Paws Humane Society - 30 Days & Beyond

Transitioning to Paws & Services Division

As Paws Humane Society celebrates one month of overseeing Columbus Animal Care and Control, we want to provide an honest update on our progress and challenges.

Understanding The Transition

At the onset of this transition, the existing staff, hours, and policies remained unchanged. Over 70 animals were already housed in the facility, with some dogs having spent over six months—indeed, over a year—in their kennels. Our first major task involved hiring and training a dedicated team of 31 new staff members, infusing fresh energy and expertise into our operation.

PRIORITIZING ANIMAL CARE

Our immediate focus has been improving shelter services through several key initiatives:

• Hiring and Training: We are onboarding our new staff and ensuring they are trained according to national shelter standards.

• Deep Cleaning: We are re-establishing cleaning protocols to ensure a healthier, more comforting environment for the animals.

• Behavior Evaluations: We are reassessing dogs previously labeled as aggressive, providing opportunities for socialization.

• Playgroups: Dogs are spending time outside their kennels for exercise, allowing rescuers to better understand each dog’s personality. Additionally, we are installing new fencing to create secure outdoor spaces for dogs to play and meet potential adopters. Repairs are in progress, and new kennel doors have been ordered to enhance the facility. Office spaces are being cleared for Paws staff to move in and support daily operations.

STRENGTHENING FIELD SERVICES

We have also hired senior field service officers and are in the process of filling additional roles. Officers are undergoing training and certification through

the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA). Once certified, they will be sworn in by the Columbus Police Department, enabling them to enforce local ordinances and better protect community pets.

Previous Animal Control employees will be phased out by the end of April as the transition progresses.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

In the coming weeks, we will continue to clear office spaces for Paws staff. Training on new software systems will commence, streamlining operations and enhancing communication. We are developing a new website to better highlight:

• Lost and found pets (now available!)

• Animals available for adoption

• Pets in the community seeking new homes

• Upcoming programs and services under our Animal Services Division

We are also planning an open house (date TBD) and a LIVE virtual Q&A (date TBD) where our Executive Director, Courtney Pierce, will answer community questions.

To further reduce stress in the shelter, we will order sound baffles for the kennel areas, creating a calmer atmosphere for both animals and visitors. Building improvements will continue through April and beyond, with timelines adjusting based on vendor lead times.

Our new officers will be scheduled to visit neighborhoods within the community. These visits will give residents a chance to meet the officers, ask questions, and receive limited supplies.

ADOPTION SPECIALS & NEW HOURS

Beginning April 1st, we will launch an adoption special titled “Kennel to Couch,” waiving adoption fees for all adult animals at both locations throughout April. Our updated operating hours will be:

• Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM

• Friday & Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM

• Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM

These new hours aim to provide more flexibility for community members to visit, adopt, and engage with our services.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Transitions like this are not instant. We were advised that the process might take up to 90 days, and we are only 30 days into the journey. We appreciate the community’s continued patience and support as we work to establish the team, procedures, and environment that Columbus’s animals deserve. The full transition is expected to be complete by the end of April.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Animal SOS for their unwavering support and shared commitment to animal welfare. Rescue truly requires a village, and we are proud to collaborate in this vital mission.

Thank you to everyone who has shown understanding and encouragement during this time. Together, we are creating a brighter future for animals in Columbus.

Paws Humane Society 4900 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907pawshumane.org | 706-565-0035