AVHS – the Ark-Valley Humane Society
has been Chaffee County’s animal shelter
since 1995, providing care and homes for
over 6,000 neglected, homeless, abandoned
and abused dogs and cats in our valley.
Founded by private contributors and
volunteers, the Buena Vista facility includes
offices, separate areas for cats and dogs, an
isolation unit for quarantined animals,
outdoor runs for dogs, a two-acre fenced
exercise yard, and a crematorium.
A mix of volunteers and paid employees staff
the facility seven days a week.
Even with dedicated volunteers, it cost
$161,000 to operate the shelter in 2005 in
order to meet modern shelter and state-mandated standards for the humane treatment of animals.
Expenses are outpacing contributions and
fees from impoundments, adoptions, and
services, making continued operation
uncertain.
Closing a first-class facility like AVHS, after all it has achieved, would be a great loss.

The November Ballot Referendum
Recognizing the importance of the shelter’s
continued operation, the Chaffee County
Commissioners are asking voters to consider
a ½ mill increase in county property taxes,
with all revenue dedicated to the shelter.
The average home in the county is valued at
$230,000. For that house, a ½ mill increase
would be $9.15 per year, or about 2-½ cents
per day. The shelter would receive $148,590 in the first year.
Ballot language dedicates this revenue solely
to contract for the holding and sheltering of
impounded and relinquished animals, with the tax expiring if the county cannot contract with a suitable provider. The county WILL NOT operate any shelter.