About Us

Citizens Committee for Lakewood's Animals & Shelter supports the Municipal Lakewood Animal Shelter as a separate, not-for-profit organization.

Aid, Improve, Protect & Advocate

Our Mission
As an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, CCLAS is committed to safeguarding and enhancing the lives of Lakewood's companion animals. We provide financial assistance and other resources to the Lakewood Animal Shelter for the quality care of abandoned, orphaned, sick and injured animals. In addition, we promote adoptions and advocate for animal welfare through community outreach and education.

Our Vision
Building a community where all our companion animals receive appropriate care and are treated with empathy, kindness and respect. We envision a Lakewood where every pet lives a safe, healthy and happy life by utilizing these principles:

  • Compassion: We treat animals with empathy, kindness, and respect and recognize that they can experience pain, suffering, and other emotions.
  • Advocacy: We address animal welfare issues through public awareness, community education, political action, media outreach, and social media campaigns, and we believe that effective advocacy can lead to positive change in the lives of animals.
  • Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration and a willingness to work with other organizations, individuals, and our community to amplify our impact and create a more compassionate and just society for animals.
  • Commitment: We have a deep sense of responsibility and a willingness to make sacrifices and put in the time, effort, and resources required to achieve our goals, even when progress is slow, or setbacks occur.
  • Integrity: We commit to honesty, ethics, and trustworthiness in all aspects of the organization's work and transparency in our operations, including our financial dealings and the treatment of animals in our care.
  • Responsiveness: We are dedicated to the needs of Lakewood’s homeless  animals by providing financial assistance and other resources to the Lakewood Animal Shelter when needed and requested.

Over thirty five years ago, Lakewood did not have a shelter, so the original "citizens" got together to petition the City of Lakewood to provide a place for stray, abandoned, and neglected animals, and raised the funds necessary to open the shelter. In 1984, CCLAS registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. CCLAS works side-by- side with the City of Lakewood and shelter staff to increase the health and well-being of the homeless animals at the shelter. CCLAS is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes.

How we support

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FOSTER 
SUPPORT

CCLAS ensures that foster families have the supplies they need to take care of needy animals before they reach their forever homes.

Stethoscope with a paw print inside it.

MEDICAL CARE

CCLAS helps supply vet care for the orphaned, abandoned, sick and injured animals that arrive at the Lakewood Animal Shelter every year.

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general wellbeing

Every dollar raised by CCLAS goes toward helping homeless and in need animals have a happier, healthier life.

Get in Touch

General Inquires, Questions, Volunteering - Email cclasweb@gmail.com

Financial questions, donation receipts - Email treasurer@cclas.org

Foster Inquiries - Contact the Animal Shelter at (216) 529-5020.

Lost Pets/Animal Control - Contact the Animal Shelter at (216) 529-5020.

NOTE: The Lakewood Animal Shelter does NOT accept owner surrenders.

Our Board of Trustees

  • Kara Vlach-Lasher, President
  • Emily Christescu, Vice President
  • Sue Speer, Treasurer
  • Stephanie Jarosz, Marketing Director
  • Phyllis Dykes, Secretary
A group of CCLAS volunteers smiling at an event.

Events

Throughout the year, we participate in fundraisers like Hair of the Dog Happy Hour, Lakewood Summer Meltdown, Lakewood Arts Festival Bake Sale and more! One of the most fun ways to support CCLAS is to come out and enjoy our events!

EVENTS

Lend a paw to animals in need!

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