Does AGC operate a “no-kill” shelter?
This issue continues to be both controversial and emotionally charged nationwide.
A number of shelters today, particularly municipal facilities, find themselves confronted with the sheer volume of unwanted and abandoned animals that often times far exceed their capacity to care for them in terms of resources, facilities and funds. In some of these instances, the shelter has determined it necessary to euthanize certain numbers of animals based on varying criteria. This is never an easy decision and there are vocal critics making impassioned arguments on both sides of this debate.
At AGC, we strive for a different approach to this problem. As with most shelters, we find ourselves restricted in the number of animals we can accept based on available space, resources, and money. We therefore only accept a manageable number of animals at any given time and thus find it unnecessary, in our case, to euthanize animals due to an overabundance. Euthanasia is utilized as a management tool in the case of a newly arrived animal deemed too debilitated or obviously suffering from a life threatening condition beyond the scope of our veterinary intervention. This decision is made agonizingly, on a case by case basis, and only following extensive review and consultation between the veterinarian and shelter director.
Back to Top
What are the adoption requirements and what does it cost?
AGC personnel evaluate each potential adoptive household to determine compatibility, commitment and compassion. An AGC adoption form must be completed for the adoption process to begin. A site visit may be required by AGC personnel for first time adoptive parents. At the time of adoption, a reasonable fee will be charged to help offset a portion of the rescue and adoption expenses.Adoption Fees:
Puppies and Kittens - $60.00
Spayed or Neutered Dogs & Cats - $90.00
Full Blooded Pets - $100
Pit Bull Terriers
The adoption fee includes veterinary examination, de-worming, current vaccinations, spay/neuter (if applicable), & microchipping with Home Again® (activation fee and first year of membership included).
At the present time public access to our shelter is allowed by appointment.
Back to Top
How can I help AGC and become involved?
We are always looking for good home environments in which to place rescued pets. You can help in several ways. First, consider the adoption of a loving animal or suggest an AGC rescued pet to other family members and friends. Come down and volunteer if you'd like. Our animals are in bad need of socialization. An unsocialized rescue hardly ever gets adopted.
Back to Top
How do you determine which animals to rescue and how is this done?
Our commitment is to the animal in need of rescue. No consideration is given to its pedigree or lack of one. Due to the unfortunate volume of abandoned animals found within our service area, we are restricted in the number animals rescued primarily by the amount of available shelter space as well as food and bedding materials. Simply stated, the more animals we are able to place in adoptive homes, the more we can rescue and eventually place.
Back to Top
Where do the rescued animals come from?
Most animals can be readily found wandering throughout urban and rural areas of the community in search of food and water and often in need of veterinary care. In some cases, unwanted animals come to AGC from people within the community.
Back to Top
Why must the animals you rescue be spayed or neutered?
A significant number of animals in need of rescue are females that have been allowed to indiscriminately breed and subsequently reproduce without concern for the wellbeing of either mother or offspring. Left unchecked, these offspring will continue the cycle of indiscriminate breeding and in turn produce more abandoned and neglected animals.
Back to Top
What kind of care do you provide rescue animals and are they healthy when placed?
All rescued animals undergo comprehensive veterinary screenings, which include tests to detect heartworms and other internal parasites and as necessary appropriate medication to remedy the condition, complete immunizations, dietary review, and examination and treatment as necessary for external parasites.
Back to Top
Do you have puppies?
We do, unfortunately, find ourselves rescuing puppies along with the mother and in some circumstances by themselves when abandoned or dropped off at a remote location to fend for themselves. In either case, puppies receive full veterinary care and are made available for adoption when they are determined to be at the appropriate age.
Back to Top
Do rescued pets need training before they can be placed?
We make every effort to ensure that each adopted animal has been adequately socialized and will be compatible within its new home environment and with new family members, particularly children.
Back to Top
How long does it take to adopt a rescued pet?
On average, from time of rescue to availability for adoption takes four to six weeks, depending on several factors including medical condition, nutritional status and socialization.
Back to Top
Where is your shelter and may I visit it?
You may visit our shelter by calling 803.279.1613 and making an appointment. We will give you directons to the shelter at that time.
Back to Top
What are you doing to educate the community about responsible pet ownership?
Education is the critical element in breaking the cycle of growing numbers of unwanted pets. This message is being taken to public and private schools throughout the service area to heighten awareness and bring about change. It is the goal of AGC that the community as a whole understands that abandoned pets mean more than hungry animals. Left unchecked, abandoned animal conflicts can and do include animal attacks upon humans and livestock, the vectoring of pathogens such as rabies, parvo and scabies, and even the decimation of wildlife prey species including quail and turkey.
Back to Top
How can I contact you?
We invite you to contact us by the following means:
Back to Top
What things should I consider before adopting a pet?
LIFESTYLE: Do you work? Stay at home? Have children? What are their ages? Do you travel a lot? Location of home, country, in town. Type of home, house, apartment. Are you active in the outdoors or do you like to stay in? Financial status (fixed income, etc.)
EXPECTATIONS: What do you want from owning a pet? Companionship (watching TV, reading a book)? Do you want a pet to play outdoors, fetch, catch, hunt? Do you want to spend time grooming? Willing to pay someone to groom? Just want to leave the dog outside or live in the house? Do you want a large or small size? Non-shedding? Long or short coat?
COMMITMENT: Owning a pet is a long-term responsibility. A dog can live 10-15 years. There is also a financial responsibility. They will need annual vaccinations, spay or neutering, and heartworm preventative (monthly). They will also need flea control, healthy food, clean environment, and adequate shelter (Fenced yard or kennel). NO CHAINING OR TIEING THE DOG!! If you live in the country, you need to be a safe distance from the road, and your pet always needs supervision when out doors.
There is a lot to consider before adopting a pet but what you will get in return will be something money can’t buy!