
Four dogs from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter are getting a new opportunity to prepare for permanent homes through a partnership with Hays State Prison.

Four dogs from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter are getting a new opportunity to prepare for permanent homes through a partnership with Hays State Prison.

A Walker County animal rescue organization will receive $8,000 from the Georgia Department of Agriculture to help pay for spaying and neutering dogs and cats.
Fraternity of the 4 Paws is among the organizations selected for funding through Georgia’s 2026 Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. The Department of Agriculture’s official recipient list identifies the organization as a Walker County grant recipient.
The state program provides funding for spay and neuter procedures as part of an effort to reduce dog and cat overpopulation across Georgia.
Grant money may be used for sterilization surgeries, but not for administrative costs or other veterinary expenses such as vaccinations, medications, testing or food.
The program is funded in part through Georgia specialty dog and cat license plates, a state income-tax checkoff and private donations.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the grants are intended to help local organizations provide more low-cost sterilization services and reduce the number of unwanted animals entering shelters and rescues.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is hoping a local family will open its home to Ms. Betty, a brindle dog recently surrendered to the shelter and now available for adoption.
According to Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter, Ms. Betty has done well with other dogs and everyone she has met. Shelter supporters describe her as playful and loving, with a particular fondness for squeaky toys.
Ms. Betty is ready to trade her shelter kennel for a permanent home, and residents interested in adopting are encouraged to stop by and meet her.
The adoption fee is $25.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville. The shelter is open from 10 AM until 4 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday visits are by appointment.
For additional information about Ms. Betty or other animals available for adoption, call the shelter at 706-857-0679.
Those who aren’t able to adopt can still help by sharing information about Ms. Betty and other shelter animals with friends and family.

This week’s WZQZ Pet of the Week is Simba, a lovable boy waiting at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter for someone to give him a forever home.
Simba is described as the total package, with a gentle and loving temperament and a big “teddy bear” personality.
He enjoys running, playing and having fun, but when playtime is finished, Simba is perfectly happy turning into a couch potato and relaxing by your side.
Shelter staff say Simba would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a dog who can enjoy an adventure and then come home and settle in for plenty of cuddles.
And Simba’s adoption fee is just $25.
Anyone interested in meeting Simba can visit or contact the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville.
The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesdays are available by appointment.
For additional information about Simba or other animals available for adoption, call the shelter at 706-857-0679.
If Simba sounds like the companion your family has been looking for, consider stopping by the shelter and meeting this week’s WZQZ Pet of the Week.

Chattooga County Animal Control Director Charlie Long is thanking Hays State Prison and Acting Warden Gabriel Illa for continuing a dog training program that benefits animals from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

The Friends of the Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking for the public’s help after announcing the shelter has reached full capacity and is in urgent need of adopters, foster families, and rescue organizations.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is reminding residents that if they are thinking about adding a pet to the family, adoption can make a life-changing difference for both the animal and the adopter.
Shelter officials say their facility remains full and many dogs and cats are waiting for a loving, permanent home. By choosing to adopt, families not only gain a loyal companion but also help create space for other animals in need of care and shelter.
The shelter encourages prospective pet owners to consider the many benefits of adopting a rescue animal. Many shelter pets are affectionate, grateful, and eager to become part of a family. Officials say every adoption gives an animal a second chance while helping reduce overcrowding in local shelters.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located in Summerville. Residents interested in meeting adoptable pets or learning more about the adoption process can contact the shelter at 706-857-0679.

With July Fourth fireworks just around the corner, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is reminding pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats have proper identification before the holiday.
Each year, shelters and rescues see an increase in lost pets following fireworks displays, as loud noises can cause animals to panic, run away or escape from yards and homes.
Pet owners are encouraged to make sure their animals are microchipped and that all contact information is current. Collars and ID tags should also be secure, readable and up to date. For pets without an ID tag, advocates say even a simple collar with a phone number written on it can help reunite a lost pet with its owner.
Owners of pets that become especially anxious during fireworks should also consider talking with their veterinarian about calming options before the holiday arrives.
Animal Advocates of Chattooga County says the time to prepare is now, before fireworks begin, to help make sure pets stay safe and make it home.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, this Saturday could be the perfect opportunity.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter will host a special adoption event on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville.
Dozens of dogs and cats of all ages, sizes and personalities will be available for adoption, including Macy, Carmelo, Lucy, Lucky, Rosie, Colby, Pickles, Ziggy, Zoe, Ruby, Courage, Penelope, Simba, Freda, Oscar, Cash, Flora, Isabella, Autumn, Jasmine, Aurora, Orion, Preacher, Coral, Nico, Myrtle, Pumpkin and Tinkerbell.
Shelter staff encourage residents to stop by, meet the animals and find a new companion while giving a deserving pet a loving forever home.
The event’s message is simple: “Give a pet a second chance. Gain a loyal friend.”
For more information about the adoption event or animals available for adoption, contact the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter is using the story of two mama dogs to remind pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering.