Celebrating 20 years of making a differenceOur story
Helping Animals Since 2006

About Because Animals Matter

Because Animals Matter was founded in March 2006 by J. Schilling after she recognized the need for an animal‑welfare organization in the community. BAM serves Southwest Utah and beyond as a resource for companion‑animal concerns. It operates an adoption and community outreach center, works with a network of foster homes, and brings volunteers together around programs that build strong, humane relationships between people and their pets.

Serving pets since 2006 Southern Utah
The Because Animals Matter Adoption Center in Hurricane, Utah
Rooted in Southern Utah
mission

Our Mission

Because Animals Matter is dedicated to assisting pets in need through fostering, adoption, and community outreach.

Denay sharing a quiet moment with Juni outdoors
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: 87‑0772587.
funding

Community Funded

BAM's programs are funded by donations, wills, bequests, and volunteers. The organization does not receive state or federal funding and is not a United Way agency.

center

The Schilling Pet Adoption and Community Outreach Center

The Adoption Center houses resident dogs and animals entering care while they await foster or adoptive homes. Walk‑ins are welcome Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday appointments run from 10 AM to 3 PM Mountain Time, subject to current availability. Check online, or call or text 435‑773‑5209 for help.

The BAM Adoption Center in Hurricane, Utah

44 W State St, Hurricane, UT 84737

435‑773‑5209

Hours

Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 AM‑2:00 PM for walk‑ins

Monday, Tuesday & Friday, 10 AM–3 PM Mountain Time by appointment, subject to availability

The people behind BAM

Staff and Board

Robin Smith

Robin Smith

President

Robin began working with BAM in 2019 after years of animal‑rescue involvement. She enjoys cycling, hiking, and trail running, grew up in Oregon, and has lived in several states. She moved to Zion Canyon more than 12 years ago and has more than 32 years of insurance‑industry experience.

Cathy Vanwey

Cathy Vanwey

Vice President

After more than 30 years in the financial industry, Cathy and her husband relocated from Southern California to Hurricane. She volunteers at BAM Thrift store and supports fundraising and other parts of the organization. She enjoys off‑roading, hiking, and biking.

Jeff Hunt

Jeff Hunt

Treasurer

Jeff is a local CPA and managing member of J Hunt CPA, PLLC in Hurricane. He brought nonprofit expertise to BAM after connecting through the local Chamber of Commerce. His community service has included leadership with the Hurricane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley. He joined BAM as Treasurer in February 2011 and served as President and Treasurer from April 2020 to July 2022.

Sandra Colliander

Sandra Colliander

Secretary

Sandra enjoys time with her two dogs and golfing with her husband. She volunteers at BAM Thrift store and creates crocheted animals and clothing that she donates to BAM fundraisers.

OB

Open Board Position

Board Director

We are seeking a new Board Director. If you are interested in helping guide Because Animals Matter and supporting our mission, we would love to hear from you.

Contact Us
Temporary photo placeholder for Victoria

Victoria

Adoption Center Manager

Victoria's work in animal rescue began in childhood and later included hands‑on volunteering with San Diego Humane Society and Second Chance Dog Rescue in daily care, fundraising, and fostering. She views the BAM role as a vocation serving animals and the local community and believes training strengthens communication between people and animals. Outside of work, she enjoys canyoneering, climbing, mountain biking, tea, and time with her animals.

Jill Moore

Jill Moore

BAM Thrift store Manager

Jill and her husband relocated to Hurricane from Southern Oregon. Their family includes four rescue animals, two adopted after fostering through BAM. They enjoy hiking, camping, exploring Utah, and spending time with their pets. Jill volunteered at BAM Thrift store for two years before becoming manager.

transparency

Transparency

BAM invites supporters to review its nonprofit profile and request additional statistics or financial records by emailing admin@bamutah.com.

Ray Ray relaxing beside a handler
One animal at a time

Be part of their next chapter.

Adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, or simply share the mission. Every action moves an animal closer to safety and home.