Snake River Doodles to leave Pocatello after 20 years

After more than 20 years serving animals and hosting community events, Snake River Doodles' owners plan to move the business from Pocatello to Florida by the end of June.

For more than two decades, Nikki and Frank Jorgenson and their business, Snake River Doodles, have cared for thousands of animals and hosted community events in Pocatello. SRD began in Malad and moved to Pocatello in 2008. The couple says they will relocate the business to Florida by the end of June. Recent challenges, including a farm fire last summer, rising housing costs and health concerns, helped prompt the decision. Notable facts: - Snake River Doodles has welcomed more than 5,000 animals to its sanctuary and its dog program has produced more than 500 working service dogs. - SRD provided therapy visits, petting zoos and a range of community events, from Pocatello Kids Day to an annual haunted house tradition. - The Jorgensons work with Idaho Fish and Game, the local zoo and other rescues, and donations in recent years have shifted toward reptiles. - A farm fire last summer, higher local housing costs and health reasons for the couple factored into their plan to move. - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved bringing their animals to Florida, and Jorgenson said reptiles will thrive in the warmer climate. - The Jorgensons have scheduled several final local appearances, including an Adult Prom, a final Preston reptile show, Southeast Idaho Days and preschool visits in early June. Summary: Snake River Doodles' planned move ends a 20-year local presence that combined animal care with community programming. The Jorgensons plan to continue their work in Florida, where they have approval to bring their animals, and they have scheduled final events in Pocatello through June. The move is tied to financial and health considerations for the family.