Community Corner

Improvements Being Made at Shelter

A clerk position has been added to the Douglas County Animal Shelter's administrative office, to take telephone complaints and dispatch them to the animal control officers in the field.

Chances are you don’t call the animal shelter every day, but when you do it may be an emergency and you expect someone to answer your call for help immediately. Rick Smith, the new director of Animal Services promises to make that happen. A clerk position has been added to the administrative office, to take telephone complaints and dispatch them to the animal control officers in the field.

“This will allow the public to actual speak with a live person who will not only take complaints, but will also answer questions and address the caller’s concerns,” Smith said in a press release.

As the shelter works to meet the challenges of fulfilling residents needs this also means offering adequate space for those wishing to visit the shelter. Several of the administrative offices are being moved to mobile units acquired by the animal shelter from the school district.

“Reorganization of the administrative office means it will increase viewing space for customers to move about. The front office area and some of the viewing rooms can become congested when multiple visitors are in the shelter,” Smith said.

Customer service is key to any business and Animal Control is no different. The reorganization of offices and an additional employee to field calls from citizens are the first phases of a year full of improvements. Not only will customers see a noticeable difference in customer service, but expect to see a change in how the animals are housed.

“Dogs and cats will be separated to reduce extreme stress levels. Adoptable cats will be moved to a room that has recently been updated, that is brighter, spacious and more inviting to the public,” Smith said. “Isolated cats will be housed completely separate from dogs in a room of their own. Nursing cats and their kittens will be housed in an area more conducive to their needs.”

To find out how you can adopt a pet, become a volunteer or for Douglas County Animal Shelter hours call 770-942-5961.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here