Athens-Clarke County Animal Services

Joell Shields

2024-04

Adopted a dog called “classy” here at the shelter as I was going back up to fort Bragg. She is the most well behaved baby ever and she knows so many tricks and is so gentle with kids and doesn’t bark. Also potty trained and crate trained I don’t think they knew any of that . She was the most shy dog in the shelter but as soon as we put her in the car her mood completely changed so thankful. ❤️ will go back here again to adopt a baby .

Tasha Gibbs

2024-05

Called them about an injured stray and they were out the same day with a trap and ready to help. In my experience they deserve way more credit and help than humane. Thanks for all y’all do

kaylyn seidler

2023-12

I adopted a dog here about 3 months ago and was told he does well with cats and he was gentle and not aggressive at all. Ever since bringing him home he has tried repeatedly to kill my cat as well as acted aggressive towards myself and anyone he is around. I have spent the past few months training and working with him but unfortunately his aggression has not stopped. I called them to speak about returning him and was told that they were full and that he is my dog and if i don’t want him then i should have him euthanized. That is absolutely ridiculous to suggest. They completely hid these important issues from me and refuse to take him back. Obviously they do not care for animals if they suggest this rather than helping to find him a home that works for him instead of lying about his issues then telling me to kill him. Finally after a ton of arguing they agreed to take him in on Monday. But to be completely honest i would not trust them with any animals if euthanasia is their solution for anything. Absolutely ridiculous. Also want to add that the reason that i kept him for so long was because I wanted to train him and try to make this work. I spent a significant amount of money and time into training this dog and I am fully aware that getting a dog from a shelter takes a large amount of work and effort. Unfortunately his aggression could not be trained out but I don’t want him to lose his life because of a shelter that could care less about animals.

Tosha Dingler

2023-05

Animal control always has such negative reviews, I wasnt expecting a great experience. I knew I wanted an older cat, and they recommended "Ric Flair", a 3 year old cat. They gave me as much as time as I wanted to play with him and see how we connected, and ultimately I found my best friend that weekend. They answered every question I had in such a non- condescending way and I really appreciated not being rushed.Was a great adoption and would definitely consider adopting from here again.Update: I adopted another cat last year. Another FIV+ cat, another easy adoption. I love visiting and the staff is always friendly even at their busiest.

Chip Elder

2023-08

We had a Copperhead get stuck in some deer netting around our raised flower bed. I spoke with Officer Green on the phone about it and he assured me they would be right out. He arrived shortly thereafter with an Officer Reynolds. They were both super pleasant to deal with and were extremely gentle and expedient in the removal of the snake. It was great to watch!

Lisa Strzelecki

2023-11

The staff at the front desk when you enter inside the building are always kind and very efficient. They have, in my opinion, one of the best and worst jobs out there. Over the last year I have rescued two kittens at different times in my neighborhood that were abandoned. The kittens were sweet and not scared of humans. I am thankful to be able to bring them to animal control so the kittens could get medical attention and then be adopted out to a loving home.

c smith

2024-03

I had to place a couple of call and leave voicemails. However when I did get a call back, Juan was very helpful and informative about the plan of action I should take. I will revisit my review and provide an update in the near future.

Hannah Reese

2023-12

If I could give no stars, I would. Adopted a dog yesterday. Was told she was up to date on everything. Was never told she was aggressive towards other dogs. She ATTACKED another dog, drawing blood and I was told she does not have current rabies vaccine AFTER this happened. It is the LAW that they have a current rabies vaccine. This shelter broke the law and put myself and other animals in danger by allowing us to adopt this dog.

Kelly Agbay

2023-05

Found my “Bestie” there! Nicolette and the Whole Staff were great during the adoption process. “Modson” was a “Rescue Only” based on his lack of manners. He is a 2 year old German Shepard/Belgium Malinois. I explained my experiences with “Working Dogs” and everyone felt it was a great fit. Modson has done so well in his forever home that I wanted to bring him back to the shelter to show off his progress. The women there was so happy to see him! Thank you for all you do in taking care of these animals and setting them up with the right home!

Casey Brandenburg

2022-05

Adopted my baby from here. Shelter was amazing and the adoption process was simple. Also loved the donation box where I got her a leash and a harness. Thank you Athens animal shelter

Cheryl Maldonado

2024-01

The shelter Director and staff go above and beyond for their animals. They work hard every day which includes holidays. The abundant support from volunteers, fosters and Athenspets helps ensure these animals are medically stable, vetted and adopted.

Lynn Barade

2024-01

This is a warning for anyone who wants to work at the animal shelter! Do not write your social security number on the timesheet! I was a temporary employee who was sent to work at the animal shelter in September 2023. I was fired for no apparent reason after two weeks.The staff is a rude and unprofessional bunch of dark web thieves! The inmate who uses his MacBook is the main culprit! In September 2023, my Instacart was hacked into, and an attempt to withdraw $395 was made on my checking account. Yesterday, I received another notification that my email address was submitted to the dark web! Today, I received an email address that a consumer credit application was rejected! This week, I am filing a police report. This has to stop.

Stacy Shier

2024-01

The most compassionate employees that see way too much, and I don't know how they do it. But thank you, you're all amazing! Adopt, don't shop. If you choose to shop, please donate to your local shelter.

Alicia

2024-04

Update: another good experience handling a stray- this time a kitten, who was clearly very sick. I tried calling before coming in but didn’t get an answer. They allow walk-ins for stray drop offs during their regular hours, so I just showed up and filed the found pet report in office. The ladies at the front were nice and told me I could call in a week to check in on the kitty. I called every week for 3 weeks to get the update. Usually I did need to call multiple times before I got an answer, but I kind of expected that right now. Once he was all better, neutered and up for adoption, they actually called me to see if I wanted to adopt him. I really appreciate the effort on their part. Thank you accas!This post is regarding how they handled a stray.I had a great experience taking a stray malnourished puppy to ACCAS. When we found the very young puppy it was after hours so I left a voicemail and kept him safe and sound for the night. At 8:15am the next morning (they didn’t waste any time) I got a call from an animal control officer to file a report. He was friendly and caring on the phone, which was reassuring as I was worried for the pup. He let me know the puppy will get examined and vaccinated then transferred to a rescue or foster until he's old enough to be adopted, rather than sitting in a kennel environment.So I took the pup to ACCAS later that afternoon and was impressed with how clean the building looked inside and how caring the two staff members were that I met. Immediately one of those staff members scooped up the pup and started making over him. I called a week later to check in on the pup’s whereabouts (which they told me I could do!) and that same staff member that showed him love from the start had adopted him. It melted my heart.Thank you ❤️

Martin Burrow

2024-04

Consistently great whenever I visit. The staff is helpful and this is one of the best-run animal shelters.

Gavin Hargrove

2023-05

Just picked up my new kitten and I’m so happy! While he was there, he was taken care of so well. Thank you, Athens-Clarke county animal services!

Allen Moon

2023-05

We adopted a dig named Hope, so my boxer would have a playmate. We have had her almost a week, and she's still skittish around people. But she's getting better.

Mark Gale

2024-01

Don't. Bother.I put in an adoption form for a dog rescue over 2 weeks ago.Zero response. Nada. This place does not want to see the dogs get rescued at all.

Yating Huang

2023-08

Just adopted a cat the day before yesterday, they told me she is all cleared and all healthy. Then I noticed her watery eyes and poop. The shelter then told me “that’s what you get from a shelter cat” after adoption it’s all my responsibilities now. I took her to a vet today and found out she has eye infections and intestine worms. The shelter staff display different attitudes before and after adoption. I would not recommend here

Cheri G

2019-05

Great shelter to adopt from - I visited multiple times and was impressed at how tidy and clean the shelter was, and the facilities have great spaces for getting to know the animals you are considering. The staff was friendly and efficient, I had a very positive experience from my first visit all the way through the adoption of my kittens.

Marie Klingelsmith

2023-05

Went there, on a friend's referral, to see about getting a little extra help with some pup food and cat/kitten food. They were so sweet in the office and the staff was friendly, and helpful. I fully recommend that anyone who's fallen onto some hard times and that needs some help with food for their furbabies to come here and get it. Support our local ASPCA and their affiliate shelters. Dont forget to spay/neuter your pets, as well as keep them up-to-date on their immunizations!

Jeff Stewart

2023-05

Friendly and helpful people. They are always open to volunteers. They go out of their way to work with rescue groups to save as many animals as possible.The original building has been added onto so that vet work can be done onsite and it is very nice. The original building and kennels definitely need an overhaul though, hopefully the county will fund it soon.

JK M

2023-05

The staff is generally friendly and you can tell they care about the animals. You don't always get the nicest person on the phone though. First time I called about adoptions the lady was a bit rude and seemed like she didn't want to spend time talking to me. The second time, the lady was very friendly and it was a lovely conversation.

Leslie Benton

2024-03

They take great care of the animals. Love the interaction pens...

Morgan Tolleson

2022-05

Terrible! Very understaffed and the staff that they do that are incredibly rude. I adopted a kitten from them with the understanding that she was healthy and ready to come home with me. The next day I noticed that she was severely sick as well as covered in ringworm. Thankful that I was able to get her the care she needed cause there’s no telling how long she had been suffering or would continue to suffer if she stayed under the care of these people. When I called to let them know what was going on they responded “that’s what happens when you adopt a shelter cat”

Pamela Weinstein (Pam)

2021-05

Please know that this is a place where the staff love and care for their animals. I couldn't believe how clean and bright it was. They take good care of surrendered animals. Please be courteous and call to make an appointment. If you really love your pet, but must surrender it, this is a safe place, to do so. If you show them that you're willing to wait, ( because you love your pet, but couldn't rehome him)they will take your pet when they are sure that proper care can be taken. I waited almost a month, trying to find a home for my dog on adoption sites. I was so afraid of the words "Animal Control". I couldn't have been more wrong. The staff were waiting for my boy with love and he was very happy with the staff. They love animals, they're not just doing a job. I am very grateful to these great staff members. Rescues come through, too.

Addison Mason

2017-05

These folks are fantastic. I noticed a one star review and it made me really concerned for the reputation as well as the animals that are here. My whole thing was:Went in looking for a companion for myself as well as my current dog, their advice was great: bring my pooch back and let him meet some new pups to see who was the right fit. Cassie, who works there, spent the next 3 HOURS touring dogs in to meet my little guy, and waited about 10 minutes after they closed to let me finish filling out the adoption paperwork. She and the rest of the staff knew all the dogs they brought in, they were super careful, and I could visibly watch around me as volunteers as well as other staff members socialized the animals all day. Their website has honest descriptions of every animal as well as multiple photos and videos and is volunteer run and totally dedicated to getting these guys and gals not just a home, but a home that's the right fit. We have a small cat and another dog in an apartment, not everyone is the right fit and they managed to show me someone who is absolutely fantastic for my home.It's the pound, and they are well cared for. Adopt from here. It's humane, it's safe, and it's honestly your best bet, as well as the best bet for these animals.Athens Animal Control Shelter = the right way to adopt.

Tayler Leigh

2022-05

It's clear to me that the lovely women who work here care deeply about the animals in their care. Our visit was so personal and the ladies working in the cat ward had immediate answers to any question we had. We ended up going home the same day with a loving, outgoing FIV+ kitty.

MyRanda Panda

2021-05

Staff was super friendly and sweet. They were very good handlers when we met for the meet and greet before adoption. The adoption process was also a breeze, and they answered any and all of my questions. My dog has a new little brother now and they were amazing the whole time!

M J

2020-05

We visited this shelter, and it is obvious the employees are working hard to keep good, clean, and welcoming conditions.They were more than accommodating with our children coming in.There is a large number of pits here. That’s completely out of their control. I wish people would have their animals fixed and stop filling the shelters. There were many dogs that I wouldn’t have considered interacting with because they seemed overly aggressive. But, most of the dogs were friendly and just very scared. It’s very sad, but we were fortunate to be able to interact with some and bring some treats in to donate.