Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter Still Facing Serious Overcrowding

The Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter is still desperately trying to find homes for about 75 large dogs.

Recently we reported on the overcrowding at the shelter on Bear Creek Road in Lavonia.

Since then, there have been some adoptions but shelter Director Tammi Jourdenais says more dogs keep coming in to be surrendered or were picked up as strays.

“We still have about 75 dogs that are waiting for homes,” she said. “We did have several people come in and adopt four or five of our larger dogs which helped temporarily, but then animal control brought in even more than what we were able to adopt out. So it’s still just like that never-ending story and we are still completely slam-packed full,” she said Tuesday.

Jourdenais said she currently has up to four dogs being housed in a kennel run and has been on the phone every day calling other no-kill rescue groups and shelters around the country to see if any of them can take some the dogs but she gets the same answer every time – they’re full too.

So again, Jourdenais is asking people thinking about adopting to come to the shelter to see the dogs and cats available but remember it’s a lifetime commitment.

“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.”

And because of the overcrowding, they are routinely running low on dog and cat food.

“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, and 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.”

Jourdenais said they are going through 140 – 160 lbs of dry dog food a day due to the number of dogs currently in the shelter.

The Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter is among hundreds of shelters experiencing a huge influx of surrendered and stray dogs and cats.

According to Dog Journal, the rise in dogs being surrendered or abandoned can be attributed to the higher cost of living and many households have to choose between feeding their families, paying the bills, and caring for their pets.

The Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11a to 4p and is located on Bear Creek Road in Lavonia.