Humane Society of Jackson County, NC - ARF

06/09/2026

North Carolina's Bat Eviction Moratorium is in effect from May 1 through July 31 each year.

During this time, it is illegal to remove bats from buildings or block access to their roosting sites. The moratorium protects young bats that may be unable to survive without their mothers.

If you discover bats in your attic, barn, or other structure during the moratorium, avoid handling them and do not seal entry points. Instead, make plans to work with a qualified wildlife professional after July 31.

Bats are valuable members of our ecosystem, helping control insect populations. Giving them a little space during maternity season helps ensure healthy bat populations while keeping people and pets safe.

A rabies reminder: Never handle a bat. Bat bites can be very small and may go unnoticed. If you have direct contact with a bat, wake up to find a bat in your room, or discover a bat in a room with a sleeping child or vulnerable adult, seek medical advice immediately. Rabies is preventable with prompt treatment but is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

06/08/2026

ARF's office will be closed this Friday, June 12. We will respond to calls and emails on Monday, June 15.

06/08/2026

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear—but it is also preventable.

The best protection for your pets is keeping their rabies vaccinations current. In North Carolina, rabies is most commonly found in wildlife such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Even a curious encounter can put an unvaccinated pet at risk.

If you, a family member, or your pet may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, scratch, or contact with a potentially rabid animal, seek medical or veterinary care immediately. Rabies treatment is highly effective when started promptly after exposure, but waiting can be deadly.

Need to get your pet vaccinated? The Jackson County Animal Shelter will host a low-cost vaccine clinic on June 27. Rabies vaccines will be available for both cats and dogs for just $10 each.

A current rabies vaccine is simple, affordable, and could save your pet's life.

06/05/2026

Some dogs hit the adoption jackpot, and Foster certainly did!

Foster has found his perfect match with Travis and is settling into a life full of adventure. He now has plenty of land to explore, streams to splash in, and best of all, he gets to go to work with Travis every day. We'd say that's a pretty sweet deal for a dog who loves being by his person's side.

A special thank you to everyone who helped him along the way. We're thrilled that Foster and Travis found each other.

Congratulations to Foster and Travis! We wish you many years of happiness, muddy paws, creek adventures, and unforgettable memories together.

06/04/2026

Meet Rudy, a 9-month-old low-riding package of pure joy.

*This is a courtesy post. Rudy is not in ARF's foster program.*

Rudy is neutered, fully vetted, heartworm negative, and up to date on all vaccinations. In other words, he's ready to move right into your heart—and possibly onto your couch.

Why Rudy is such a catch:

• Loves other dogs and gets along well with cats

• Fully housebroken and crate trained

• Walks nicely on a leash

• Knows sit, down, paw, high-10, and will even play dead for treats

• Smart, curious, eager to please, and loves learning new things

• Sleeps like an angel in his crate

When he's not showing off his impressive résumé, Rudy enjoys running, splashing, and playing in the river. He's the perfect size for adventure while still being compact enough to fit comfortably into family life.

One important detail: Rudy has a long-standing feud with squeaky and plush toys. Stuffed animals enter at their own risk.

Rudy is looking for someone who wants a loyal best friend to share adventures, training sessions, and plenty of post-river cuddles. If you're searching for a dog with the height of a corgi, the brains of a genius, and a playful spirit, Rudy may be your perfect match.

To learn more or arrange a meet-and-greet, please complete an adoption application: https://www.arfhumane.org/arf-adoption-application. Applications will be forwarded directly to Rudy's owner. A $100 rehoming fee applies.

06/02/2026

No Collar, No Clue: Help Your Dog Find Their Way Home

There is no leash law in Jackson County outside of Sylva city limits, and it is not uncommon for dogs to be allowed to wander. While many dogs know their way around the neighborhood, sometimes they venture a little too far or end up on a neighbor's porch.

One of the easiest ways to help your dog get home safely is to make sure they wear a collar with identification. Your phone number can be written directly on the collar with a permanent marker, or you can purchase a personalized engraved ID tag. The Jackson County Animal Shelter offers engraved tags for just $8, and personalized tags are also available at Tractor Supply, The Pet Stop, and Fish & More.

Animal shelters and rescue organizations receive calls every day from Good Samaritans who find wandering dogs. Many take these dogs home temporarily and try to locate their owners. A collar with a phone number can make the difference between a quick reunion and a lengthy search.

Please take a moment today to check your dog's collar. Does it have identification? Is your phone number current? A simple ID tag could be your dog's ticket home.

05/29/2026

Mark your calendars and shine up those wheels — on August 29, the Southern Steel Sisterz of the Chrome Angelz are hitting the road for a scenic fundraiser ride benefiting ARF & Catman2’s low-cost spay & neuter program serving Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties.

Registration runs from 10 AM – 12 PM, with kickstands up at 12:30 PM. Cost is $25 per vehicle, and all vehicles are welcome, though the motorcycles will definitely be leading the pack.

Enjoy a beautiful ride through Jackson County while helping reduce pet overpopulation and support affordable spay and neuter services for cats and dogs in our community. Good roads, good people, and a good cause — that’s a pretty great Saturday.

05/29/2026

ARF urgently needs additional volunteers for our spay/neuter transport program. Our next transport trip is June 8, and we especially need extra help during the summer months.

This volunteer-powered program transports cats and dogs to the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance in Asheville for affordable spays & neuters. We particularly need volunteers who can help load and unload animals and transport crates.

Volunteer tasks may include:
• Preparing crates
• Assisting with intake
• Loading the van on Mondays
• Unloading animals and reuniting pets with owners on Tuesdays
• Cleaning and organizing crates after transport

Typical volunteer times:
Monday: 7:30–9:30 AM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
(Every other week)

This program directly helps reduce pet overpopulation and supports local families who need affordable spay/neuter services.

To volunteer, contact ARF at 877-273-5262, email [email protected], or fill out the contact form at arfhumane.org.

05/28/2026

Save the date! Sylva Animal Hospital will be hosting an event on July 19 from 10-2.

*UPCOMING Community Event!!*

We are hosting an open community event, July 19, 10am-2pm. We’ll have the Tater Town food truck, raffles, a fundraising yard sale, activities and more!

Connect with us, see our systems and vendors and share an amazing summer day here!

We are welcoming donations for raffles and for our local shelters. More information as the day gets closer!

Who wants to join??

05/27/2026

Meet Holly — your ultimate summer adventure buddy

Just over a year old, Holly is ready to spend the summer by your side. Whether it’s hiking trails, riding shotgun on weekend adventures, or exploring a new park, this girl is always happy to go along for the fun.

And when the adventure is over? Holly settles in beautifully at home and is happy to relax with her people. She gets along great with other dogs, rides well in the car, and has all the makings of the perfect trail partner and loyal best friend.

If you’ve been looking for a dog to share your summer adventures (and your couch) with, Holly might just be your girl. 🖤

Apply to meet Holly:
https://arfhumane.org/arf-adoption-application/