GPAW takes over operation of municipal cat shelter

For the second time in 14 months, the Gonzales municipal cat shelter is being managed and operated by a new 501c(3) non-profit.

It was announced on Saturday, March 1, that Gonzales Paws and Whiskers (GPAW) would take over operation of the shelter from Kingdom Rescue effective that date.

The city was notified several months ago that Kingdom Rescue would no longer be able to operate the cat shelter after first taking over as operator on Jan. 1, 2024. Kingdom Rescue had an agreement with the city to run the shelter, for which the city would pay $57,600 annually, disbursed in 12 equal installments of $4,800 per month. A new one-year contract went into effect on Oct. 1, 2024 and runs through Sept. 30, 2025.

GPAW agreed to step in to continue operating the shelter under the same fiscal arrangement as Kingdom Rescue to serve out the remainder of the contract from March 1 through Sept. 30, receiving $4,800 per month for those seven months for a total of $33,600. The Gonzales City Council approved the new agreement with GPAW through unanimous consent at the February regular council meeting.

According to an announcement by GPAW, Kingdom Rescue was expected to continue to support and work alongside GPAW to ensure a smooth transition for GPAW and all cats in their care. They will also work to pull cats from the shelter and into foster homes.

If you are looking to adopt a cat through GPAW, you can contact Deana at 830-263-0066 or Kristi at 830-263-2854.