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.
Current funding sources consist primarily from individual contributions.
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,
Rottweilers - $150.00
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 not allowed except under special
conditions authorized by the Director. With the advent of a more spacious shelter facility,
visitation will be encouraged.
As AGC is staffed by an all-volunteer work force, all funds are dedicated to the direct
care, comfort, and subsequent placement of the animals in our care.
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. Second, consider
a contribution in support of our efforts. Third, suggest an AGC rescued pet to other family
members and friends.
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.
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. In these’ cases, a
monetary contribution is requested.
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. Efforts to
remedy this situation are being addressed in a new intervention program under development
called "Spay and Neuter for Good."
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.
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.
On a case by case basis, we do on occasion place animals with qualified foster parents
who have met certain criteria for space and fostering ability.
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.
We continue to rely on public support in the form of good quality dry dog food,
blankets and towels for bedding, and leashes and collars of varying sizes.
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.
At the present time public access to our shelter is not allowed except under special
conditions authorized by the Director. With the advent of a more spacious shelter facility,
visitation will be encouraged.
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.
While we do not currently have a formal volunteer program, we do utilize volunteers
under certain circumstances as foster parents, to assist at fund-raising and media events,
and to assist at adoption awareness events.
We invite you to contact us by the following means:
Telephone: (803) 275-1735 (We are caring for rescued pets so please leave a
message.)
Fax: (803) 275-1735
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 23, Johnston, SC 29832
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!
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