New program aims to lower kill rates at Augusta Animal Services

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Animal Shelter is hoping to bring down its euthanasia rate.

Last year, state numbers said Augusta Animal Services euthanized almost 1,500 dogs, ranking the worst in the state.

Now, every Monday, the shelter is offering a new program — all pitbull adoptions are free and all adopters also get a free pet bed.

The shelter is also open for an extra two hours.

As of June, Augusta Animal Services has the highest kill rate of any shelter in the state.

On July 17, Director James Hill presented a five-part plan aimed at decreasing those numbers.

‘Save a Pet Monday’ is a part of that plan.

“To have a focus on getting animals out, getting dogs out, getting cats out, and not having to focus have so many resources allocated to taking animals in,” said Hill.

Last week was the first Save a Pet Monday. Hill says the storm put a damper on things.

“We’re hoping to ramp things up. You know, as the weeks go by,” he said.

Other steps include the pet owner’s responsibility when it comes to surrendering animals.

“They have to provide us with at least two forms of documentation showing they have tried other avenues of rescue,” said Hill.

They also encourage microchipping.

If your animal is lost and picked up by the shelter, you can now pay ten dollars to get the animal microchipped rather than the more expensive impound fee.

The shelter also plans to partner with Parks and Rec to put out banners out for missing pets.

But Hill says what they need most is help from community vets.

“They’re the critical components that are going to be pivotal in, you know, getting these numbers down, which is going to result in less euthanasia,” he said.

Hill says the community vets are so important because they provide low-cost animal services.

The last step of the shelter’s plan is to mobilize their adoption van.

It’s back in the shop and he doesn’t have an exact date for when it will be ready.

To learn more about how you can adopt, visit the Augusta Animal Services’ website or their Facebook page.

They’re open on Mondays from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.

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