Background Statement
Driven by concern for local pets, community members with a deep commitment to animal welfare began meeting in 1997 to focus on how best to organize and mobilize support for the Animal Control Officer in Cedaredge. They formed the Friends of Cedaredge Animal Control (FCAC). Shortly thereafter, the group secured a grant for $5000 from the Animal Assistance Foundation in the amount of $5,000 to be used for the construction of an Animal Control Center that would house both cats and dogs. The FCAC, run solely by volunteers, worked closely with the Town of Cedaredge to adopt a "no kill" approach to sheltering animals, and agreed to help fund the operation. Though the Town ran the shelter from 2001 - 2010, the FCAC was the vital lifeline, funding veterinary care through relentless fundraising and donations. They even opened The Shelter Shoppe thrift store - a charming and resourceful way to help fund the shelter operations.
The FCAC became incorporated in 2001, received its 501(c)3 designation in 2003, and became licensed by the State of Colorado and, in 2011, took over the operations of the Shelter.
In 2016, the Town of Cedaredge generously deeded the shelter property to the FCAC, who immediately began a capital campaign to replace and upgrade the current shelter building. In 2018, the new facility officially opened. The following year, the FCAC changed it's name to the Surface Creek Animal Shelter.
The Shelter continues to run on the tireless effort of volunteers, the unwavering generosity of the community, key grants, and a simple, enduring dedication to saving lives.