Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center in Clovis—Connecting Pets to People

by Kathy Eide

Unconditional love…it is such a great feeling to walk through the door and be joyously greeted by our pet(s)! Dependably happy to see us, our fur babies offer an extra dimension to our lives. In fact, our pets are an integral part of our families, and at Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center, they love bringing families together. 

Located in Clovis at 85 North Temperance, between Herndon and Sierra, this fabulous facility is filled with pets eagerly anticipating that perfect match. Just ask former Clovis Police Chief Matt Basgall. Chief Basgall stopped by Miss Winkles to “just look” at the pets. He took one look at a little fur ball and that was it…Roscoe was on his way home to meet the Chief’s wife and daughters! It did not take long for Roscoe to take over as “Chief” of their house! Matt readily admits that Roscoe is 100% spoiled and enjoys relaxing on his favorite spot on the family sofa. How familiar is that scenario to all pet lovers!

Roscoe on the sofa

Renown for being so much more than simply an adoption center, those at Miss Winkles believe each adoption is a cause for celebration. A family has found joy in a new best friend and a pet has found a true home. What could be better! 

Each year, Miss Winkles helps over 1,000 homeless animals in our community find loving new homes through adoption. All adoptions are just $25 and pets are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. Whether you are looking for an “Emmie,” an “Eve,” a “Joey,” a “Balto,” or a “Desmond,” just to name a few of the available pets, you can go right to the web site at www.misswinkles.com/adopt and scroll through the available adoptable pets. Each pet comes with a description, which is so helpful when you are making your considerations.  

Like so many other businesses, COVID changed the way Miss Winkles operated, but they never missed a beat. From March 2020 through July 2021, they were closed for regular walk-in traffic but still found a way to continue successfully operating through an appointment-only based system. During the last week of July 2021, they were able to re-open for regular walk-in foot traffic and love seeing the community up close and in person again! In fact, since that time, over 400 joyous adoptions have taken place.   

Roscoe living his best life

With the return to relative normalcy, the Miss Winkles volunteer program is thankfully back up and running. All volunteers participate in a robust process, including an application and interview. If you love pets, consider using your time and talents and take a few moments to apply. The good news is that it’s so easy to apply! Simply go to www.misswinkles.com/volunteer and complete and return the Volunteer Application. If selected, an in-person interview will take place, and if you are selected for the program, your great animal adventures will begin!  

More about Miss Winkles can be found below and online at www.misswinkles.com.

About Miss Winkles: 

-- Adoptions are $25 

-- Hours: 1-5 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday

-- Almost 400 adoptions since re-opening for regular foot traffic

-- The volunteer program was closed (due to COVID), but is now back open! Applicants can find applications at www.misswinkles.com/volunteer.

-- Donations continue to help animals in need, particularly through the CARE program. Donations to CARE make more veterinary procedures like amputations, dental surgery, and fracture repair possible. (CARE, monthly giving, memorial giving, general giving and Commemorative Brick giving links are all over at www.MissWinkles.com/Donate)

Kathy Eide Casas is a valley native and has been involved in politics, public policy and public relations her entire career. From the U. S. and state capitols to local projects, she has been a guiding force. Most recently, Eide-Casas completed the writing for two U Turns Allowed magazines, benefiting Focus Forward. Additionally, her work has run in several other local publications, including Valley Health Magazine.