Charles Crane/MDN Oakes, center, a recent intake at Souris Valley Animal Shelter poses with SVAS Office and Development Coordinator Nicole Bias, Executive Director Laura Garcia, Care Manager Genesis Pruitt and Animal Care Specialist Kirsten Olson..

The Souris Valley Animal Shelter had major changes in 2023, primarily the exchange of power from the previous executive director to Laura Garcia, the current executive director, and the promotion of Siri Fisher from community relations coordinator to the director of communications.

Fisher said Souris Valley Animal Shelter (SVAS) has been working to restore connections with the Minot community and to revamp its events to better serve animals in need.

She also said along with some internal software improvements, SVAS has also expanded staff by filling an office and development coordinator position. Other internal improvements include office and shelter cleaning and maintenance, and heightened dog and cat enrichment.

SVAS is also reworking its volunteer program and introducing volunteer training. The goal of the program is to have trusted volunteers work shifts so the shelter can throttle down on paid employees and cut down payroll costs, according to Fisher.

In addition to revitalizing the volunteer program, Fisher said SVAS will introduce the new Date a Pup program in 2024. Volunteers who have served at least 10 hours in-shelter will be able to “check out” dogs like a library system to provide out-of-shelter enrichment such as going for walks or hikes.

In 2024 the community will see the return of SVAS’s annual gala, its largest fundraising event that wasn’t held this year. A color run will be held this upcoming year. SVAS Day Out is also on the docket with an added cornhole tournament.

Fisher said she hopes to partner with Minot Air Force Base to start a volunteer program for airmen and their families to help new Minot community members foster new, local relationships. She said she hopes this program will help battle the ongoing mental health crisis amongst military members.

Along with monthly newsletters, SVAS has also recently rolled out a new membership program.

“My main focus as the communications director will be to bridge gaps in information with the community and SVAS. We understand in the past, I of all people understand in the past, we’ve had a lot of individuals who seek information and never got it. This year, we’re doing things a little bit different,” Fisher said.

The paid membership includes an SVAS hat, a customizable calendar and access to quarterly reports. These reports include information on where animals are coming from, and the number of intakes and adoption numbers in an attempt to be proactive with communication. Members will also receive one free entry to each of their events and one free adoption of up to $250, which is transferable to any non-member.

Fisher said her largest goal for 2024 will be to continue to mend and grow relationships within the Minot community.