The staff at the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter announced this week the facility is extending its operational hours moving forward to serve the public better.
Citizens now have the opportunity to stop by the shelter from noon until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday during the week, according to Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey.
“This is a problem that’s gone on for quite some time now,” he said. “We would close while citizens are still working and didn’t have a chance to come by the shelter. Extending the hours of the shelter have been a popular request, and we’re excited about having the facility open longer to serve the community, especially with the extended hours on Saturday.”
The mayor added that citizens would have the opportunity to see the new expansion at the shelter. Just a few days away from its grand opening, the addition at the shelter will allow the cat population to roam freer and provide a more sanitary environment for the animals. Once the addition is complete; the next line item is to complete the outdoor dog play area.
“We’re currently planning a punch list now,” the mayor said. “We have all of these different projects lined up to benefit the animals and these wouldn’t be made possible without the estate of Mrs. Glenda Taylor DeLawder.”
The late Carter County resident left funds for the county to use for shelter expansion and to be purchase a new van that would allow easier access to transport animals for spay/neuter visits and reduce trips.
Mayor Humphrey did add the shelter will be closed to the public during the week of May 8 for annual inside maintenance.
The animal shelter is also hosting an “Empty the Shelter” event on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
Due to the spay/neuter partnership with Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, a sizable portion of animals of available have already been spayed or neutered. The mayor added that a generous donation from a sponsor is allowing a portion of animals go to their forever homes at no cost – after being vetted by shelter staff. Once the sponsorship fund wraps up (a First-come, first-serve basis) the cost to adopt or sponsor a cat is $45, and a dog is $55.
For more information, contact the shelter at (423) 547-6359.