PAWS and More Animal Shelter Reports More Intakes in 2025

The shelter is expanding to a new five-acre facility as it sees increased demand for its services.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The PAWS & More Animal Shelter in Washington, Iowa reported taking in over 80 more animals in 2025 compared to the previous year. Shelter Director Amber Talbot gave an update to the Washington County Board of Supervisors, noting the shelter also saw a significant increase in foster placements. The shelter is currently constructing a new larger facility on Buchanan Street, which is expected to be completed in 10-12 months, weather permitting.

Why it matters

The increased intakes at PAWS & More reflect a growing need for animal welfare services in the Washington area. The new shelter facility will allow the organization to expand its capacity to care for and rehome more animals in the community.

The details

According to Talbot, PAWS & More helped over 80 more animals in 2025 compared to the previous year, and placed over 300 animals in foster care - a higher number than normal. The shelter is currently constructing a new five-acre facility on Buchanan Street, which will double the size of their current space and include walking paths, all-season gathering places, and inclusive spaces for the public to interact with the animals.

  • PAWS & More reported the 2025 intake numbers to the Washington County Board of Supervisors last week.
  • The shelter broke ground on the new five-acre facility in October 2025.
  • The new shelter is expected to be completed in 10-12 months, weather permitting.

The players

PAWS & More Animal Shelter

A non-profit animal shelter serving Washington County, Iowa.

Amber Talbot

The director of the PAWS & More Animal Shelter.

Washington County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Washington County, Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“To review our year-end, we had a busy 2025. We ended up helping over 80 more animals than the previous year. So, we kept busy, but it was super positive. We were pretty proud, we sent over 300 animals to foster in '25 as well, which is higher than normal. So if anybody can't adopt, you can always sign-up to be a foster.”

— Amber Talbot, Shelter Director (kciiradio.com)

What’s next

The shelter's funding agreement with Washington County is up for renewal this year.

The takeaway

The expansion of PAWS & More's facilities will allow the shelter to meet the growing demand for animal welfare services in the Washington, Iowa community, highlighting the importance of local non-profits in addressing community needs.