement, lighting replacements, kennel and cat room improvements, as well as miscellaneous structural repairs. FY2025-26 has $13,000 in capital improvements set aside to replace the facility windows and build a storage area for outdoor tools—in order to help free up room on the inside for animal care needs. In addition, staff hope to replace the front door, install new guttering, repair the runs, and repair gates.
“Mainly what we’re trying to do is get within 100% compliance with the Department of Agriculture,” said Chase.
These renovations were incredibly necessary, stated Chase, as before the walls were falling apart and ceiling tiles were collapsing.
“The city had to do something,” said Chase, on the importance of the rehabilitation of the facility. “The city administrator and finance director understood the need for the community.”
One of the rooms within the facility is hoping to be renovated for the use of a retired veterinarian, who has offered her services to help assist in curbing the local feral cat population with a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. The goal is to spay or neuter the cats, followed by a day of holding within the cat room for the cats to recover. Cats will receive an ear notch and belly tattoo to mark the services rendered. After, the cats will be returned to the area they were trapped and released.
Chase shared that hopes are to tackle about 120 spays/neuters per year, in order to get the feral cat population under control.
Purchases to be made for the service include a small surgery table and mini fridge to store medications safely, along with other supplies needed to administer the services. Chase shared that estimations for when the program can be enacted is entirely dependent on working through the budget, crossing T’s and dotting the I’s, to ensure everything is done correctly.
The Salem Animal Shelter isn’t a no-kill shelter, but since reopening last year, the shelter has only had to euthanize a total of two dogs, excluding court ordered cases, out of the 60 that have come into the facility—a figure that is less than 10%. The two dogs, explained Chase, had to be put down as they were incredibly hostile and could not be put in a home without fearing for the welfare of the adopter or foster. Dogs are placed on the euthanasia list on a case-by-case basis, shared staff.
Castro shared that community members have reached out in the past who specifically take pit bulls or dogs who are more aggressive with the goal to work with and train them to ensure they are adoptable. Staff work to maintain those connections. Everything in their power is being done to ensure the best possible future for the animals.
“If we never have to put another one down, we’d be totally okay with that,” said Chase. “But, we’re not a no-kill shelter. The city just doesn’t have the resources for it.”
With that in mind, Chase praised the Friends of Salem Animal Shelter volunteer group that has formed and been consistently working with the dogs at the shelter. Chase recalled a day when volunteers, through the use of Pushin’ Another Wagin’ to Safety (PAWS,) were able to transfer six dogs from the shelter to another located in Wisconsin. After transfer, the dogs were quickly adopted out.
“I can’t say enough good things about the shelter volunteers,” shared Chase, referring to the Friends of Salem Animal Shelter. “They’ve been working to keep our population low.”
With the volunteer group and community assistance, the shelter has been able to keep a very low population, with an average of around 12 dogs.
Chase shared that donations of food are received through Walmart and Dollar General by ways of a community grant program. The food that is donated through the program is typically bags that were torn in transit or on the floor, then immediately pulled and sealed to meet Department of Agriculture standards. In addition, the shelter and police department have received food, blankets, and toys from members of the community.
Donations from the community are much appreciated. If wanting to donate, feel free to drop off items at the City of Salem Police Department or directly to the Salem Animal Shelter.
Castro was recently hired as an animal control officer. So far, in his experience, the City of Salem doesn’t have many strays so much as dogs that run loose and get away from their owners. He’s seen a lot of catch and returns, thankfully. He’s new to the area, but he’s been proactive in getting to know the community, forming connections, and recognizing who owns which dogs. Over the weekend, staff were able to return three lost dogs right back to their owners.
“Most of the time, if we find a dog out, we want to do everything we can to return it to its owner,” said Castro. “We’ve been pretty successful at that.”
Castro also shared he’s been impressed with the outpouring of support from local volunteers and citizens, which has been encouraging to see and makes the job easier.
The City of Salem Animal Shelter is open from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, but staff are willing to be flexible to those that may need alternative times for a meet-and-greet with potential pets. Staff are willing to do what they can to ensure dogs are able to get to a good home. The shelter is located at 1401 Mullnack Drive, Salem.
Animal Control Officer Gabriel Castro can be reached at 573-247-4057 or through contacting the non-emergency police dispatch number.
Read our previous stories on volunteer groups working for the welfare of the animals within the city, such as Friends of Salem Animal Shelter or subcommittee Advocates for Animals, at thesalemnewsonline.com.
