SHS After 10/31

The Spartanburg Humane Society after October 31st

Friends,

It is a dark day for animals in this community. Spartanburg County Council has voted to outsource the holding of stray animals to Greenville County. We are astonished that the county has agreed to spend more of the tax payers' money per animal for the same services that are available right here at the Spartanburg Humane Society for less. We are even more shocked that County Council is falling short on their responsibility to public health and safety by neglecting nearly 6,000 of the county's stray animals brought in each year by citizens.

While we are saddened by this news, we want the community to know what to expect from the Spartanburg Humane Society after October 31st.

Starting November 1st, the SHS will no longer house stray animals from Spartanburg County, including those picked up by animal control officers and those picked up by members of the public. All Spartanburg County stray animal concerns will be handled through Spartanburg County Animal Control. Greenville County will not accept stray animals from Spartanburg County Citizens.

If you live in Spartanburg County and find a stray, please call animal control at 864-596-3582. If your pet is missing please contact Greenville County Animal Care Services at 864-467-9250. (328 Furman Hall Rd # C Greenville - map).

The SHS will continue to house stray animals for the city of Spartanburg and the city of Greer.

The SHS will continue to accept animals surrendered by owners in Spartanburg County. These are animals who might become strays if their owners were not willing to bring them to us.

All other SHS services will continue, including:

Low cost spay and neuter services
Veterinary care for unemployed owners or owners on a fixed income
Monthly vaccine clinics
Low cost microchips without an appointment
Adoptions
Affordable dog training at our Good Dog Academy
Humane education programs

Our decision to publically ask the county to pay their outstanding bills and necessary increases was not made lightly. It was made out of necessity. The Humane Society's budget has suffered from our longstanding relationship with the county. Compensating for inadequate funding for care of stray animals during their legal hold period has strained our finances. We have difficult decisions before us. As we work through these challenging times, we will do our best to communicate with you every step of the way.

As always, our efforts will be focused on doing as much as possible to support pets and people in the community.