NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The nonprofit No Paws Left Behind animal shelter will operate out of the city's municipal shelter on Hodges Cross Road. 

 

Police Officer Matthew Reynolds, the city's animal control officer, will still be using the shelter for strays, and shelter staff will assist with care for animals while in holding. Animal control was shifted to an officer in next year's police budget after the resignation of Animal Control Officer Carrie Loholdt.

 

No Paws Left Behind is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs and cats from the area.

 

"We are excited to open our doors and welcome the community to join us in our mission to provide hope and homes for animals in need," said Noelle Howland, executive director of No Paws Left Behind. "Our goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where every animal who comes through our doors can thrive and find their perfect match. I can't thank the mayor and the city of North Adams team enough for all of their support and embarking on this journey with us.

 

"I am excited to perform this very important service to our community."

 

Noelle Howland was the manager at the former Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter in Pittsfield. After its closure, she sought to  carry on the no-kill shelter's legacy of rehoming cats and dogs. 

 

No Paws Left Behind was created, a new board of directors established and a decision made to look northward for a new home. The nonprofit has been in talks with the city for months about using the municipal shelter, created when the Department of Public Services moved into the former aluminum anodizing plant on Hodges Cross Road. The dog pound had previously been up by the reservoir. 

 

The shelter has 14 kennels, a quarantine area, an area for cats, an office and garage to both store the animal control vehicle and create a secure area for transporting animals. 

 

"I am thrilled about our partnership with No Paws Left Behind. This collaboration will make excellent use of our underutilized shelter space, allowing us to provide better care for the city's surrendered animals and offering a vital adoption site for rescue animals in need of loving homes," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey in a statement. "I have complete confidence in Noelle Howland and trust that our animals will receive the best care possible."

 

The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, July 6, from 1 to 3  p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about how they can support the shelter's mission through adoption, volunteering, and donations.

 

For more information: nopawsleftbehindas.org or contact@nopawsleftbehindas.org. 

 

Applications for adoption, animal surrenders, and volunteering may be found on the website. Surrender applications must be reviewed prior to animal drop off. The shelter also has an Amazon wish list.