Athenspets started with a hope and a prayer, that a group of dedicated volunteers, some in person could make life a little better for the most vulnerable animals in the Athens, Georgia area and the people who love them.

Since the Athenspets website started in 2001, we have spent countless hours with the animals impounded at Athens-Clarke County Animal Services (ACCAS), providing exercise and socialization for them while learning about them in order to advertise them on social media and help them return home or match them with prospective adopters.

With the transformation of the informal volunteer group into a 501(c)(3) organization in 2015, we have raised funds and collected supplies to help with the extraordinary medical expenses of the shelter animals, make the lives of the shelter animals better, and help pets stay in good, even if socially vulnerable, homes through our Community Spay/Neuter Program and innovative Community Interventions Program.

We spearheaded change in 2019 on the county level so that ACCAS became its own county department, instead of being under Central Services. With this change, ACCAS became responsible for its own budget for the first time and hired its first Director. The result of this has been fantastic. Unlike many other municipal shelters, ACCAS has remained open admission, providing a place for our area’s homeless animals to receive food and shelter, needed veterinary care, and love. However, it is still a work in progress; overproduction means at times the shelter is overcrowded and euthanizes adoptable animals for space.

Our efforts are now focused on making space euthanasias a thing of the past, not by turning away needy animals or warehousing them, but by preventing “oops litters” and stopping backyard breeders through our spay/neuter program. WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR THIS!

Through all this, we have continued to provide publicity for the shelter animals, including through this website. We do our best to accurately portray each animal in our postings and conversations, but we are not professionals. Please come by to meet the animals for yourself prior to adoption and bring any family members (children, other pets, etc.) with whom it is necessary for the new pet to get along so you can judge for yourself whether the particular dog or cat is a good fit for your home.

How you can help

Regardless of how much time or money you have, you can help save lives!

Shelter Hours

The shelter is open to the public Monday through Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sundays 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, except on county holidays when it is closed to the public. These hours can be extended by appointment.

You do not need an appointment to bring in a stray animal or to look to see if your lost pet is present, but calling ahead is helpful for the on-site staff.

If there is a specific animal you would like to meet, or if you would like a staff member or volunteer to help match you with an animal, please call ahead to make sure the staff or volunteers are best able to assist you.

To schedule an appointment with shelter staff, please call 706-613-3540 or email [email protected].