2025 in Numbers

We had a busy year over here at the Animal Services Department, with some of the highest numbers we have seen in years. Here's a quick breakdown:

We had 3,525 intakes (a 43% increase since 2023). We accepted just over 3,400 cats and dogs as well as a good mix of livestock, rodents, reptiles and wildlife. We had 3,538 total outcomes in 2025 (a 48% increase since 2023). This number includes over 1,100 adoptions, 1,600 transfers to partner shelters across the country, and 300 animals successfully returned to their owners.

For a more detailed breakdown of our 2025 statistics, please visit our Animal Services Statistics web page.

Pet Food Pantry

In 2025, we distributed over 5,600 pounds of cat and dog food to community members in need through our free Pet Food Pantry, helping to keep pets and families together.

If you are interested in donating, we accept any brand of cat and dog food as long as it remains in its original bag or container. We accept drop offs between 9:00AM - 5:00PM every day of the week.

If you are in need of supplemental dog and/or cat food, you can come by the shelter during shelter operating hours.

Free Pet Vaccine Clinics

Thanks to a generous grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), we hosted four free pet vaccine clinics in 2025. Through these clinics, we were able to vaccinate, microchip, and spay/neuter over 350 animals, improving community pet health and reducing future shelter intake.

We are still offering free pet microchips. You can come to the shelter between 9:00AM-5:00PM Monday - Friday and request one, no appointment necessary (while supplies last).

Hand holding a microchip scanner at a microchip scanning station

Microchip Scanning Stations

With the support of community donors, we installed three microchip scanning stations throughout Athens-Clarke County. These stations empower residents to help reunite lost pets with their families—without the need to bring them to the shelter.

Scanning stations are located at:

Animal Services' Office / Animal Shelter (125 Buddy Christian Way) - available 24 hours a day
Memorial Park Dog Park (293 Gran Ellen Drive) - available during park operating hours
Southeast Clarke Park - Wiggley Field Dog Park (325 Whit Davis Road entrance) - available during park operating hours

Volunteer sitting with brown and white dog

Foster

While kitten intake has finally begun to slow, dog intake remains high. We currently have over 70 dogs in our care, and that number continues to grow daily. We are especially in need of large adult dog fosters.

Fostering is completely free. We provide all supplies, resources, and support you need to be successful—including food, medical care, and guidance from our team.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, please visit www.accgov.com/fosterapet to find out more, and apply.

Volunteer

Our work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting daily operations and improving the quality of life for the animals in our care.

We are always looking for compassionate community members to join our volunteer team. Opportunities include animal care and enrichment, dog walking, cat socialization, adoption support, office assistance, and special events.

No prior experience is required. We provide training, guidance, and ongoing support to help you feel confident and successful in your role.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please apply at:
https://accgov.com/270/Volunteer-Opportunities

Emergency Reminders

Our Animal Control Officers work 24/7! If you are having an animal related emergency after shelter business hours, please call the non-emergency police line at (706) 613-3345.

Animal Services does not dispose of dead animals. Call Solid Waste at 706-613-3501 and press “7” in order to request a pick up.