What is INKAS ?

Ivins No-Kill Animal Supporters (INKAS) is a 501(c)3 organization and a Registered Utah Charity.  It was founded by a group of four friends who banded together to support the needs of the Ivins Animal Shelter.  Today INKAS also supports local animal rescue groups.

What is INKAS’ history?

While INKAS was incorporated in November 2010, our roots run far deeper.  In 2003 two of our founders, Connie Butterfield and Lesley Mendenhall, collaborated with Ivins City officials to introduce the no-kill philosophy to the Ivins City Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.  In 2006 the Ivins Shelter became the first municipality in Utah to adopt the no-kill philosophy by city ordinance.

Today INKAS continues to maintain a presence at community events and we use all available media to be vocal and visible advocates for animals in need.  We continue to gain increased community support and our generous donors are growing in size.  INKAS annual yard sale remains one of our most popular and highly attended fundraisers.

Our purpose is to promote the no-kill status of the shelter and local animal rescue groups.  INKAS works under a Memorandum of Understanding with the city of Ivins to provide medical care, canine behavioral training, canine socialization, grooming, veterinary care, food and other shelter supplies.

According to the ASPCA, 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized each year (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats).  Adopting the no-kill philosophy means embracing a mindset that considers what can be done to save an animal.  Sometimes all it takes is medical care, spay/neuter, training, grooming or fostering by a family.  All of this requires money, commitment and perseverance.  The knowledge that we help save the lives of innocent animals makes every effort extremely rewarding.

INKAS purchases various items and services that the Ivins Shelter and other local animal rescue groups request.  Some of these requests have included shade covers in the outdoor play area and fans for the kennel area at the Ivins Shelter.  On a regular basis we cover costs for medical supplies, spays/neuters, food collars/leashes, new pet information packets, grooming and training.  Recently we added bi-annual low-cost animal micro-chipping events at the Ivins Shelter.

INKAS promotes adoptable shelter animals on our website and Facebook.  We also assist shelter personnel at area super-adoption events such as those run at major pet supply stores.

Why Do We Do What We Do?

Simply put, we believe that all homeless animals deserve shelter, food and compassionate care while waiting for their special person to take them home.  The work we do is a labor of love.

Officers & Directors

President/Director:  Lois Hewitt

Vice President/Director: Shan Hansen

Secretary/Director:  Kim Rubel

Treasurer/Director:  Ruth Webb                                    

Director:  Sara Dupre

Associate Volunteers:  Jan Bates, Connie Butterfield