Miami County Rallies for a New Animal Shelter: MC PAW and Partnership Share the Vision

Miami County’s animal lovers have a lot to be excited about, thanks to a community-wide push for a brand new animal shelter. On the latest Downtown Lowdown podcast—the official show of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership—Executive Director Tasha Weaver brought together voices from MC PAW (Miami County Partners for Animal Welfare) and the Miami County Animal Shelter to answer burning questions and rally support for this much-needed project.

Why a New Shelter?

Shelter Director Rob Kraft broke it down simply: the current building is over 50 years old and was built for an era when overcrowding meant dogs were euthanized—a practice the shelter abandoned five years ago in favor of becoming a no-kill facility. Now, during surges like hoarding cases (over 100 dogs at once, in one instance), staff scramble to make room and ensure care for every animal. The outdated facility has staff making do with a single multi-purpose room for everything from paperwork to adoptions and breaktime, and even the kennels show their age and limitations. The new shelter promises expanded, purpose-driven spaces—from dedicated meet-and-greet rooms to better kennels and a clinic for low-cost spay/neuter services to help stem the flow of animals in need.

Thinking Bigger (and Kinder)

The vision for the new shelter is both compassionate and practical. Cat lovers can look forward to “cat condos” and improved air filtration to prevent illness, while dog families will see less noise and less cage-to-cage aggression thanks to improved layouts. Specialized medical isolation rooms and a vaccination clinic aim to keep the shelter’s most vulnerable critters healthy.

Meanwhile, thoughtful touches like more room for volunteers and public spaces will make visits pleasant for anyone interested in adopting—or just paying a friendly visit. The shelter also hopes its new intake area will help ease traumatized animals’ transitions and keep disease at bay.

MC PAW’s Role and How to Help

MC PAW’s Joe Laber explained that the $7.5 million project is a modern “barn-raising,” bringing together everyone from kids donating birthday cash to community foundations and businesses. Anyone can help—sponsorship opportunities range from a $5 “Giving Friday” donation to a $1.5 million naming right, with options in between to sponsor “cat condos,” kennels, or even honor a beloved pet with a plaque.

Progress is real: after a year of ice cream tours, dine-to-donate events, and good old-fashioned checks and online gifts, over $2 million has already been raised. And with the Miami County Commissioners donating the land for the new shelter—just a stone’s throw from the existing 25A location—the community is poised for a big leap forward.

Adoption Remains Simple

Adopting a pet from the Miami County Animal Shelter is a breeze: $45 for a cat, $100 for a dog (including license), and streamlined background checks to make sure every animal lands in a safe, loving home. The shelter also prides itself on reuniting hundreds of lost pets with families each year—another testament to the team’s dedication.

How to Donate or Learn More

·        Miami County Animal Shelter:Website

·        MC PAW:Website & Facebook

·        Downtown Tipp City Partnership:downtowntippcity.org

·        To give or find wish lists: Visit shelter or MC PAW online for Chewy/Amazon links or donation options.

Listen to more inspiring stories each week with Executive Director Tasha Weaver on the Downtown Lowdown podcast—where Tipp City’s heart for animals, and for each other, shines bright!