But the shelter is already at capacity, continues to face challenges
There were 171 pets adopted during the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter’s month-long free adoption event that wrapped up on Sept. 8, an increase from 87 adoptions the previous month.
“The event was a great success, and many lives were saved,” MOAS Director Erica Hendrix said.
The event was sponsored by Oglethorpe County’s Roddy Sturdivant, who made a contribution that covered the adoption fees for every pet adopted during the month.
“Without his huge contribution, the shelter simply could not afford to do an event like this,” Hendrix said. “The entire MOAS family (is) very grateful to see many of our wonderful animals find safe and loving homes.”
Despite the increase in adoptions, the shelter is already at maximum capacity for dogs. Prior to the event, the shelter, which houses dogs and cats of all ages, had been consistently at capacity for over a year.
This highlights a growing issue: animal surrenders are outnumbering adoptions.
Hendrix said folks have been surrendering strays and their own animals at a higher rate than previous years. Most who surrender their animals report they can’t afford to care for them, she said.
To address this, the shelter is taking measures to raise awareness of the need to adopt pets. MOAS has established a social media presence on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). The shelter even uses TikTok to show off the personalities of the pets and stress the need to adopt.
What’s next
Even though the event was a success, MOAS faces challenges.
As an open-admission shelter, the facility is constantly taking in strays and surrenders, and there is a need for more space and resources.
Despite the increase in adoptions during the event, as of Sept. 10, MOAS announced on Facebook that it was once again at full capacity.
Reaching out to the community for assistance, the post stated, “We are out of space! Adopt or foster before time runs out. Several amazing dogs are in need of immediate adoption or foster before difficult decisions must be made.”
The shelter has also been struggling with rising operational costs and relies on public donations, fundraising events and its spay/neuter clinic to combat the cost.
According to the shelter’s website, MOAS “receives less than 30% of its funding from Madison and Oglethorpe counties, which means that we depend on donations from generous supporters.”
Oglethorpe County will contribute $45,563 next year, according to the county’s Board of Commissioners’ budget, which was approved Aug. 21.
The MOAS board of directors also organizes community fundraiser events throughout the year.
In just the past month, the shelter raised over $10,000 at the fourth annual Putts For Mutts golf tournament on Aug. 26 and had raised $3,998.44 at the Danielsville Farmers Market through Aug. 14.
“We are constantly thinking of new ways to find support for our shelter,” Hendrix said.
How to help
Donations for MOAS are accepted through its website, Facebook and at its Danielsville location. The shelter also accepts cash and non-monetary contributions, such as pet food and supplies. Supporters can buy a monthly membership, with the first tier beginning at $5 a month. Visit moaspets.com or call 706-795-2868 for more information.