Humane Shelter
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Owner Surrender
Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter accepts Owner Surrendered animals as space allows. Please be aware that there is typically a waitlist ranging from one week to one month. We are contracted with the government to prioritize stray, cruelty, and hoarding cases and our capacity is often limited. If you require emergency placement, please contact the shelter directly at 706-282-3275. We ask for a donation with each owner surrender to help defer some of the costs of their care while we work to find them a new home.
Please note that we do not accept animals with a history of biting, food aggression toward humans, severe behavioral issues, or severe medical needs. In these cases, it is often in the animal’s best interest to proceed with humane euthanasia. Animals with these conditions are not adoptable and would likely suffer behavioral and emotional decline while waiting in a shelter environment. We believe it is a kindness to say goodbye in a comfortable setting rather than subjecting the animal to the stress of a shelter.
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Helpful Resources
Animal Control
TSCHS does not provide animal control services to the county or have the ability to pick up stray animals.
The Stephens County Marshals are responsible for Animal Control services. The Marshals will investigate animal cruelty complaints, enforce city and county code infractions, issue citations and appear in court cases. The Marshals have additional responsibilities other than Animal Control so leaving a message is best if they don’t answer.
During business hours (Monday – Friday 8 – 5 PM), call the Marshal’s office at 706-886-9491, ext. 9307 or ext. 9369.
After normal business hours, weekends, and/or holidays call Stephens County 911 non-emergency number 706-779-3911.
Euthanasia and Cremation
TSCHS offers humane euthanasia for owned animals using the same procedures used at a veterinary clinic. We understand that this is a difficult decision and we recommend consulting your veterinarian before reaching out to make an appointment with us. Euthanasias are by appointment only and cost $50 to cover the cost of the medications used. Please call us during business hours to schedule.
We also offer Private Cremation services after your pet has passed. There is no cost if you do not want your pet’s ashes back and opt for Communal Cremation. The cost of Private Cremation depends on the size of your pet.
Private cremation prices:
Spay and Neuter
TSCHS does not have a veterinarian on staff and outsources all the surgeries for shelter animals. We do not offer surgical services to owned animals.
Suggested Low-Cost Clinics:
- Walt’s Word: a voucher program sponsored by Outsiders Farm (GA), with surgeries facilitated by Royston Animal Clinic.
https://www.outsidersfarm.com/waltsworld - Well Pet Community Vet: low-cost services through Oconee County Humane (SC)
https://www.oconeehumane.org/well-pet-community-vet/ - Athens Humane Society: (GA)
https://athenshumanesociety.org/services/vet-services/ - MOAS: (GA)
https://www.moaspets.com/clinic
Community Cats
A community cat is one that is outdoors, unowned, and free-roaming. They can be friendly or feral, but do not have an owner. The best outcome for feral cats is to be TNR'ed (Trap Neuter Return). At this time, TSCHS doesn't have the resources to assist with this, but there is a low-cost clinic near us: https://www.oconeehumane.org/well-pet-community-vet/
We do have traps for rent ($75 deposit required) to assist you in securing cats for alteration. This deposit is refunded when the trap is returned.
For more information on why TNR is the best route: https://www.aspca.org/helping-shelters-people-pets/closer-look-community-cats
Pet Food Pantry
TSCHS has a public dog and cat food pantry available to the public. This pantry is 100% donation based and available only while supplies last. You must be a Stephens County resident to receive this assistance. This resource is made possible through the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, PetSmart, and private donations.
Need help or have questions?
Call 706-282-3275 or contact us.
HUMANE SHELTER
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the helpless.
Tuesday - Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed Sunday & Monday