Calhoun County Animal Control

Calhoun County Animal Control Welcome to the Calhoun County Animal Control Center Page.

🐾 Exciting News for Calhoun County! 🐾Yesterday, the County announced its intent to purchase the OneWorld Pet Resort prop...
07/25/2025

🐾 Exciting News for Calhoun County! 🐾

Yesterday, the County announced its intent to purchase the OneWorld Pet Resort property — a big step toward enhancing animal services and pet-friendly spaces in our community!

While the purchase isn’t finalized yet, we’ve seen some great questions come in and wanted to take a moment to share a few answers:

👇👇👇
❓What’s the County’s vision for the facility?
The facility currently offers several amenities for pets, and the County would envision expanding these to include additional outdoor areas and walking trails, as well as opportunities for events and educational programs in addition to the establishment of an adoption shelter. It is our hope that the world class facilities will continue to grow and improve over time.

❓What is our goal moving forward?
We want to create a community canine campus that not only prioritizes our pets but also enhances the welfare of our shelter animals and offers a first class adoption program.

❓Will anything improve?
In addition to creating a new adoption and shelter program, we are going to be able to eventually leverage the full 38 acres of the existing One World facility for community events and resources. This will not only provide opportunities for people to enjoy time with their pets but will also provide a means for the facility to grow and sustain itself over time.

❓Who will operate the facility?
Our goal is to operate the facility retaining the current service areas, management team, and staff, with current owner Paul Hammond continuing to be involved in a way that supports a seamless transition into the future.

❓Will shelter animals be housed in the same facilities as boarded animals?
No – shelter animals, adoption, and pet boarding will all be housed separately in different areas with separate program management, systems, and processes.

📣 As a reminder:
In accordance with Alabama’s Amendment 772, the County Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Ken Joiner Calhoun County Administration Building to gather community input. We encourage all residents to attend and share their thoughts!

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and families across Calhoun County! 💚

Calhoun County Announces Plans to Acquire OneWorld Pet Resort for New Animal Shelter and Adoption Center Anniston, AL – ...
07/24/2025

Calhoun County Announces Plans to Acquire OneWorld Pet Resort for New Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

Anniston, AL – Calhoun County today announced its intent to purchase the OneWorld Pet Resort and boarding facility for $2 million and convert the 38 acre state of the art facility into a community animal shelter and adoption center, dramatically improving services for homeless animals across the county. This acquisition aligns with Calhoun County's goals of providing humane, cost-effective services for its residents and animals.

“This is a fiscally smart investment that gives us a turnkey facility at a fraction of the cost of building a new one,” said County Commission Chairman Terry Howell. “It allows us to elevate animal care, expand adoptions, and engage the community in ways we’ve never been able to before.”

The property includes more than 150 kennel runs, several amenities for pets, and outdoor parks and walking trails. In addition to serving as an adoption and shelter facility, it will provide a community hub for animal welfare and pet owners for many years to come.

Per Alabama’s Amendment 772, the county will hold a public hearing at a specially called meeting of the Calhoun County Commission on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Ken Joiner Calhoun County Administration Building in Anniston to gather public input.
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Distemper Outbreak – Facts and Timeline We appreciate the support and interest from the community as we are managing thi...
07/18/2025

Distemper Outbreak – Facts and Timeline

We appreciate the support and interest from the community as we are managing this very difficult situation. To aid with answering questions, we are sharing the information below which provides some background about the distemper outbreak.

🔹 When did the outbreak begin?
The first confirmed case of canine distemper was identified on June 26. This dog had already been transferred out of the facility nearly three weeks earlier and was no longer in our care when it tested positive.

🔹 What actions were taken after the first case?
Because the dog had been gone from our shelter for weeks, the case was believed to be isolated. Out of caution, we immediately limited intake to emergency-only cases and began closely monitoring the animals in our care. At that time, no symptoms were present in any remaining animals.

🔹 When did we realize there was an outbreak?
Over the past week, animals in the shelter began showing symptoms. Each time this happened, the animal was tested. Unfortunately, early tests can be inconclusive. Once cases were confirmed, we had to act swiftly to protect the rest of the population and prevent additional suffering.

🔹 Are all the animals sick?
Not all animals are symptomatic, but every animal in the facility has been exposed. Canine distemper is highly contagious and can be spread even by animals that aren’t yet showing signs. That’s what makes containment in a shelter environment incredibly difficult.

🔹 Do we vaccinate animals?
Yes. Every animal is vaccinated upon intake. Puppies are revaccinated after two weeks, following veterinary guidelines. However, full immunity requires a series of vaccinations and time, and many animals that come to us have unknown or no vaccination history.

Our team is heartbroken. The animals in our facility are not seen as just numbers -- each animal is a life we have cared for daily. We want the community to know that we have done everything possible to fight this outbreak and protect the animals.

07/17/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: July 17, 2025

Calhoun County Animal Control Temporarily Closes Due to Distemper Outbreak

Anniston, AL — Calhoun County Animal Control has confirmed an outbreak of canine distemper virus within its shelter facility. This highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affects an animal’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

After careful consultation with veterinary professionals and public health experts, the difficult decision has been made to humanely euthanize the remaining dogs currently housed at the shelter to prevent further spread of the disease to the community and surrounding animal populations.

The shelter will be closed to the public until further notice while staff work to decontaminate and disinfect the entire facility. During this closure, no intakes—whether owner surrenders or strays—can be accepted. Once the shelter is deemed safe for occupancy, operations will resume, and the public will be notified immediately.

“This is a heartbreaking time for our staff, and the decision was not made lightly,” said Naomi Richards for Calhoun County Animal Control. “Our employees are deeply affected, as they care for these animals daily. We kindly ask the community to keep our team in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this extremely difficult situation.”

Distemper is highly contagious, often fatal, and there is no cure—only supportive treatment for symptoms can be provided. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, and contaminated objects, and it is carried by wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, and skunks which can transmit the disease to dogs.

The Calhoun County Animal Control facility has been under significant strain due to growing numbers of stray and abandoned animals within the community. The Calhoun County Commission has been actively working to enhance its Animal Control operations and facilities to better meet these challenges and to protect both pets and people.

The source of the distemper outbreak is uncertain, but officials stress that stray dogs brought in off the street often have unknown medical histories. Vaccination of pets remains the strongest line of defense.

“Vaccinating your pets not only protects them but also prevents outbreaks like this one,” Richards emphasized. “We urge all pet owners to consult their veterinarian and ensure their animals are current on all core vaccines.”

We appreciate the public’s understanding and support as we work to restore a safe, healthy environment for the animals in our care and the greater community.

Understanding Canine Distemper
· What is it? A serious and often fatal viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

· Symptoms: Eye and nose discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, muscle twitching.

· Transmission: Spread by airborne exposure, direct contact with bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces.

· Which dogs are at greatest risk?
o Puppies under four months of age
o Unvaccinated dogs
o Dogs exposed to infected wildlife

· Prevention: Vaccination is critical. Puppies should receive a series of shots starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters throughout life. Pet owners should talk to their veterinarian about vaccinations.

Our shelter is looking for loving fosters to support our mission. If you have a big heart and a little extra space in yo...
07/15/2025

Our shelter is looking for loving fosters to support our mission. If you have a big heart and a little extra space in your home, fostering could be a perfect fit for you!

Why Foster?
- Provide a safe and loving environment for animals until they find their forever homes.
- Make a huge impact on their socialization, health, and overall well-being.
- Help reduce overcrowding at our shelter and give more animals a chance at adoption.

Call us today if interested, and we thank you for the support!

Thank you to everyone who has donated food so far. Your kindness and generosity help fill more than just bowls, you fill...
07/15/2025

Thank you to everyone who has donated food so far. Your kindness and generosity help fill more than just bowls, you fill hearts. Because of you, our dogs and cats are non stop tail wags. Their purrs and playful barks are all signs of how truly grateful they are. From all of us, two-legged and four-legged, thank you for making a difference!

🐾 Pet of the week: Roo 🐾Are you ready to have your heart stolen and your socks mysteriously disappear? Then meet Roo, a ...
07/14/2025

🐾 Pet of the week: Roo 🐾
Are you ready to have your heart stolen and your socks mysteriously disappear? Then meet Roo, a 2-year-old retriever mix with the body of an athlete and the soul of a cinnamon roll.
Roo isn’t just a dog—she’s a lifestyle. She runs like the wind, jumps like she’s auditioning for the doggy Olympics, and cuddles like it’s her full-time job. Whether you're into hiking, jogging, or just watching someone else do cardio, Roo is your gal (but fair warning, she'll drag you into exercise whether you like it or not).
She’s got a heart of gold, a wag that could power a small windmill, and an ear flop so charming it should be illegal. Roo is great with people, possibly part kangaroo, and is always down for an adventure—especially if snacks are involved.
If you're looking for a best friend who’ll be your personal trainer, emotional support, and stand-up comedian all rolled into one, come meet Roo. She’s ready to leap into your life (literally).

Calhoun County Animal Control is in need of unopened cans and bags of wet and dry pet food. Please consider donating ❤️
07/10/2025

Calhoun County Animal Control is in need of unopened cans and bags of wet and dry pet food. Please consider donating ❤️

Last week we did not have any adoptions but we are very thankful to our rescue partners who pulled some of our babies! 🐾...
07/07/2025

Last week we did not have any adoptions but we are very thankful to our rescue partners who pulled some of our babies!

🐾 Pet of the Week: Brewski! 🐾

Meet Brewski — our super friendly, tail-wagging ball of joy! This handsome pup gets along wonderfully with both dogs and cats, making him the perfect companion for any home.

He’s full of energy, loves to play, and is always ready for fun and snuggles. Brewski is more than just a good boy — he’s your next best friend.

Come meet Brewski and see why everyone falls in love with him!

Thank you Calhoun County 4-H of Alabama for making treats for the babies here. They couldn't get enough of them!
07/01/2025

Thank you Calhoun County 4-H of Alabama for making treats for the babies here. They couldn't get enough of them!

🐾🎨 Celebrating Young Talent! 🎨🐾Please join us in giving a HUGE round of applause to Paisley Bryant, Kollin Kelley, Rache...
06/27/2025

🐾🎨 Celebrating Young Talent! 🎨🐾

Please join us in giving a HUGE round of applause to Paisley Bryant, Kollin Kelley, Rachel Frain, Zoey Sims (Mayze), and Cooper Ellis — winners of the Animal Control Art Contest! 🏆👏

In honor of your exceptional creativity and artistic talent, Calhoun County Animal Control and the Calhoun County Commission proudly recognize your amazing achievements. Your artwork, dedication, and vision have left a lasting impact on our community and remind us all of the importance of compassion for animals.

This inspiring contest was part of a special collaboration between Calhoun County Animal Control and Calhoun County 4-H, created to teach students about pet adoption, animal safety, and responsible pet care. The result? A beautiful blend of education and creativity that truly made a difference.

Thank you to everyone who participated — and congratulations again to our incredible winners!

A huge thank you to C. A. Russell Ford for having us today. It was a blast! The dogs enjoyed their time out and meeting ...
06/07/2025

A huge thank you to C. A. Russell Ford for having us today. It was a blast! The dogs enjoyed their time out and meeting with the community.

Address

Anniston, AL

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

(256) 241-2929

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