Walker County Receives Statewide Award For Animal Welfare Program

Walker County has received a 2026 Georgia County Excellence Award from ACCG, Georgia’s County Association, for innovation in county government.

The county was recognized for its spay and neuter voucher initiative, a program designed to reduce unwanted litters and improve animal welfare across Walker County.

The program provides up to 40 free vouchers each month for companion animals. Each voucher is valued at $200 and covers spay or neuter services, microchipping, and a rabies vaccination.

During the first eight months, Walker County Animal Shelter staff issued about 190 vouchers, resulting in 61 female cats, 36 male cats, 44 female dogs, and 49 male dogs being altered.

County officials say the program is already making an impact. Compared to 2024, the shelter saw a 64% decrease in owner surrenders during September, October, and November. Surrenders of kitten and puppy litters dropped by nearly 80% during that same period.

The program is funded entirely through donations, and more than 500 people are currently on the waiting list for a voucher.

Walker County was one of six counties recognized statewide for programs that improve their communities.

Urgent Plea Issued For Senior Dog At Chattooga County Shelter

An urgent call for help is going out from volunteers supporting the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, as a senior dog struggles to adjust after being surrendered.

Read more

Dogs Found Dead and Starving at Abandoned Property on West Spring Creek Road

Authorities responded to a disturbing animal cruelty situation after neighbors reported excessive barking at a home located at 245 West Spring Creek Road. When Animal Control and police arrived at the property, they discovered what officials described as an abandoned residence with multiple dogs left without food or water for an extended period of time.

Read more

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Highlights Available Pets for Adoption

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is spotlighting several dogs and cats currently available for adoption and looking for loving homes.

Among the dogs available are Kevin, Ariana, Milo, Ember, Rem, Lily, Fiona, Lick, Rosie, Kuma, Willow, Beaux, Moose, Hoss, and Aspen. Cats available for adoption include Atlas, Oreo, Aries, and Zorro.

The shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter is also open the first Saturday of every month for adoptions. For more information, call 706-857-0679.

Adopting from the shelter helps provide animals with a second chance and supports local animal care efforts in Chattooga County.

Pet of the Week: Meet Ariana at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter

A sweet and gentle pup named Ariana is this week’s Pet of the Week and is looking for a loving forever home through the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

Ariana is a female dog who is spayed, good with other dogs, and described by shelter staff as shy and gentle. She would make a wonderful companion for a patient family willing to give her time to settle in and feel comfortable.

The adoption fee for Ariana is $25, making it an affordable way to give a deserving pet a second chance.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays available by appointment. For more information about Ariana or the adoption process, call 706-857-0679.

Pet of the Week is brought to you by WZQZ FM 99.1 / AM 1180, highlighting adoptable animals in need of loving homes.

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Launches “Adopt a Kitty Corner” Sponsorship Program

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is inviting the community to help support cats in its care through a new initiative called “Adopt a Kitty Corner.” The program allows businesses, families, classrooms, organizations, and individuals to sponsor a cat space inside the shelter and directly support cats as they wait for adoption.

Read more

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Launches “Adopt a Kennel” Sponsorship Program

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is inviting the community to help support local dogs through a new “Adopt a Kennel” sponsorship program. The program is open to businesses, individuals, classrooms, families, and anyone who wants to help, offering a direct way to support the shelter and the animals in its care.

Read more

Summerville Man Arrested After Three Severely Neglected Dogs Found at Fire Scene

A Summerville man was arrested last week after deputies responding to a house fire discovered three severely neglected dogs on the property. The incident happened on November 23rd on Railroad Circle, where emergency crews had been called to a structure fire.

Read more