Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Iowa

Animal Welfare Friends

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Animal Welfare Friends

#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa

22407 Business Highway 151 Monticello, Iowa 52310

http://animalwelfarefriends.org

shelter@animalwelfarefriends.org

Service areas:

Monticello, Iowa

The Animal Welfare Friends shelter is a no-kill shelter located just north of Monticello, Iowa. Our shelter features two free roam cat rooms with large windows, indoor & outdoor dog kennels, a grassy run for the dogs to exercise in, and walking paths on the grounds for our volunteers to walk dogs on. We are the only and first shelter in the county, and are so proud to be able to help our community & their animals live healthy, safe, happy lives! Shelter History In May 2006, AWF embarked on a campaign to raise funds to build an animal shelter in Jones County. In the next 10 years, we raised nearly $250,000 towards this goal. After years of hard work, AWF was able to purchase land for the shelter in 2012. The 8.68 acres, located just north of Monticello at off Highway 151, gave us plenty of space for not just a shelter, but also a dog park and additional animal event spaces. After this purchase, the AWF board began working on the plans for the animal shelter in conjunction with architect Sarah Coleman of Martin Gardner Architecture. AWF already had an “Animal Shelter” license from the state of Iowa, which required that we had a facility. AWF’s Cat Adoption Center in Anamosa fulfilled that requirement. However, the Cat Adoption Center caught on fire on October 20th, 2013, leaving us without a facility. AWF was able to rent a small office in Olin, Iowa to temporarily fulfill the location requirements for the state of Iowa, but the pressure was on more than ever to get the shelter built. Though we would have ideally built a 6,000 square foot building, reality dictated that we start out small and leave room to add on later as more funding becomes available. We focused on getting the septic, well, and utilities in along with a road so we could then pour 3,000 square feet of concrete for the floor and construct the building over it. An animal shelter at the time cost $250 per square feet to construct. This would mandate $750,000 for a 3,000 square foot shelter. However, we determined that by purchasing dog & cat kennels used, and focusing on getting the simple basics functioning, we could get the shelter built for $525,000. In October 2016, construction on the shelter was completed and we opened our doors to the people and animals of Jones County, Eastern Iowa, and beyond! We’re proud to be no-kill, meaning animals can stay at our shelter as long as they need to while they wait for their forever family to find them. Since the shelter’s opening, we’ve been able to save over 1,000 of cats & dogs from uncertain futures. We’ve also been able to reunite over 150 local lost animals with their family, as well as hosting multiple low cost microchip & vaccination clinics to help area animals stay healthy and safe. In 2022, with the support of many amazing individuals and families, we completed our next goal of constructing a dog park on our land! It’s been a joy to offer this wonderful space for the dogs in our community. Now we are looking forward for more opportunities to help the animals and their families in our community and beyond live the best lives they can.

Adoption Policy

Adoption Fees We use a variable fee schedule to assign adoption fees. This fee schedule takes into account the animal’s age, breed, and size. Some types of dogs and cats are less common and have a higher demand, so their fee might be higher. Other types of dogs and cats are more common, are older, or have special needs. If the animal is not yet spayed/neutered, we will also need a $100 deposit that will be refunded when vetted (which we cover the cost of if done at the Monticello Vet Clinic). The adoption fee can be paid with cash or credit/debit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover). Discounts We currently offer discounts to senior citizens and military veterans for $25 off any adoption fee. Items Covered by the Adoption Fee The adoption fees that we collect help us provide important medical care and inoculations for the animals. Some pets have received advanced treatment in addition to the basic care listed below. We ensure that a pet has acquired a healthy state—free of ear infections, urinary tract infections, etc.—prior to adoption. If a pet is likely to have a long-term condition but the pet is still deemed adoptable, this information is shared with interested families so they may make an informed decision on adopting. If you need more information on the types of vet care provided for our animals or have other questions, please contact us at shelter@animalwelfarefriends.org or (319) 462-5683. For more information on our spay/neuter policies, please visit our “Philosophy” page. Our adoption fees include the following: • Spaying and neutering • Rabies & Distemper/Parvo Vaccinations • Bordetella (Dogs only) • Microchip implant and free registration • Feline Leukemia Test (Cats Only) • Heartworm Test (Dogs Only) • Heartworm Preventative (Dogs Only) • Flea and Tick Treatment (When needed, cats and dogs) • Flea and Tick Preventative (Dogs only) The Adoption Process Contact us to meet the dog or cat you are interested in. Or better yet, contact us, let us know if you are looking to adopt a dog or cat and the PERSONALITY of pet you are looking for. If you’re interested in a dog, we encourage you to have a specific dog(s) in mind that you’d like to meet with before coming out — this way we can limit the number of strangers going into the kennel room and stressing out the dogs. We will be happy to offer suggestions for the dog or cat who may be a good match for you! Once you have contacted AWF, you will be asked to complete an adoption application. You can do so at our shelter, or on our website. You are welcome to complete an application ahead of visiting. • If you rent or own a townhome or condominium, be sure to check with your landlord or homeowners association on pet policies before filling out our adoption application. • If you leave any questions blank, we have the right to disqualify your application. • It usually takes one week to process an adoption application. • We are interested in finding the RIGHT home for a dog or cat. This may not necessarily be the first person who applies to adopt a pet. • All pets currently in the home must be up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered. • Our procedure enables us to gather complete and well-rounded information in order to make an informed and wise decision that will lead to a lifetime relationship between a family and pet. • We do follow-up calls to help insure the placement is working, to hone our dog and cat evaluation skills, and to help with any questions that may arise. • Please realize that it may take up to two weeks for your pet to be comfortable in your home. It is possible that he/she may have some accidents during this adjustment period. • Our procedure is about righting a wrong. If an animal is in our care, something has already gone wrong in their life. We want to find them a home where they’ll be cherished and loved for the rest of their life.

https://animalwelfarefriends.org/adopt/available-dogs/

Testimonials

No testimonials submitted

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Iowa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Iowa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Iowa

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

All categories

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks

Most recent articles

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

Furry Co-Pilots Welcome: The Best Way to Travel in an RV with Your Dog

Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Guide to Understanding Reactivity
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Top 10 Indoor Dog Parks: A US Guide
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Best Dog Parks Near Me in Las Vegas
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for off-leash public spaces or private, fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Animal Welfare Friends

Adoption Policy

Testimonials

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Iowa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Iowa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Iowa

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi