Metter shelter waives adoption fees as kennels overflow in Candler County

METTER, Ga. (WTOC) - In Candler County, the overwhelming number of animals coming through a shelter’s doors is leading that shelter to waive its adoption fees.

The lack of resources for rural animal shelters is impacting these shelters, especially ones like the Metter Animal Shelter, where there is a surplus of animals coming through the door.

This small shelter only has 20 dog kennels.

“Yes, it’s pretty overwhelming,” said Metter Animal Shelter Director Debbie Wallace.

The shelter’s director, Debbie Wallace, says this past year has been rare. She says a common problem is pet owners being uneducated about vaccines and getting their animals neutered.

“Absolutely, if people would just get their animals spayed and neutered, it would just make a huge difference,” Wallace said. “I know we do it all the time, but it just seems like the population is just going crazy.”

Sadly, they are also seeing more animals due to animal cruelty cases in the area. Local animal control worker Margo Hart responds to those calls.

“Honestly, it’s hard when you do have to go to those calls, you kind of just have to shut it off,” Hart said.

For the month of November, the shelter is waiving the adoption fees to free up the much-needed kennel space.

However, before you adopt, they are advising people to remember the 3-3-3 rule to lessen the amount of returns.

“Three days originally — give them time to decompress. Three weeks — they get to know your routine slowly. And then after three months, they get to feel at home,” Hart said.