7 Things Pet Owners Should Know

1.   Are dogs allowed in local parks? 

I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s probably the most common question I’m asked by local pet owners.  The answer is yes and no.  If the park is located within the Douglasville city limits, such as and, pets are not allowed.  However, Douglas County parks, such as , and , do allow dogs as long as they are on a leash.  Visit the Douglas County Parks and Recreation website to find out which parks are outside of the city limits.   

2.       Are there any leash-free areas for pets in Douglasville?

Deer Lick Park on Mack Road offers a small dog park with two fenced in areas for unleashed pets.  It can be found near the tennis courts.  

3.        Where can I take my dog for obedience training?  

There are several great options for obedience training in Douglasville.  

• Sit Means Sit on Granite Road off Highway 5 is open six days a week and offers free demos and evaluations of your pet, as well as several types of training.  You can reach Sit Means Sit at 770-214-9247. ‎
• Douglas County began offering obedience training this month at , as well as basic potty training classes.  For more information, call 770-920-7129.  

4.   Is 24-hour veterinary care available in Douglasville?    

While there is not a 24-hour animal hospital in Douglasville, Westside Animal Emergency Clinic in Lithia Springs offers round-the-clock and after hours emergency care.  The clinic can be reached at 770- 819-1090.  And, of course, Douglasville has many excellent veterinarians that are available during normal business hours.   

5.   Where I can find the best deals on pet food?   While I’m not sure there is a particular place that has the best deals on dog and cat food,  ‎there are sales to and deals to watch out for at some of your favorite places to shop. 

• always has excellent “buy one get one free” sales and this often includes both wet and dry dog and cat food, as well as cat litter and other supplies.  You can view the store's weekly advertisements online and new sales start every Thursday.   
• If you shop at , make sure you check their website for deals and sign up to be a PetPerk member (it’s free to sign up).  It may seem like a hassle, but the savings really do add up, especially if you have to buy one of the more expensive dog food brands like I do.  You’ll get special email offers and coupons, special in-store prices and much more. 
• Don’t forget to check the Sunday Atlanta Journal Constitution for coupons.  There are generally several coupons for dog and cat food, and , Publix and most other grocery stores will double coupons. 
• And, of course, and always seem to be a little less expensive than PetSmart and the grocery stores.   

6.   I don’t have a pet, but I’d like to help those in need.   You’re in luck.  Douglas County and the surrounding area has many volunteer organizations that help take care of the county’s homeless pets.  Most of them need volunteers to foster dogs and cats, as well as food and monetary donations.  If you’d like to help, try one of the following organizations: 

• – 770-942-5961
• Douglas County Humane Society - 678-838-9123
• West Georgia SPCA - 770-272-3178 

7.   Where can I have my pet spayed or neutered inexpensively?    All of the veterinarian offices around town offer these services, but if money is tight, there are some other options.   Cat Snip is a popular mobile surgery unit that provides spaying and neutering services as well as low-cost vaccines to cats.  Cat Snip visits the Douglas County Animal Shelter and once a month.  Please see their website for more details.  The West Georgia Spay and Neuter Clinic in nearby Villa Rica also offers inexpensive procedures for both dogs and cats.  Please see their website for more details.  

Have a question about owning a pet in Douglas County?  Feel free to ask!