St. Frances Animal Rescue planning for future relocation

St. Frances Animal Rescue is beginning plans to relocate. The shelter was first established in 2009 by Rick and Dolores Klinke according to a PSA from the organization. Joan Sargent, lead shelter volunteer and adoption/foster coordinator, said in the PSA that the animal rescue was created in response to a feral cat problem in Wrangell. For years since the rescue shelter was first established, the Klinke family and other volunteers have worked to care for and find homes for cats, dogs, and rabbits in Wrangell.

"With the help of volunteers and many generous donors, the shelter has provided for a multitude of needs in our community including addressing feral/stray/nuisance problems and the care and rehoming of animals owned by people moving, families in crisis, elders moving to long term care and the death of pet owners," Sargent wrote in the PSA.

Dolores Klinke recently gave notice to the St. Frances non-profit board that a new shelter site needed to be developed. This was in response to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSA reports. The shelter will not be taking in any new animals at this time, but volunteers will continue to help Dolores care for the animals already there.

Sargent said, in an interview with the Sentinel, that they have just begun talks with city officials to look for potential sites for a new shelter. They are mainly focused on narrowing down appropriate areas, she said. They are considering land near Shoemaker Harbor as a potential temporary site, but she said this is not set in stone yet.

"We're cautiously looking at that one," she said.

The PSA goes on to state that volunteers and donations are still critically needed. More information about St. Frances can be found on Facebook under "St. Frances Animal Rescue." The shelter's feral pet trap/alter program is still remaining active, the PSA said, and volunteers are available to assist in rehoming pets or finding other options in emergency situations. The half-off spay and neuter program remains active, as well.

"The facility is not open for drop in visits and an appointment to view adoptable animals is required," the PSA reads. "Depending on the situation, cats may be moved to a foster home for care and/or for potential adoption access. It is very important to realize that animals can contract COVID-19. Thus, protection of the animals and the facility volunteers is a priority."

Those wanting to volunteer at the shelter, adopt a pet, or have a nuisance animal issue, Sargent can be reached at jjsargent143@gmail.com, (907) 874-4593, or (907) 305-0126. The St. Frances board will host a meeting on Aug. 31, 6:30 p.m., at Island of Faith Lutheran Church. Masks and social distancing will be required.