Wellness Initiatives
Spay and Neuter Program
Ellijay Paws In Need, in partnership with VCA Appalachian Animal Hospital, and through the generosity of private donations, is now working to get all GCAS dogs spayed and neutered.
This fund will be specifically for the dogs in Gilmer County Animal Shelter that do not have the opportunity to go on transport to a rescue. A portion of the dogs that remain often do not have the opportunity to be spayed or neutered until someone wants to adopt them (which at times doesn’t happen because they are not yet spayed or neutered). Now, every dog will be spayed or neutered once they enter GCAS.
We are so humbled by our donors’ generosity and excited by VCA Appalachian Animal Hospital’s care and dedication! Please consider contributing to this fund so we can keep the initiative alive. We need you!
Heartworm, Flea, and Tick Prevention Program
This program began as a result of many donors who participated in our first annual lasagna cook-off in the fall of 2021. Over 14,000.00 dollars was raised and earmarked for our new heartworm, flea, and tick prevention program. Before this initiative, the dogs at the shelter did not receive preventative care. Because of the ongoing generosity of this community, the dogs can relax more comfortably in the shelter while they wait for their forever family to adopt them.
Heartworm Treatment
Many dogs arriving at Gilmer County Animal Shelter are sadly heartworm-positive. Heartworms are transmitted through a mosquito bite. Dogs are much more likely to contract heartworms when not given a monthly preventative. Once this happens, the only option is to treat the problem. Through our partnership with VCA Appalachian Animal Hospital, our dogs are now able to receive the treatment that they need in order to live long, healthy lives. The treatment is expensive, however, and we rely on our generous donors to support this program and our dogs. Thank you.
General Medical Fund
The county has a very small medical budget that does not come close to covering the needs of the dogs in the shelter. This is where Ellijay Paws In Need comes in. If there is a dog that has a non life-threatening medical issue, we step up. With our partners at VCA Appalachian Animal Hospital and FOGAS, we make sure that the dog gets the care that they need. We can not do this without donations. We can not do this without YOU. Please consider donating any amount that touches your heart and you are able to afford. No amount is too small. We are grateful for every dollar as we also know this is another donation made by someone who cares about the animals in our county!