Etowah County Animal Control needs donations

The Etowah County Animal Control Shelter in Piedmont, Alabama (near Gadsden) opened in January 2010. They house stray dogs, owner surrenders, animal cruelty and neglect cases, and criminal animal cases. They have numerous dogs and cats available for adoption every day. Many of these animals have no issues and are just waiting for caring and loving owners. As in many shelters across the country, ECAC needs many items to care for the animals every day. Also like many shelters, they run low on money and supplies every day.

ECAC asks for donations of numerous items including:

• bedding, including towels and blankets (new or used but clean). This is one of the most important needs as the bedding needs to be replaced often. Hard, cold floors are not comfortable for anyone. A tip, currently Kmart is running a sale of fleece blankets for $4.99, and these can be shipped directly to the shelter.
• towels, simply for cleaning. They are very low on towels of all sizes.
• newspapers for the puppy and kitty kennels. This is a great way to "recycle" rather than trash those newspapers and help out animals in need.
• medical supplies such as vaccinations, new syringes, dog vitamins, and dog/cat specific medications like heartworm prevention
• FOOD for dogs and cats, while the shelter budget provides some food, they take in so many animals that the budget just doesn't allow for enough.
• toys, such as nylabones, kongs, or other hard-to-destroy toys especially for large dogs
• washer and dryer, to clean the bedding and towels
• grooming supplies, such as shampoo
• collars and leashes
• industrial fans, especially important with our current warmer than normal summer heat

Being a county run animal control, they are not non-profit so donations are not tax-deductible, but the dogs and cats in their care need the same things as those in humane societies and other 501(c)3 shelters. The animals don't know they are in an animal control shelter, only that they would like a soft place to sleep just like animals who are in loving homes. Any donations will be appreciated by the animals they help. Gathering items for donation can also be a wonderful lesson for children to foster a giving spirit.

The shelter is also in need of volunteers to play with and walk dogs, play with cats, and provide general help and care for the animals. Contact the shelter directly if you can volunteer. Giving of your time and effort is one of the best and inexpensive things to do.

For other donation needs or for directions/hours, ECAC may be contacted by phone at 256-492-0801.

Etowah County Animal Control is located at 12071 US Hwy 278E, Piedmont, Alabama 36272.

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