The Colbert County Animal Shelter, located in Tuscumbia, provides aid to local stray animals and helps them find their forever homes.
Originally opened in 1996, the shelter was originally a kill shelter, but it later transitioned into a normal shelter. Because of its original purpose, the shelter was only designed to house 20-40 dogs and 16-19 cats. Despite the lack of space, the shelter seeks to accommodate as many animals as possible, and they currently house 160-200 dogs and 80 cats, with many being held together or in crates outside the facility.
The shelter is almost always at maximum capacity, and the shelter’s administration aims to combat this in multiple ways, with their goal being to find as many homes for these animals as possible.
Currently, all animals are adoptable at a reduced rate. While the shelter previously charged $85, they now charge $25 for cats and $50 for dogs, offering an incentive for people to adopt. In addition to low prices, all animals are spayed or neutered, and they receive up-to-date vaccines.
To create more space for feline friends, the shelter introduced a Cat Cafe in July, located in a separate building beside the shelter. The cafe houses around ten cats at a time, and visitors can sit and play with the cats while enjoying a coffee or other beverage. By allowing community members to interact with cats that are up for adoption, more people are likely to become connected to one of the cats. Melissa Hudson, the Colbert County Animal Shelter’s Director’s Assistant, said that the cafe has already led to an increase in adoptions.
Aside from the lack of space, the shelter is always seeking aid to keep the shelter running and to provide help to as many animals as possible, whether in the form of donations or volunteer efforts.
The only money the shelter receives from the county covers payroll and insurance. Because of this, monetary donations help with paying for the care of animals who are injured or need extra medical attention. Additionally, the shelter welcomes any donations of supplies, food, toys, litter or other resources to help care for the animals. Many groups at the University of North Alabama are currently hosting donation drives for the shelter.
For those who want to contribute to the shelter in other ways, Hudson encourages readers to volunteer with the shelter. With tasks ranging from feeding and socializing with the animals, to cleaning the animals and kennels, to maintaining the facility, there are plenty of opportunities for providing aid to the shelter.
“We love volunteers,” Hudson said. “They take a big load off of [our staff]. They’re able to take dogs out and let them stretch their legs and walk, and while they’re doing that, [the staff] can deep-clean their kennel. We thank volunteers for their help.”
Those who are interested in donating or volunteering are encouraged to reach out to Colbert County Animal Shelter or stop by for more information.
