MONDAY, July 27, 2026|
Photo – Two pets available at Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter – Courtesy City of Rawlins
The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter has pets awaiting their permanent homes.
The majority of Carbon County’s stray and feral cats and dogs are taken to the Rochelle Animal Shelter in Rawlins. Currently, the facility is home to four cats and 18 dogs, seven of which are enrolled in the Cage to Save program. The program pairs shelter dogs with inmates of the Wyoming State Penitentiary. The prisoners spend nine weeks training the animals in essential manners and basic obedience.
Rawlins Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper, who oversees the city’s animal shelter, said the Cage to Save program has been a success.
In April, the Cage to Save program saw its 100th graduate, a young adult Labrador retriever mix named Benny. Lieutenant Hooper said Benny is still available for adoption, noting he may not make a great first impression, but would nevertheless make a loving pet for a patient owner.
Each month, Bigfoot99 and Bandit102 work with the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter to highlight pets waiting for adoption. This month, Lieutenant Hooper asked to feature Buddy, a white four‑year‑old Shepherd-Husky mix. She said Buddy is a loving dog who can get along with other animals if given time.
Lieutenant Hooper also chose to spotlight Julius, a young adult orange cat. She said Julius is affectionate and interacts well with other animals.
Lieutenant Hooper credited Pet Partners of Carbon County for taking most of the county’s stray cats, significantly reducing the burden on the Rawlins animal shelter.
The shelter also has one turtle, though the police lieutenant said it can’t be adopted until an animal‑cruelty case wraps up.
Animal Control Officers Leah Ketner and Lisa Eriksson assist Lieutenant Hooper at the Rochelle Animal Shelter. Because the three officers split their time between patrolling the city and managing the facility, Lieutenant Hooper said volunteers are always welcome to help care for the animals.
Lieutenant Hooper said volunteers simply need a love of animals and the ability to follow instructions.
The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is always in need of donations of pet supplies. Due to numerous unexpected medical expenses, Lieutenant Hooper said monetary donations are also especially needed at this time.
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.
