Henry County, Georgia Animal Care and Control

08/02/2025

🐾 The Hidden Struggles of High-Drive Dogs Like German Shepherds in Shelters 🐾
Not all dogs handle shelter life the same—and for high work ethic breeds like German Shepherds, the toll can be devastating.

German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and incredibly driven. They were born to work—with a strong desire to have a purpose, learn commands, and bond deeply with their person. But in a shelter, without a job to do or a human to follow, their mental health often declines rapidly. This often puts them at 'high risk' within days of shelter entry.

💔 What starts as pacing or whining can quickly spiral into depression, shutdown behavior, or anxiety. Their brains are wired for stimulation and connection—without it, they suffer more than many other breeds.

Yet beneath the stress is still the heart of a truly amazing dog:
✨ Exceptionally smart and eager to learn
✨ Fiercely loyal and protective
✨ Great companions for active, experienced families
✨ Devoted partners who thrive with purpose and love

Please don’t overlook shepherds in shelters—they’re not “difficult,” they’re just desperately unfulfilled in an environment that doesn’t match their nature.

🏡 These dogs don’t just need a home—they need a mission, a bond, a person to belong to.

Adopt. Foster. Share. You could be the turning point in a shepherd’s life. 💙

FEATURED (left to right):
Rockie - Rockie entered the shelter the with microchip making staff hopeful that at one point he had a home, but no one has answered calls or come looking. We believe he is a husky/shepherd mix. He is a big but loving boy that just wants to play.

Millie - Millie is a very sweet girl who has already experience inappetence (not wanting to eat). She was moved to the vet suite for some decompression time where it was quiet. This seemed to improve her spirits enough to begin eating again and go back to the general population where she could be seen by potential adopters. However, she appears shut down in her kennel and often doesn't get up to interact with potential adopters when they walk by. This makes her easily overlooked.

Lilith - Lilith has been at the shelter for quite some time. When she arrived she only weighed 30lbs! It was a very sad case of chronic starvation. Under our care, she is up 20lbs! During that time, she has managed to steal the heart of our in house veterinarian with her gentle nature and love of life. She walks well on a leash and has been walked near other dogs with no obvious issues.

08/01/2025

⭐️Henry County Employee Spotlight⭐️
We are absolutely elated to celebrate our very own Senior Kennel Staff member, Melissa Kuhn-Waits, who was recently featured in an Employee Spotlight.
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18 years of dedicated service meaning 18 years of unwavering commitment and a true genuine passion for the care and well-being of every animal and team member she encounters. Melissa’s loyalty and compassion are the very heart of what it means to be Henry Committed.
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Melissa, we are so proud of you. Thank you for being such a vital part of our department and for inspiring all of us every day💙

08/01/2025

📢 Why Doesn’t Henry County Animal Care & Control Post “Urgent” Lists? 🐾

We hear your questions, and we appreciate that you care. ❤️

The truth is: every single dog and cat in our shelter is urgent — not just a select few. Our kennels are constantly full, and we work hard to find every possible space to house incoming animals without compromising their humane and ethical treatment.

We never turn away a stray. No matter how full we are, if a dog is found, we bring them in. We don’t know when we’ll be called to a hoarding case or when a litter of ten puppies will arrive at our door. That unpredictability means that all of our animals are always at risk — and choosing just a few to label as “urgent” doesn’t reflect the daily reality we face.

🐶💔 That’s why we ask: if you have room in your home for a friendly, adoptable pet — come visit us. When you adopt, you’re not just saving one life… you’re saving two. The dog you take home, and the next one we can give a chance to because you opened up that kennel.

We try our best to showcase as many animals as we can, but with the volume of animals we care for, it's not always possible to post every single face. That’s why we encourage you: come down. Walk through. Look around. Fall in love.

Together, we can save lives — one visit, one adoption, one act of compassion at a time. 🐾❤️

07/31/2025

We Love Our Citizens, Animals, and Supporters! 🐾

Lately, many of you have been asking about our Amazon Wish List—and we are so grateful for your generosity!

Every single item on that list goes directly to the animals in our care. Whether it's toys, enrichment tools, or daily essentials, these gifts help us provide a safe, stimulating, and loving environment while they’re with us. 🐶🐱🐰

Thank you for being part of our community and helping us make a real difference in their lives!

07/31/2025

🎉 Black Friday Pet Adoption Special! 🐾
Every Friday – 50% OFF Adoption Fees!

Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Come find your perfect match!
Every Friday, we’re offering 50% off adoption fees for any animal that is predominantly black in color. 🖤

Black pets are often overlooked—but they’re just as loving, loyal, and full of personality. Help us give these beautiful animals the forever homes they deserve!

📅 When: Every Friday
📍 Where: 527 Hampton St, McDonough
💵 Discount: 50% off adoption fees for black-colored animals

07/31/2025

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that affects dogs, especially puppies. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

🔬 What Is Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)?

Parvo is a virus that primarily attacks:

The intestinal tract (causing gastrointestinal symptoms)

The bone marrow and immune system

Sometimes the heart muscle (in very young puppies)

There are two main forms:

1. Intestinal form – most common, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

2. Cardiac form – less common, usually seen in very young puppies, causing sudden death due to myocarditis (inflammation of the heart).

🧬 How It Spreads

Fecal-oral transmission: Dogs contract the virus by ingesting contaminated f***s, or from contaminated environments (kennels, parks, bowls, etc.).

The virus is extremely resilient, surviving in the environment for months, and resistant to many common disinfectants.

🐶 Who's Most at Risk?

Unvaccinated puppies (6 weeks to 6 months old)

Dogs in shelters, breeding facilities, or heavily trafficked areas

⚠️ Symptoms

Severe, bloody diarrhea

Vomiting

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Fever or low body temperature

Dehydration

Rapid weight loss

💉 Prevention

Vaccination is extremely effective:

First dose around 6–8 weeks of age

Boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks

Follow-up boosters as advised by your veterinarian.

07/30/2025

Reminder that our cats are buy one get one free!! TWO new best friends for only $65.00!
A life time of fun and love is waiting for you!

🐾 Double the Kittens, Double the Love! 🐾
Thinking about adopting a kitten? Why not two? 🐱🐱
Kittens are incredibly social animals who thrive with companionship. When you adopt a pair, you're giving them a built-in best friend to learn, grow, and play with — and here's why that's a big win for everyone:
✨ Better Behavior – Kittens teach each other important social and behavioral lessons like bite inhibition, boundaries, and how to play gently.�✨ Less Boredom = Less Mischief – With a playmate around, they're less likely to entertain themselves with your curtains, toes, or houseplants!�✨ Comfort & Confidence – A bonded buddy helps reduce anxiety during transitions, vet visits, and new experiences.✨ Endless Entertainment – Watching two kittens tumble, chase, and cuddle? Pure joy. 💕
So if you're ready to welcome a furry friend into your life… consider making it a dynamic duo! 💕
🏠 Two hearts. One forever home.

07/29/2025

Tuesday Tails: Surgery day @ HCACC 💙🐾

Good afternoon yall! Kennel Tech Tei here and I’m so excited to share what went on today in surgery!
Dr. Dianto had a full lineup this morning: 2 dogs and 4 cats on the schedule, and let me tell you, her skills are absolutely effortless. ✨
After some recovery time on the beach i was able to catch the kittens up and ready. Look at those sweet faces!! 🥹
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Our favorite low-rider, Miles, was the first pup of the day and he did amazing. He’s already up and about, wondering how he managed to sleep through lunch. 🧐 Meanwhile, Gumball… well, let’s just say he might still be holding a grudge. 😂
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🐾Thanks for tuning in & stay pawsitive,
Tei💙

07/29/2025

We are so thankful for our incredible volunteers!
Your dedication is truly a blessing—not just in helping with day-to-day operations, but in spending quality time socializing these amazing animals. 🐾💛

To show a little appreciation (and beat the heat!), today we handed out some frozen Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and lickie treats! Safe to say, tails were wagging and hearts were full. 🐶🍦

07/25/2025

Thank you so much to one of our most committed supporters Daphane N. for this beautiful highlight of our shelter pet Ford 🥹💙
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🐾 Direct link to Ford’s original listing: "https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6xu9KBgK/?mibextid=wwXIfr"🐾

07/25/2025

We're Back!
It's been a busy summer, but we're excited to reconnect and share an update on our kennel statistics. We've also got some behind-the-scenes insights into what we've been up to over the past few months.

Stay tuned for an update from Dr. Rikki Dianto HCAS as well as our monthly statistics, stories, and a look at all the hard work that's been happening!

07/25/2025

🐾💙🐾

HCACC is committed to working with pet owners in our community and empowering them to determine the best outcome for their pets when in need of rehoming assistance. In 2024 our facility took in roughly 3,000 animals that required our love, compassion, and care.
You likely have just one, giving you the unique ability to focus your efforts and attention on them.
We encourage you to explore these resources for comprehensive support on responsible pet ownership.

🦴Low cost Spay/Neuter Clinics:
•Paradox Spay/Neuter Clinic (770.787.8717)
•H.E.L.P (770.304.7911)
•CatSnip (770.455.7077)
•Save Our Strays, inc. (770.972.5067)
•Jazzy Paw (404.720.8258)

🦴Training Tips & Techniques For Every Breed:
• https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/behavior/training/how-to-teach-dog-to-lie-down?utm_campaign=prp-&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=&utm_term=teach%20dog%20down&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC5rieWP7DjnaLsf_p6Duc94LGixC&gclid=CjwKCAiAt4C-BhBcEiwA8Kp0CdGs6DkraeWPxSfD9uoELfp811L3-RrLDfwAywVqvWbCO_KkLPCV7hoCmzIQAvD_BwE

• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/12-useful-dog-training-tips/

• FB group for Pet 101: Pet Parenting 101

🦴Resources For Housing That Accept PitBull/Bully Breeds:
• mypitbullisfamily.org

🦴Need help with pet food?
We understand that hard times happen. Please call our facility and reach out to our Kennel Supervisor E. Merchant for assistance. Friends of Henry Animals, Inc is an organization committed to bettering the lives of all our fur friends, when in doubt, just give a shout💙

Like, Share, Spread the word🐾