PONDERAY — Hunter, a mixed yellow lab, can attribute living his best life to Better Together Animal Alliance.  

After being struck by a car and breaking his pelvis, Hunter was in need of major surgery and stabilization efforts. Fortunately, BTAA officials were able to quickly adhere to his needs, providing life-saving treatments and the opportunity to heal and thrive in a loving home.  

Stories like Hunter’s, and thousands of others, are made possible through BTAA’s efforts to break down barriers to assist and care for animals who may not see support — all of which is highlighted in its 2025 annual report.  

Through local clinics and expanded outreach, BTAA continued its efforts to help vulnerable animals in the community through veterinary care, food, and a safe home. 

In 2025, the animal alliance welcomed 1,671 animals into its facility — 905 stray intakes, 737 owner surrenders and 29 transfers. Of those helped, 1,471 found loving homes within the community through adoption, 142 were returned to their owners, five were transferred out of the facility and 27 received humane euthanasia.  

“No matter the circumstances, animals in our care received the medical attention they needed and a chance at a new beginning. People received compassionate, nonjudgmental support and the resources they needed to care for their pets,” BTAA Executive Director Mandy Evans said.  

Two-thirds of the animals seen by the organization were cats, an outcome resulting from BTAA’s response to help address three cases of cat overpopulation. One rescue, according to BTAA officials, involved a colony of 250 cats.  

Officials note that those events highlighted the importance of spay and neuter programs, as cats can have as many as five litters in one year.  

Through its community programs, 127,000 pounds of food were given to community members through its Pet Food Bank program, 4,097 calls were received by the BTAA helpline, 561 animals were served through secondary assistance programs and 30 humane euthanasia were performed through the Lovingly Letting Go program.  

421 neuter traps were returned to BTAA, with 655 community spay/neuter surgeries taking place.  

While the organization’s impact was significant in 2025, officials attribute their success to community help and support.  

“Your support helps provide everything from pet food to lifesaving veterinary care, keeping people and pets together whenever possible and ensuring that animals with nowhere else to go receive the care they deserve,” Evans said.  

The organization reported 12,350 volunteer hours were served helping animals, with 97 active volunteers in 2025. In philanthropy and support, BTAA received $960,577 in total gifts — $62,000 of which was raised at BTAA’s Giving Tuesday event, where young philanthropists raised the money through a bake sale.  

Its thrift store saw a big year in 2025 as well, marking $1,275,000 in total revenue, selling 569,000 items and welcoming 98,000 guests.  

“Looking ahead, with your support, we will continue showing up for the animals who need us most and the people who care about them, building a more humane region for all,” Evans said.