In 1998 a group of concerned citizens decided it was time for a change in the way Chippewa County dealt with its abandoned and homeless pets. At that time the County Dog Pound was privately owned and managed on a contractual basis with the County. Animal Control was a part of the County Health Department. The statistics (if you could find any) were very dismal. Because there was a very real need for change, FOCAS was formed.

At the pound in 1999, 503 animals were euthanized. There was very little effort to adopt animals. Volunteers were not welcome and the pound was not well maintained. Something had to be done.

Our first attempt, FOCAS unsuccessfully tried to convert a building on its own to be a new permanent shelter. It was a serious set back for us when it failed but we were determined to succeed.

FOCAS decided that the County needed to accept the responsibility for the homeless animals that it found in its care. FOCAS convinced the County to pay for a feasibility study to address the animal and community needs for Chippewa County. In early 2001 Chippewa County did not renew its contract with the private individuals. Instead, with the help of the FOCAS organization, it opened a temporary shelter on East Spruce Street. For six months FOCAS coordinated volunteers to clean, care for, and adopt the animals along with one 30 hour per week county employee.

August of 2001, the county finally hired two employees to maintain the shelter. Unfortunately volunteerism dropped considerably and the euthanasia rate went up because of this. The new staff had its own ideas of how the shelter should be run. Because of the controversy, the County Controller decided to take over the management of the shelter. An ad hoc committee was formed to decide what needed to be done and FOCAS was one the main representatives on this committee.

Spring of 2003, the new Chippewa County Animal Control Shelter opened. FOCAS had seen many positive changes but due to the wrong people staffing the shelter, the euthanasia rate was still to high and volunteers did not feel welcome. Because of the dedication of FOCAS members, the county realized that this was not the shelter the community wanted. In August of 2003, another staff change took place and the shelter FOCAS long hope for had become a reality. The shelter now is now a minimum-kill shelter. It does not euthanize any animal considered adoptable.

FOCAS supports the Chippewa County Shelter in any way that we can, financially and politically. We also actively support all other animal welfare organizations in Chippewa County. FOCAS is also very committed to our Spay and Neuter Program. We first began with $20.00 certificates available to those in need of help. FOCAS is now able to help income eligible and special needs people with part or all of the cost of the spay or neuter of their pets. FOCAS will continue to work towards making Chippewa County a better place for animals in need.