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STEPHEN MEMORIAL ANIMAL SHELTER

1716 Pella Ave

Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577

Help Save Pets

(641) 673-3991

Adoption Process

Once you have researched and determined that you and your family are ready for adoption, the next step is to begin searching for the ideal pet to adopt. We update our website daily with all available pets for adoption. You are also welcome to visit the shelter during business hours to see our adoptable animals and spend some quality time with them. After selecting a pet you are interested in adopting, you will need to complete an adoption application. All potential adopters are required to submit an application and receive approval before bringing a new pet home. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be able to adopt the specific pet you chose, nor does it obligate you to adopt. If multiple applications are received for the same animal, our staff will make a decision based on what is in the best interest of the animal. Typically, we process applications within 24 hours of receipt. You can expect a phone call regarding the status of your application the following day. If you have not received a call within two days, please feel free to contact us.

Service Areas

We provide services throughout Mahaska County, Iowa.

Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter in Oskaloosa, IA

The Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter (SMAS) is a small animal shelter situated in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Established in 1991, the original purpose of the facility was to act as a "pound" for stray animals in Mahaska County, where unclaimed or unadopted animals were euthanized after a seven-day holding period. Over the years, the SMAS has transformed its approach beyond the traditional pound model. The mission of the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter is to serve as a community resource for pets and people, with a commitment to enhancing the welfare of all companion animals. In 2011, the SMAS made a pivotal decision to cease euthanizing animals for space and began exploring alternatives to euthanasia. Through collaborations with other shelters and breed rescues, along with initiatives designed to boost adoption rates, the SMAS improved its live release rate from 40% to 93%. In May 2014, the shelter proudly celebrated its first month with a 100% live release rate. While the SMAS is not classified as a no-kill shelter, it successfully maintains a euthanasia rate of less than 8%. In addition to rescuing and re-homing stray, abandoned, and abused animals, the SMAS, in collaboration with the Mahaska Humane Society, has launched programs to educate the community and promote responsible pet ownership. These initiatives include dog bite prevention education in local elementary schools, providing therapy dogs in nursing homes and retirement facilities, offering stress relief with dogs at the local university during finals week, and assisting low-income residents of Mahaska County with spay/neuter services through the "Spay the County" program.

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