More Than a Shelter - The Cheyenne Animal Shelter Strengthens Our Whole Community
Written by: Britney Tennant, Cheyenne Animal Shelter CEO
When you think of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, you likely picture a place of compassion—where wagging tails, hopeful eyes, and lifesaving care define each day. And you’re right. Every year, we provide a safe and loving refuge to thousands of animals in need. But what you might not realize is that our mission goes far beyond animal welfare. Through education, civic engagement, nonprofit partnerships, and public service, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter is also a vital hub of connection, learning, and community support.
Our staff, volunteers, and board members are active civic participants, serving in organizations like Rotary, Kiwanis, and Frontier Human Resources. These connections help align the Shelter’s work with broader community priorities, from public health to workforce development.
As a member of the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, the Shelter contributes to economic growth and public policy discussions, while its involvement in the Wyoming Nonprofit Network helps strengthen the statewide nonprofit sector. As part of the Laramie County Community Partnership, we work to identify ways in which our work and the needs of our community overlap. That might look like access to healthcare and affordable housing, or the need to foster deeper social relationships. Through these efforts, we share tools, data, and expertise that benefit organizations well beyond the animal welfare space.
Education is another area in which the Shelter expands its impact. Through humane education programs focused on dog bite prevention, responsible pet ownership, and adoption, our team reaches youth and families throughout our service area. These programs build compassion, responsibility, and safety.
The Shelter’s community commitment also takes visible form. We adopted a section of the Cheyenne Greenway, which staff and volunteers clean twice a year. It’s a simple act that reflects our belief in caring for the community as a whole, not just the animals within our walls.
Whether it’s students learning empathy, individuals completing court-mandated service, or professionals lending their skills on the board, volunteer opportunities further extend the Shelter’s reach. We create space for people to grow, contribute, and connect. These opportunities benefit both the organization and the individuals who serve. And when we work together, we build a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone—animals and people alike.
The Shelter is also a valued resource for other animal welfare organizations across Wyoming. Our leadership regularly travels the state to offer training, consultation, and operational tools. This generous exchange of knowledge strengthens smaller shelters and rescues, helping them better serve their communities. By sharing our experience and resources, we amplify the Shelter’s impact far beyond city limits.
Here in Cheyenne, we also support the work of others by offering our community room as a free meeting and event space for local nonprofits and civic groups. And through partnerships with Laramie County Community College and Colorado State University, the Shelter provides hands-on learning for students in veterinary, social service, and nonprofit careers. These collaborations prepare the next generation of professionals while supporting the Shelter’s daily operations with fresh talent and energy.
In all these ways, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter demonstrates that in addition to being a safe haven for unwanted and displaced pets, we also serve to support people, culture, and quality of life. We are civic partners, educators, leaders, and connectors. Supporting the Shelter means supporting public safety, education, leadership, and collaboration across the city and state.
Every hour volunteered, every shared resource, every public or private dollar invested in the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, helps extend our reach far beyond animal care—amplifying positive outcomes across the entire community. The Shelter’s collaborative spirit and commitment to shared success make us a true multiplier of impact, benefiting not just pets, but people, neighborhoods, and the systems that connect them. We invite you to join us - come to the facility, spend some time volunteering, and talk with our team.
When you think of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, do think about and prioritize pet adoptions. And also, think of the classroom visit that helped prevent a dog bite. The student who discovered their passion through an internship. The nonprofit that found a welcoming space to hold deep and meaningful conversation. The rural shelter that launched a lifesaving program thanks to shared tools and guidance. These are just a few of the ripple effects made possible through community partnership.
The Cheyenne Animal Shelter doesn’t just help animals—we work to strengthen the networks, values, and infrastructure that make Cheyenne a more connected, compassionate, and resilient place for us all. Come join us!
