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Options Exist For Pet Adoption In Athens

by Lacey Hatchett
10/16/2007

School is back in session, and many students may be considering taking on the responsibility of owning a pet. While the idea of buying a purebred puppy might sound appealing, consider the much more affordable option of adopting a homeless animal.

Everything from cats and dogs to guinea pigs and even a chinchilla can be found at the local Athens animal shelters.

The Athens Area Humane Society provides adoption services for cats and other small animals. Currently over 20 cats, 14 rabbits and a variety of mice and hamsters await adoption.

Students interested in adopting a dog should visit Athens-Clarke County Animal Control. They presently have 23 dogs up for adoption and are always excited to see student adopters.

"Some of our best adopters are students," said Athens-Clarke County Animal Control Supervisor Christy Champagne.

However, adopting a pet from a shelter is not as easy as one might think. Both A-CC Animal Control and the Athens Area Humane Society have rigorous adoption processes that include, among other requirements, proof of permission by the adopter's apartment complex to own a pet.

The Athens Area Humane Society asks hopeful pet owners to complete an adoption profile with information about their home as well as information on any pets they may already own. An adoption counselor can then match them with an animal to fit their lifestyle.

According to Speak Out for Species, the student animal advocacy group on the UGA campus, spaying or neutering household pets is the easiest way to address the growing problem of animal overpopulation in the Athens Clarke County area.

Accordingly, most shelters recommend that any animal adopted from their facilities be sterilized. This operation is included in the feline adoption fee, which can range from $45 to $95, at the Athens Area Humane Society.

The $50 adoption fee at A-CC Animal Control does not include the spay or neuter surgery, but after paying to have the adopted dog sterilized, A-CC Animal Control will issue a $25 refund.

Students interested in having a pet but not sure whether they will have the time or money for a long term commitment can take advantage of the opportunity to be a 'foster parent.'

According to the Athens Area Humane Society Executive Director Crystal Schultz, "We are always looking for temporary homes for pets until they can be adopted." If you foster an animal, the Humane Society will pay for the animal's food and litter.

The Athens Area Humane Society and A-CC Animal Control are not the only options for adopting in Athens. Pawtropolis is a local organization which provides both adoption services and obedience training.

According to the State Representative for the American Boarding Kennels Association and owner Amanda Rodriguez, Pawtropolis has had over 400 animals come through their program in their five years of operation. Helping Paws Rescue and Athens Canine Rescue are other animal adoption agencies in the area.

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