Monday, March 16, 2026 |
Photo – Angel (left) and Oscar and Felix (right) – Courtesy Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter
The Rawlins animal shelter has pets available for adoption.
Stray animals from around Carbon County are brought to the Rochelle Animal Shelter in Rawlins. The facility is currently home to seven dogs and four cats.
Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper oversees the Rawlins shelter, along with Animal Control Officer Lisa Eriksson. Each month, Bigfoot99 works with Lieutenant Hooper to highlight a special dog and cat ready for adoption. This month, we are featuring Angel, a one‑year‑old husky mix and graduate of the Cage to Save Program. Lieutenant Hooper said Angel is shy and timid but will make a strong companion for anyone willing to get to know her.
Launched in early 2023, the Cage to Save Program is a partnership between the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter and the Wyoming State Penitentiary. Selected shelter dogs are paired with inmates for a nine‑week training period, where they learn basic obedience, socialization, and manners to help them pass the Canine Good Citizen test. Lieutenant Hooper said the program gives dogs that might not thrive in the shelter, like McLovin, a chance to learn new skills and prepare for adoption.
The 100th dog to complete the Cage to Save Program, a lab-mix named Autumn, is expected to graduate next month.
Lieutenant Hooper also asked to highlight a pair of six‑month‑old black‑and‑white kittens named Oscar and Felix. The police lieutenant said the brothers were abandoned and are now ready for adoption.
The city provides a modest amount of funding to operate the Rochelle Animal Shelter, with donations covering the remainder of the facility’s budget. Lieutenant Hooper said the shelter is seeking donated dog and cat treats, laundry detergent, dish soap, and, as always, financial support. She said monetary contributions help cover unexpected medical expenses, such as removing tumors from Runt, another graduate of the Cage to Save Program.
To meet an animal, volunteer, or drop off donations, visit the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter at 2711 East Murray Street Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., or call 328‑4534 to schedule an appointment. All adoptable animals are posted on the shelter’s Facebook page and on Petfinder.com. Adoption fees are $35 for cats and $50 for dogs.
