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Learn about some of Cat Care Society‘s valued partners in this blog series, showcasing the work of some incredible local non-profits and how together we’re helping cats in our community. Today, meet Colorado Pet Pantry, which provides pet food and supplies to community members in need.
Much like food banks are used to assist people in need of food, Colorado Pet Pantry (CPP) is here to help pet parents. Their goal? To ensure that all families in a neighborhood have the resources to consistently feed their pets, thereby keeping them out of shelters.
Colorado Pet Pantry is dedicated to ensuring that no person faces the heart-breaking decision to relinquish their beloved pet due to financial constraints or lack of resources. “We often deal with people at low points in their lives, and we are honored to have the ability to lend a helping hand,” CPP told us.
Take it from Dawn, who was able to continue caring for her cat Brave and two dogs, amidst a divorce that brought unexpected financial strain. Or Robert, who appreciates the help for his service dog, Kloe. Or Lisa and her cat Velcro, who needs an expensive prescription diet to manage her health.
Beyond the people CPP serves directly, they also are strong community partners, coming to the aid of many shelters and rescues. Through their Animal Welfare Share Program, CPP assists with arranging pet food and supply deliveries to organizations when they’re able.
Just recently, CCS accepted FOUR PALLETS of cat litter that we so desperately needed thanks to CPP and their relationship with Greater Good Charities.
“As a non-profit shelter caring for hundreds of cats, litter donations are absolutely crucial for us in taking care of our animals — and we go through a lot!” said CCS’ animal care lead Michelle. “We’ve been short on non-clumping litter lately, so this generous delivery couldn’t be more welcomed. It will be put to good use keeping our kitties’ facilities clean and providing them the care they deserve, while saving some of our funds to put toward other much-needed shelter operations and improvements. As kitten season will once again be here soon, it’s also a big help to keep us stocked up and ready for the spring as we welcome many new little ones, whom this litter is safer for. Thank you Colorado Pet Pantry for helping make this happen!”
Colorado Pet Pantry was founded by Eileen Lambert in 2013. It started with a bi-monthly pet food bank at one “human” food bank partner. Once need was established, they were up to four monthly pet food banks in 2014, and five through Denver and Boulder by 2015 and 2016.
The organization’s growth has been exponential. Now, in 2024, CPP says it is the largest direct-to-client organization of its kind in the U.S. The organization distributes pet food at 95 monthly pet food banks in 31 Colorado counties, distributing 35 million meals to pets in need over the last decade, and assists over 100 animal welfare organizations.
Their official mission: The Colorado Pet Pantry will temporarily feed Colorado pets, allowing families to increase their ability to care for pets with the goal of keeping them out of shelters and with their families.
Coming up we have a few fundraising events – our 2nd Annual Experience Colorado Auction will be live online from 3/31 – 4/7. This includes all experience related items (non-tangible), and primarily focuses on Colorado experiences.
Then on 8/24/24 our signature event, Raise the Woof! Rooftop Party for a Cause will take place on the X Denver Wooftop.
Right now, we are focusing on how to most effectively continue our mission and assist the communities we are committed to, in the midst of a national pet food shortage.
“Three years ago, when the world shut down for a pandemic, so did the pet food factories and their ingredient suppliers. Because Colorado Pet Pantry accepts large scale donations of short-dated pet food, it has taken three years for the effects of the shut down to reach us. The pet food that would have expired, literally does not exist, so the donations are nonexistent.” This is why donations are more important than ever.
The best way to support us is with monetary donations or by hosting a pet food drive.
Thanks to our pet food partnerships, we can take a $5 donation and turn it into a 30-day supply of pet food for one dog or cat.
We are here to help Colorado pet families stay together. And we are committed to this goal.
Colorado Pet Pantry is also a member of MDAWA, as is CCS, joining forces with like-minded organizations in the Denver metro to collaborate in promoting humane care for companion animals in our community.
Learn about some of Cat Care Society‘s valued partners in this blog series, showcasing the work of some incredible local non-profits and how together we’re helping cats in our community. Today, meet Black Ops Rescue, an organization that pairs veterans with shelter animals.
Air Force veteran Rich is the live-in caregiver for 82-year-old, Doris. Their beloved cat (and Cat Care Society alumni) Emma passed last year, and they felt it was time to open their hearts and home to another feline friend. They reached out to Black Ops Rescue to help find the perfect pet, who knew they would find him a match at Cat Care Society. Black Ops’ leadership visited the CCS shelter and met with our team to find the cat for them. Mr. Bill, formerly known as Hedwig, fit the bill perfectly. Cat Care Society and Black Ops Rescue worked together to get this special kitty set up with his new home. Within five minutes of being home, he was loving on both Rich and Doris.
“They are in love!” Black Ops Rescue’s executive director said. “Mr. Bill is now spending his days snuggling on Doris’s lap, lolling in his window seat, and playing with Rich. We could not have hoped for a better match — truly a Christmas miracle.”
“Thank you, my friends, for making my life worth something more than before,” Rich added.
This special adoption story is just one of many happy endings the group has been able to arrange.
Black Ops Rescue was founded in 2018 by two former shelter employees, Nicole Schimming and Kelley Forrester, and one veteran, Craig Hildebrand. The idea was to serve two demographics in need: veterans and homeless pets. Essentially, Black Ops acts as a matchmaking service, finding the right match for each veteran client. They prioritize black pets first, but ultimately it boils down to finding the right fit. The rescue covers all adoption costs and supplies, provides any necessary medical care and training, and their clients then have a cap (current $2k per pet) that they can draw on for any future needs. They also maintain an ongoing relationship with clients and their pets via regular check-ins. The organization’s mission statement is “Uniting veterans with shelter pets to create a lifelong bond of mutual hope and healing.”
Our big push right now is to grow our stakeholders and increase our presence so we can help more pets and veterans. We are actively expanding our board of directors, our volunteer base, and increasing our marketing. We are focused on sustainable growth. As a high-touch organization, we never want to sacrifice quality for quantity.
Again, it’s that challenge of growth without sacrificing quality. We are unique in that we don’t have a pool of animals waiting for adoption; we have a pool of clients waiting for an animal. Additionally, since we don’t have a physical facility, it can be difficult to recruit volunteers who are seeking a regularly scheduled opportunity. Our volunteer roles are more intermittent and intensive than regular. And of course, fundraising is a constant need!
We believe that we work best and can save the most pets when we all work together. As a small rescue, we can be flexible to the needs of our larger partners. Communication is key. We would love for our partners to help spread the word about our program. Since we pay adoption fees to our partners, it works out to be an all-around win situation for us, our partner orgs, our clients, and the pets.
We want the community to know that our service is completely free to our veteran clients! It is our way of saying thank you for serving our country.
We thank Black Ops Rescue for their great work, support of veterans and valued partnership!
Miss this? Partner Spotlight: Community Shares
Today for #NationalNonprofitDay, we launch a brand-new blog series recognizing the work of partner organizations that help us make a difference in our community. Today, meet Community Shares!
Cat Care Society is a proud partner of Community Shares of Colorado for workplace giving campaigns. This means that we receive donations through participating companies’ employees through automatic giving right through their paycheck. Community Shares takes care of all the work for us — and many other non-profits — making it easy for others to give and easy for us to receive additional funds to care for our cats.
“I appreciate our long partnership with Community Shares,” said Ashleigh Leader, Cat Care Society’s director of philanthropy. “We’re able to share the CCS story with their members and employees and encourage donations through marketing and fairs that they host. It makes it so easy for us to have another fundraising tool to help our shelter cats. Plus, their values about community engagement and inclusivity align with our own organization’s.”
In 1986, 12 Colorado non-profits joined together to change the face of workplace giving. Originally called The Alternative Fund, our organization gave a home to non-profit organizations that did not fit the mold of existing workplace giving federations. Members included grassroots non-profits and new issue areas such as social justice, respect for all individuals, environmental conservation and community-owned arts. Soon after, its founders chose the name “Community Shares of Colorado” and began actively working to expand charitable choice in workplace giving campaigns.
Today, Community Shares’ mission is to connect Coloradans to charities and causes they care about most.
Any projects or initiatives you are focusing on right now?
We are heading into the workplace giving campaign season. We encourage employees to reach out to their employers to learn more about their workplace giving options and if we can be their partner!
What issues or challenges face your organization that you’re watching or working to overcome?
Not many people understand the impact they can have collectively through workplace giving or giving circles and we are working to spread the word to the masses.
How can others support you?
The more our organization is shared, the more non-profits and communities we can help. A follow on our socials can do wonders!
What is the one thing you most want the community to know about your work?
We want the community to know that any donation can make a difference. Our work at Community Shares focuses on providing Coloradans with non-profit organizations that do vital work in their communities and make Colorado a better place for all.
We thank Community Shares for all they do for us and other non-profits across the state!
Learn more about other valued Cat Care Society partners in this new monthly blog series, with more posts coming soon!
In Colorado, caring for animals isn’t just a calling—it’s a fundamental responsibility governed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA). Established in 1994, this program protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals in pet care facilities while also protecting consumers who utilize pet-related services.
Whether someone runs an animal shelter (like we do at Cat Care Society!), a pet grooming business, a breeding operation, or a rescue, PACFA requires a license to legally care for animals. This state law sets comprehensive standards to ensure that animals in licensed facilities receive proper care. Through regular updates and inspections, PACFA prioritizes animal welfare, positioning Colorado as a leader in this field. In this article, we’ll explore the broad and comprehensive scope of PACFA, clarify what it doesn’t cover, and explain why it matters for pets and pet owners across Colorado.
PACFA is Colorado’s state law that regulates companion animal care facilities, ensuring animals receive proper treatment and live in environments where their physical and emotional needs are met. Some animals covered under PACFA include cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
One of the strongest aspects of PACFA is its comprehensiveness and level of detail. Below are just some of the areas it covers. Note that requirements are individualized based on animal type.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is responsible for enforcing PACFA regulations. This oversight ensures that any organization involved in pet care operates with transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to the animals in their charge. To earn and maintain a PACFA license, facilities like shelters, rescues, pet stores, and groomers must pass rigorous inspections, meet specific criteria on an ongoing basis, and complete annual reporting.
PACFA’s licensing program isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about safeguarding animal welfare. By maintaining a PACFA license, facilities commit to meeting essential standards for animal housing, health, and safety, all under the enforcement of the CDA. And as these standards are regularly updated, shelters and rescues must stay current, adapting to new regulations that reflect the evolving practices in animal care. Additionally, current PACFA licensees must complete a qualifying continued education every two years to stay up-to-date with PACFA’s standards.
While the terms shelter, rescue, and sanctuary are often used interchangeably, the Colorado Department of Agriculture provides distinct legal definitions for each. The Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (8 CCR 1201-11) specify the classifications for various types of animal facilities. At Cat Care Society (CCS), we operate as a private non-profit animal shelter and do not receive any government funding.
PACFA isn’t animal control or animal protection. Municipal animal control units enforce municipal and state ordinances typically related to private citizen pet ownership, such as dog licensing, leash laws, lost and found, and cruelty/neglect. However, PACFA staff may partner with a local animal control unit if animal cruelty and neglect is discovered.
Additionally, PACFA is required by the state to report animal cruelty and neglect to local law enforcement or the Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP). BAP conducts outreach and education to prevent neglect and mistreatment of domestic and companion animals in Colorado and follow-up on complaints to help enforce pertinent laws.
PACFA doesn’t oversee licensure of veterinarians or vet techs. The State Board of Veterinary Medicine within Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Medicine regulates and licenses/registers veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the State of Colorado.
Since 1981 Cat Care Society has been committed to a very simple mission: provide cats with the best possible care until they find their forever homes. We fully comply with PACFA’s standards, and our commitment to evolving with the research behind these regulations reflects our ongoing dedication to providing the best possible care for the cats we serve. But we don’t stop there. We believe every cat deserves a safe, loving environment, regardless of age or medical condition.
From individualized care plans to behavioral enrichment programs and our exceptional volunteer and foster teams, we strive to exceed PACFA’s requirements to make sure each cat is living its best life. That includes having a free-roaming environment for our cats and going above and beyond in evaluating older and special-needs cats to determine the best course of treatment and care.
PACFA isn’t just about enforcing rules—it’s about creating a culture of responsibility and compassion across the entire pet care field. By ensuring that everyone in the business of caring for animals meets high standards, PACFA guarantees that every cherished pet gets the attention, safety, and love they deserve.
And at Cat Care Society, we’re all about love—our love for cats and our dedication to upholding the values that PACFA instills. Together, with PACFA’s guidance, we’ll continue to make Colorado a better, safer place for animals, one purr at a time.
We want all animals to be treated with respect and care which is why we encourage you to reference the PACFA Active Facilities List when selecting a pet care service. The CDA also provides detailed information on their website including data, FAQs, and of course, the full PACFA legislation. Here at CCS, we’re committed to transparency, so on our About Us page, you can find details about how we care for our cats, our latest impact report, our strategic plan, and much more! We also offer an extensive list of recommended pet service providers on our Resources page.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Winter, with its short days and chilly weather, often confines us indoors, making it the perfect season to enjoy the warmth and company of a cat. A field of study known as zooeyia (pronounced zoo-AY-uh) explores the positive impact of human-animal interactions on health, including physical, mental and emotional health. Meaning a cat isn’t just comforting a cozy companion during the colder months, but you share a beneficial, lifelong bond. In this article, we’ll explore the many health benefits to sharing your home with a cat. We’ll also provide some fun activities to enjoy with your cat during a cozy snow day.
Derived from the Greek word for “animal” (zoion) and “health” (Hygeia, the ancient Greek goddess of health), zooeyia encompasses the wide-ranging physical, emotional, and social benefits of owning pets. Cats, as beloved companions, exemplify zooeyia by their ability to:
Combat winter monotony by getting creative with your cat! These activities not only enrich your pet’s life but also elevate your mood and strengthen the bond between you and your kitty.
Note that some cats need breaks from physical touch. Read our blog post on overstimulation in cats to learn how to recognize the signs to ensure a positive experience.
Cats offer much more than companionship—they embody the principles of zooeyia by enhancing our mental and physical health, especially in challenging times like winter. Pairing these benefits with fun activities ensures both you and your cat stay happy and engaged. We always have cats available for adoption, so check them out if you’re ready to embrace the warmth and joy they bring to your home (or multiply it if you already have cats!).
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Resources
Allen, K., Blascovich, J., & Mendes, W. (1998). Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends, and spouses: the truth about cats and dogs. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 30(1–2), 116. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-8760(98)90295-1
Anderson, K. L., & Olson, J. M. (2015). The value of a pet in enhancing the quality of life. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 28(4), 526–534. https://www.jabfm.org/content/28/4/526.long
McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M., Shoda, T. M., Stayton, L. E., & Martin, C. E. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(6), 1239-1252. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024506
Stammbach, K. B., & Turner, D. C. (1999). Understanding the Human—Cat Relationship: Human Social Support or Attachment. Anthrozoös, 12(3), 162–168. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279399787000237
With Halloween approaching, it’s the perfect time to spotlight a particular type of cat—and no, we’re not talking about black cats! Instead, we’re focusing on tri-color cats, whose coats feature a mix of black, orange, and white in varying patterns and ratios. While “tri-color” and “calico” are often used interchangeably, calico cats have a distinct coat pattern. Tortoiseshell cats are also considered tri-color, even though they usually lack white and have their own unique pattern. It’s important to remember that “calico” and “tortoiseshell” refer to coat patterns, not breeds. These color combinations are the result of genetics and can appear in any breed, though they are more commonly found in breeds like American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, and Persian.
There are also diluted and tabby variations of tortoiseshell and calico cats—so many colorful kitties to love! In the rest of this article, we’ll explore the different markings and patterns that define each type of tri-color coat. By the end, you’ll be able to recognize the unique beauty of every tri-color cat you encounter.
Tri-color cats are almost always female, with approximately one in 3,000 being male. This is because two X chromosomes are needed to have a distinctive tri-color coat. Typically, if a cat has an XX pair, she will be female. Male cats have an XY chromosome pair, so they’re not tri-color unless they have at least one extra chromosome (XXY). Unfortunately, these males often suffer from Klinefelter’s Syndrome, a condition that can negatively affect their health and longevity.
Calico cat coats feature patches of solid orange, black, and white. The white color is a result of a genetic condition called piebalding, which occurs in a range of other domestic and farm animals. In a diluted calico, the colors are more muted to cream, gray, and white, due to a gene inherited from one of the parents that diminishes color intensity.
“Tabico” is a term for cats that have a combination of tabby and calico markings. These cats have large patches of orange and black on a white background, with tabby stripes overlaying some of the black and orange areas. When tabby stripes cover the forehead, they form the distinctive “tabby M.” A diluted tabico’s coat features cream, gray, and white fur.
Tortoiseshell, or “tortie,” cats have brindle patterns (irregular stripes or streaks) of orange and black with little to no white. A diluted tortie has gray and cream colors and is a result of both parents carrying a recessive gene that impacts the intensity of the colors.
A torbie cat exhibits both the multi-colored brindle pattern of a tortoiseshell cat and the characteristic stripes or spots of a tabby. Like the tabico, if there are tabby stripes on the cat’s forehead, they will display the “tabby M.” Diluted torbies usually have a cream, gray and white coat.
A “tortico” is a combination of classic tortie and calico markings, featuring large patches of orange and black brindling on a white background. A diluted tortico is relatively rare, and will be gray and cream, and white.
As you can see, there are many variations of tri-color cats but you can still count yourself lucky if you run into one! In many cultures tri-color cats are connected with good luck and good fortune, and in the U.S., they are sometimes called “money cats.”
People who have tri-color cats often report that they’re equally sweet and sassy and tortoiseshell cat owners often refer to their feisty side as having “tortitude.” However, since tri-color cats aren’t a breed, research hasn’t been able to confirm that this extra feistiness is a distinct trait related to their coat pattern. That said, if you haven’t taken our “Whats Your Cat Purrsonality” quiz on our Just Fur Fun page, now’s your chance! Discover which cat breed or color pattern best represents you—maybe even find out if you have a bit of tortitude!”
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
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The Cat Care Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our tax identification number is 84-0869447.
