This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Deals, Dog Shows and Play-Dates

Here are a few things Douglasville pet owners need to know this month.

I was planning to do my monthly “Cutting Costs for Local Pet Owners” column this week, but my dogs and I have been enjoying this cooler weather so much that I decided to switch things up a little bit. Instead of just pointing out big sales and good deals, I’ve decided to compile a list of things Douglasville pet owners need to know this month, along with a few local ideas for enjoying this fabulous fall-like weather.

1. New Businesses: A few new pet-related businesses have recently opened in Douglasville, and so far, I’ve heard some good things about them. 

If you’re looking for a place to have your pet groomed or if you need  boarding or day care services for your pet, you might want to check out Kritters Country Club at the corner of Highway 5 and Bankhead Highway. I’ve heard great things about the new facility and hope to visit it for myself next week.  

Find out what's happening in Douglasvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A new veterinarian has also opened an office in front of on Highway 5. Dr. Cindy Osborn graduated from Auburn in 2002 (I’ll try not to hold that against her) and has almost a decade of experience caring for animals. Highway 5 Animal Hospital offers “boarding, well-patient care with immunization and yearly parasite screening, in-house lab testing, dental services, radiology services, ultrasound, general surgery (including laser surgery), nutritional counseling, behavior consultation, microchipping and senior pet care."

2. Paws-an-Effect Dog Show: Does your dog look like Lassie or Old Yeller? Does he or she do tricks? Why not enter them in a dog show?  Next month, on Oct. 15, the will be hosting its annual “Paws-an-Effect” Dog Show. Local residents are encouraged to enter their dog in any number of categories.

Find out what's happening in Douglasvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Note: Next week’s “Sarah’s Critters” column will be devoted to providing you with more information about the dog show and its purpose, but in the meantime, if you want to sign up, the registration form and rules can be found at the SHARE House website.

3. Go Outside: Don’t forget, Douglas County parks and Georgia state parks allow dogs on leashes. You can’t go wrong with the trails and open fields at . If you want a more strenuous hike and some of the most beautiful scenery in the county, try Sweetwater Creek State Park. My dogs and I visit both places regularly, and they absolutely love it.

4. Pet Safety & Wellness Class: Douglas County is offering Pet Safety and Wellness classes this fall at . The classes will cover the human-animal bond, knowing your pet’s health, nutrition and clean water, exercise and supplements. You will also learn what to do in emergency situations, how to train and socialize your pet and much more. Classes are offered on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. and cost $50 each. For more information, contact Chris Laseter at crlaseter@gmail.com. 

5. Play-Date at the Park: If you still want to spend some time outdoors with your pet and hiking or walking is not your thing, don’t forget Douglas County has a leash-free dog area at . It’s a great place for dogs to get some exercise and socialize with other pets. I’ve even seen a few humans make friends there while their pups are playing.

6. Big Sale at Pet Smart:  is currently having a huge “Fall Festival of Savings” sale. Whether you’re shopping online or in the store, customers can save up to 20 percent of many items for dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, rodents and birds. The sale includes treats, health items, carriers, toys, aquarium necessities, food and much more. The sale is good through Sept. 25. 

7. Get Your Pet Spayed or Neutered (Cheaply!): The county has been buzzing about the many dogs and cats being brought to the , and many believe this problem could be prevented if people would just have their pets spayed and neutered. I just wanted to point out that there are many ways to have your pet spayed or neutered without paying big bucks for the surgery.

West Georgia Mobile Vet will be at the Douglas County Animal Shelter on Sept. 28. Drop your pet off to be spayed or neutered at 8:30 a.m. or visit for vaccinations between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Free rabies vaccines are given with any spay/neuter surgery. To learn more about pricing for different animals, visit the West Georgia Mobile Vet website or call 770-942-4984.

The West Georgia Spay and Neuter Clinic is located on East Montgomery Street in Villa Rica, just off Mirror Lake Boulevard, near the Douglas/Carroll County line. The clinic offers several wonderful services for pet owners at low prices, such as spaying and neutering, vaccines, nail clipping, microchipping and heartworm testing. To learn more, visit the West Georgia Spay and Neuter Clinic’s website or contact them at 678-840-8072 or appointments@westgeorgiaspayneuter.com

And don't forget, if you don't already have a pet, there are many amazing dogs and cats waiting for a home at the . They come in all ages, colors shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: the desire for a loving family. Barry (pictured above) is one sweet, beautiful puppy who is currently available.

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

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?