"Come Save Me" Campaign Aims to Find Homes for Shelter Animals in Columbus

By Kirsten J. Barnes

Columbus Animal Care and Control is hosting a “Come Save Me” campaign to help empty their shelter.

“Unfortunately, we see an increase in activity during the summer,” said Canita Hardnett-Johnson, Division manager for the agency. “During the spring dogs and cats are having their litters and we have anywhere between 10-to-15 animals a day that come in. This is why we are participating in these types of programs.”

Until the end of July, those who adopt pets will be able to do so at a reduced rate; and if the pet already has been neutered or spayed the adoption will be free.

When adopting kittens and puppies under 4 months old you would usually pay $15 plus the additional $50 for the spay/neuter. However, during the campaign, the adoption fee will be waived.

For cats or dogs over 4 months old instead of the usual fee of $25 plus the additional $50 for the spay/neuter, the adoption fee is waived and if the dog or cat already has been spayed or neutered the entire adoption will be free of charge. 

At press time there were 19 dogs available for adoption, and several kittens. 

Hardnett-Johnson said the shelter encourages people who have never had a pet and experienced owners to adopt. 

“When someone does adopt, we provide information and explain to them that there is a transition period for pets coming out of a shelter,” she said. “They have to have a controlled environment at first. It is almost like someone coming out of jail.”

She said the animals need time to get acclimated to their new surroundings and to other animals or children who may be in the home. 

“If they have animals in their home, we ask them to keep them separated for about four or five days. We give them information about how to transition their new baby into the home,” Hardnett-Johnson said. “Most people who come in actually have experience with pet ownership.”

If the dogs do not find a home, they must be put down. Cats will be spayed or neutered and returned to their previous community through the PAWS program.

The Columbus shelter can only hold 58 pets, which is regulated by the state.

According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture's website, its Companion Animals Program regulates all pet dealers, kennels, and animal shelters within the State to ensure that animals are treated humanely and have good living conditions.

The “Come Save Me” campaign is an ongoing effort to save the lives of every animal that enters the Columbus Animal Care and Control Shelter, but it will take the help of the community to make this happen.

You must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license or picture ID to adopt an animal. Upon adoption, the animal will be spayed/neutered.

So, if you are looking for a new pet or have room for another pet in your home, please consider adopting from Columbus Animal Care and Control. 

For more information visit https://www.columbusga.gov/animalcontrol/About-the-ACC or call (706) 225-4512. You can also visit in person at 4910 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907.