The Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is breathing a little easier after receiving a $9,000 grant from the City of Portage la Prairie to offset soaring operating costs. The funding, awarded for the second consecutive year, comes as the volunteer-run organization grapples with inflation-driven expenses and a persistent stray animal crisis.
Financial struggles and a lifeline grant
PAWS moved into its new facility over two years ago, but the upgrade brought a steep rise in property taxes—now quadruple its previous bill. Claudia Verwey, a PAWS volunteer and board member, explains the grant’s critical role.
“We are 100% volunteer-run and rely on donations. This helps offset that large cost,” Verwey notes.
Inflation has further strained resources, spiking prices for everything from parking lot repairs to pet food and veterinary care.
The shelter’s gravel parking lot, dubbed a “disaster zone,” symbolizes their challenges. “Getting a quote when we built the facility to now—that price has gone up quite a bit,” Verwey says. Despite these hurdles, PAWS remains committed to its core mission: keeping pets in loving homes.
Preventing surrenders through community support
While PAWS prioritizes taking in animals from local pounds, cat surrenders remain high due to Portage la Prairie’s stray crisis. The organization runs a low-cost spay/neuter program to curb overpopulation and eases financial burdens for struggling pet owners. However, dwindling pet food donations have added pressure.
“When we don’t have pet food donations, we can’t help those in need,” Verwey notes. Local business Fire and Flower has stepped up with a dog food drive running until April’s end.
Community support is also vital, and Verwey stresses, “We wouldn’t function without Portage—they’ve been generous with time, donations, and money.”
How to get involved
PAWS urgently needs volunteers, particularly for cat care. “Many hands make light work,” Verwey says, adding with a laugh: “Sign up with a buddy! There’s litter cleaning, but playing with cats is fun, I promise.”
She notes that the Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo has also been a big help recently, as PAWS was a March beneficiary.
To help, email portageanimalwelfaresociety@hotmail.com, visit portageanimalwelfaresociety.com, or message PAWS on Facebook.
“It’s not all about giving money,” Verwey emphasizes. “You can give in so many ways that don’t cost anything.”
As costs rise, PAWS’s resolve stays strong, fueled by a community determined to ensure no pet goes hungry or unhoused.