New facility for Jones County Animal Services underway

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jones County Animal Services will finally get the space they need. Commissioners approved construction for a new facility for the shelter and the county has already cleared the lot for the space.

Something John Jackson, Jones County Animal Services Office Manager, has been anticipating because of the lack of space the current facility has.

“They had to find somewhere to go so they went and called us,” Jackson said describing a dog named Bo that was taken in.

“We keep all animals as long as we can,” Jackson said. “I tell everybody is as long as I have space and the resource to take care of it, i’m gonna take care of it.”

Space and resources is what Jackson needs in order to do his job. With only 14 dog kennels and 13 cat kennels, it’s easy for the shelter to run out of room.

Putting animals to sleep is the last thing Jackson wants to do.

“I hate to do it, but it’s just part of the business,” Jackson said,

Especially if there’s no room, but that is changing with the new facility. Officer Jennifer Giddens says the new space will allow them to do more.

“Being able to hold the dogs longer so we can have extra time to find them homes, get them adopted out, have rescues, get involved and things of that nature,” said Giddens.

The new facility will double its capacity, and will include a puppy area and more disease control prevention features.

“It’s going to be real nice,” Jackson said. “It’s going to be a lot more efficient.”

Construction will begin next month and they are hoping to finish in 2017.

To raise money to fund the new facility, Jones County Animal Services will allow people to sponsor a kennel. If you have any questions about how to sponsor contact Hart’s Mortuary Jones County Chapel. 478-986-4278.