CANTON, GA (April 12, 2024) – The Cherokee County Animal Shelter was named the 2024 Best of Cherokee Adoption/Rescue during the Best of Cherokee Showcase at Thrive Canton Thursday.

The Best of Cherokee contest is held by the Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News. Residents were able to nominate their favorite business/services in specific categories then vote during a window of time. More than 50,000 votes were cast in the 2024 competition.

“The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is honored to have been nominated and selected as 2024 Best of Cherokee Adoption/Rescue,” said Director Susan Garcia. “Support from the community is integral to the success of the shelter including adopting, volunteering, donating, and having your pet microchipped, which is free at the shelter for all Cherokee County residents.”

The Animal Shelter is part of Cherokee County’s Public Services Agency. The Shelter’s focus is to provide care for and find homes for adoptable animals brought through the Shelter’s doors. In an effort to prevent pet homelessness, the Shelter offers free microchipping services for pets of all Cherokee County residents. Additionally, the Shelter offers a free pet food pantry, allowing residents who are having financial difficulties the ability to feed their pets instead of surrendering them to the Shelter. In 2023, the food pantry provided nearly 19,000 pounds of pet food to people who needed it.

Shelter staff also partners with Meals on Wheels through Senior Services and provides care for pets of homebound senior citizens. Shelter staff rides with Meals on Wheels volunteers who deliver food, provides grooming services and delivers pet food. If the senior needs assistance with veterinary care, the Shelter staff will take the animal to their regular veterinarian for shots and medical care.

All animals adopted from the Shelter are spayed or neutered, microchipped and have their first round of vaccinations. In 2023, nearly 1,300 animals were spayed or neutered.

“This recognition exemplifies the work employees of the Animal Shelter do every day,” Chief Marshal Dana Martin said. “Not only are they caring for the animals in their care, they are providing services that give lost animals a better chance at safely returning home and giving an opportunity for those experiencing hardships to be able to keep their pets. They also play an integral role in the law enforcement side, working closely with Animal Control to mitigate and help combat animal neglect in our county.”