Jackson County’s first animal shelter opened on February 13, and in just over one week, rescuers and families adopted all 24 animals in the shelter.

Brad Richards, the Director of Animal Control, says that the shelter is needed because of the increase in the population of Jackson County. People are moving into the county without spaying or neutering their cats and dogs, which results in more strays.

Richards and his two Jackson County Animal Control Officers picked up more than 700 animals in 2016 alone. The officers go out into the community to get the animals, but the shelter also receives surrendered animals directly from the owners.

“There was a great need for the animal shelter here,” Richards says.

The new shelter can hold up to 50 animals, and will be expanded to hold up to 200 in the future. 

Before the dogs and cats go to their new homes, they are spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, and receive some of their shots from the shelter. The shelter charges an adoption fee of $100 for a cat or a kitten, and $150 for a dog or a puppy.

The shelter is accepting donations of dog and cat food. Donations of hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol, which supply the on-site mini-clinic, are also encouraged.

Richards has three pet safety tips for local pet owners.

“Get your rabies shots, keep them contained on your property at all times, and get them spayed and neutered,” Richards says.

The Jackson County Animal Shelter is located at 29 Galilee Church Road in Jefferson. The shelter is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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By: Noelle Lashley