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Color Country Animal Welfare (CCAW) Looks Ahead to a Community-Centered Future – January 2026
As animal welfare organizations nationwide face increasing challenges, such as rising intake and limited resources, Color Country Animal Welfare (CCAW) is entering 2026 with a clear focus: increasing the lifesaving capacity of the animal shelter, while strengthening community-based programs that help pets stay in their homes whenever possible.
CCAW is enhancing its shelter operations to improve both quality of life and outcomes for animals in its care. In 2026, the team will increase daily enrichment and behavior support to reduce stress, encourage healthy development, and improve adoptability. Growth of the foster program will allow more animals to thrive in home environments, while expanded volunteer recruitment will ensure animals receive regular exercise, socialization, and training. Together, these efforts reduce time spent in the shelter, improve animal well-being, and increase the likelihood of successful, lasting adoptions. More opportunities will be created for low-cost, low-barrier adoptions, which will make it easier for animals to move quickly from shelter to home.
CCAW is also expanding initiatives that address some of the root causes of pet surrender. The community pet food pantry—open to anyone, seven days a week—will continue to grow, helping families in the community provide food and other supplies for their animals. Staff will provide support and counseling to community members struggling to care for their pets, connecting them with critical resources. CCAW will continue the Trap-Neuter-Return voucher program for community cats, and spay/neuter vouchers for owned community dogs will be available. CCAW will continue to host low-cost vaccine clinics, continuing the work of Escalante Community Animal Clinic, in Wayne and Garfield Counties. Plans are underway to increase access to low-cost veterinary care for owned animals in Wayne and Garfield Counties, addressing medical issues early and preventing avoidable surrender. When surrender is the best or only option, the team at CCAW is committed to compassionate and non-judgmental support for community members in those difficult situations.
Improving return-to-owner outcomes is another major priority for 2026. By investing in proactive lost-pet reunification strategies, community outreach, and pet identification support, CCAW aims to reunite more pets with their families quickly—often without ever entering the shelter. When lost pets do enter the shelter, CCAW never charges fees to owners reclaiming their pets. A new “Lost and Found Pet” page will be added to the website, where lost and found pets will be posted to improve the chances of reunification for community members that might not have social media.
Located at 1200 West Highway 24 in Torrey, CCAW’s facility serves not only as an animal shelter, but as a community resource center. Free educational events will be held at the facility focused on training and behavior, pet health and first aid, and general animal care, which will further support pet ownership within the community.
Facility hours will be adjusted to allow staff more dedicated time to support these initiatives, while remaining open five days a week for walk-in visits to meet adoptable animals or connect with staff about available resources. Two days per week will be appointment-based, with same-day appointments available. Staff will continue to respond seven days a week to urgent, at-risk lost or stray animals. Updated hours will take effect February 1 and will be posted on the CCAW website along with program and staff updates.
These community-centered efforts are supported by careful planning, a focus on sustainability, and data-driven decision-making to ensure quality care for every animal and to provide programs that meet the community’s needs. By the end of 2026, CCAW envisions a stronger, more resilient organization—one that not only saves animals’ lives but also supports people and pets together, helping to build healthier, happier communities across Wayne County and the surrounding areas.