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What is CCLAS???

 

 

“CCLAS” is the Citizens Committee for a Lakewood Animal Shelter, Inc.  CCLAS, (pronounced "claws") is the support group for the Lakewood Animal Shelter.   Over twenty five years ago, Lakewood did not have a shelter, so the original “citizens” got together to petition the City of Lakewood to provide a place for the city's stray, abandoned and neglected animals, and raised the monies necessary to do this.  In 1984, CCLAS received the number and status of a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  Today, in Cuyahoga County, Lakewood is the only city west of Cleveland that has an animal shelter.  CCLAS works side-by-side with the City and Shelter staff to provide the Shelter with volunteers to clean every Saturday, and CCLAS maintains a list of people who can foster animals as the need arises.

 

Every year CCLAS contributes thousands of dollars to maintain the animal protection programs that make our municipal facility much more than a "dog pound." We have several fundraising events throughout the year, and all the money we bring in goes directly to the programs and needs of the Shelter.  Funds we raise are used to provide, in conjunction with the City of Lakewood, each adopted animal with a spay/neuter certificate redeemable by participating veterinarians. And, each newly adopted animal goes to their new home with a starter kit which includes food samples, food/water bowls, a collar, and leashes for the dogs. We provide foster homes, when needed, for pregnant cats and dogs, or new litters until the babies are weaned and are of an adoptable age.

Additionally, CCLAS funds the purchase of certain supplies, equipment, and some capital improvements in order to better meet the operational needs of the Lakewood Animal Shelter. We purchased most of the original cat cages, outdoor dog runs, perimeter security fencing and storage cabinets. In 1996 CCLAS and the City of Lakewood shared the cost of the Lakewood Animal Shelter expansion, enabling us to double capacity.

The underlying mission of CCLAS is to improve and protect the lives of Lakewood’s pet companion population. Specifically, by providing financial and volunteer resources, CCLAS aids in the adoption of abandoned cats and dogs as well as their well being during their stay at the shelter. Further, through fundraising and adoption events, its newsletter and other programs such as the Spay/Neuter program, CCLAS interacts with the Lakewood community to promote education and advocacy regarding the shelter and responsible pet ownership.