#AnimalShelter | AM 1180 Radio

July 5, 2026

Walker County Animal Shelter Reopens After Month-Long Quarantine Following Canine Distemper Case

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The Walker County Animal Shelter has reopened after completing a 30-day quarantine that began when a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus, or CDV.

Shelter officials announced that the facility resumed normal operations on June 24 after all cleaning and quarantine protocols were completed. Sadly, all eight puppies in the affected litter died from the highly contagious virus. Officials said no other animals at the shelter became ill during the quarantine period.

Canine distemper is an airborne virus that spreads easily among dogs. Because the Walker County Animal Shelter has an open-concept design and does not have adequate facilities to fully isolate exposed animals, officials determined that a complete shutdown of the shelter was necessary to prevent the virus from spreading.

During the month-long closure, shelter staff conducted an extensive deep cleaning of the facility, disinfecting equipment as well as all entry and exit points.

The shelter currently has more than 60 dogs and cats available for adoption. Staff members have also been working through a backlog of stray animals and owner surrenders that accumulated during the quarantine.

The Walker County Animal Shelter is located at 5488 North Marble Top Road near Chickamauga and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

June 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeks Volunteers to Support Local Pets

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is looking for volunteers willing to donate their time and talents to help care for homeless animals and support shelter operations.

Shelter officials say they are currently seeking volunteers to assist with answering phones for short shifts throughout the week. Volunteers in this role help direct calls, answer questions from the public, and provide friendly customer service to visitors and callers.

The shelter is also looking for social media volunteers who enjoy photography, videography, and creating online content. Photos, videos, and social media posts play a vital role in helping adoptable animals gain visibility and connect with potential families.

Organizers say there is a volunteer opportunity for nearly everyone, whether helping behind a desk or behind a camera. Community members interested in making a difference are encouraged to get involved and support the shelter’s mission.

Those interested in volunteering can text the word “Volunteer” to 210-380-1759, send a message to the shelter, or stop by in person.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Full-Time Animal Care and Field Services Technician

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is looking to add a full-time Animal Care and Field Services Technician to its staff and is currently accepting applications.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Enacts New Spay And Neuter Ordinance

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Walker County pet owners are now required to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered under a newly approved county ordinance.

June 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Control Seeking Donations Of Kitten Food

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Chattooga County Animal Control is asking for the community’s help as the shelter experiences an influx of young kittens.

According to shelter officials, 14 kittens have been taken in during the past week alone, including nine that arrived without their mother and require additional care and feeding.

The shelter is currently in urgent need of wet kitten food donations, and officials say any brand will help. Donations can be dropped off during shelter operating hours or mailed directly to the facility.

Chattooga County Animal Control is located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville.

Regular shelter hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday visits are available by appointment.

Officials say community support is critical in helping provide proper nutrition and care for the young animals until they are ready for adoption.

Anyone wishing to help can donate wet kitten food directly to the shelter.

June 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Part-Time Shelter Assistant

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is now accepting applications for a part-time Shelter Assistant position.

According to the shelter, the position is ideal for someone who loves animals and is not afraid of hard work. Duties include cleaning kennels and shelter areas, feeding and caring for cats and dogs, laundry and general shelter upkeep, and helping maintain a clean and safe environment for the animals.

Applicants must be comfortable working with both cats and dogs, dependable, willing to perform physical cleaning duties, possess a positive attitude and strong work ethic, and be able to pass a drug test.

Hours and pay will be discussed during the interview process.

Those interested in applying have two options. Applications may be completed in person at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter during application hours of 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Applicants may also apply in person at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Officials say the position offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals while helping care for pets awaiting adoption and placement.

May 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Treat Donations During National Pet Month

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is encouraging residents to help shelter animals during the final week of National Pet Month by donating treats for cats and dogs currently in the shelter’s care.

Shelter officials say donations can be dropped off Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3 PM until 4 PM at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville.

The shelter says community support helps provide comfort and care for animals waiting for adoption and reminds residents that even small donations can make a big difference.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Animal Shelter Temporarily Closes After Canine Distemper Case

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The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed for at least 30 days after a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Encourages Residents To Consider Pet Adoption

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is encouraging residents to consider opening their homes to a shelter pet.

April 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Kennel Walls Under Construction At Chattooga County Animal Shelter

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Major improvements are now underway at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, where construction has officially begun on new solid block walls inside the kennel area.