Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter Overflowing With Animals

By Jessica Waters, WNEG The Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter is experiencing record-level occupancy, and experiencing the issues that come with over-full dog kennels and cat rooms. 

And they are asking for the community’s help. 

Executive Director Tammie Jourdanais said the shelter, located at 870 Bear Creek Road in Lavonia, is operating at more than double normal capacity, and are hearing the same story at every shelter and rescue they talk with. 

She said, “We are begging, if you have considered adopting a new family member, that now is the time. Also, we beg, if you are considering trying to surrender an animal, please just hold on to it for a little bit longer. We are completely full. We have 21 dog runs, as far as main runs, and right this minute we have over 70 dogs here  and puppies. We have no spot left to put a dog; we have not had to consider euthanasia for space in years.”

Every rescue and shelter they have contacted to try and place surrendered or stray animals that NGAS does not have room for, is experiencing the same issue, Jourdanais said, especially in regards to medium and large size dogs, and kittens. 

She said, “Some of these dogs have been here for months.  There is a wide variety of breeds and sizes and ages as far as medium to large dogs. We’re just asking, if you are ready to make a lifetime commitment, consider adoption, please. Kitten season has definitely started and we have lots and lots of kittens also available for adoption; lots of cats, also.”

For residents who are not looking to adopt, but would still like to assist the shelter, donations are always welcome, Jourdanais added. 

She said, “While we are so full, we are also begging for donations. It is taking over 100 pounds each day to feed these dogs right now. If you can’t adopt, please donate cleaning supplies, bleach, paper towels, cat food, kitten food, puppy food; you’re welcome to call us and we can give you a list of the most urgent things, down to hand soap and paper towels, everything. We are just taking five times the amount we’re used to right now, so we’re just begging for the community’s help during this time.”

Neither Jourdanais, nor other shelters suffering the same conditions across the country, can give a definitive answer as to why there is such an overpopulation at shelters right now, but society’s adjustment to post-covid life could play a large part, according to many animal rescue officials.

Jourdanais explained, “It seems to be a very widespread problem. We’re not sure if it’s post-covid – if people are dropping off animals they got for companionship when they were home, and now they are back at work and back to reality, and prices are increasing. That is why we say, if you are considering adoption, please make sure you realize that it is a lifetime commitment, because that is what is going on with a lot of these guys – unfortunately people have let them down.”

Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter is open for adoptions on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations can be dropped off on those days between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.