Tag Archive for: #vancecountyanimalshelter

TownTalk: Adopt From The Local Animal Shelter This Holiday Season

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The dogs and cats at the Vance County Animal Shelter are so stinkin’ cute, according to Director William Coker, that even he couldn’t resist the temptation.

Coker said he’d never been a cat owner – until he fell in love with a kitten at the shelter.

“I ended up adopting that kitten myself,” he told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Tuesday’s TownTalk. “When I get up in the morning, that kitten is at the coffee pot with me,” he said.

The shelter is full – literally – of dogs and cats waiting to be adopted. There are 44 kennels for grown dogs – all occupied at the moment – as well as a puppy room and two cat rooms, one for adoptable felines and one for cats in quarantine for one reason or another.

The puppy room has eight beautiful puppies right now, Coker said. “I would love to have them adopted before Christmas,” he said.

Coker didn’t begin his job as director until January 2024, so he doesn’t know how Christmas-time adoptions went last year. But he said he hopes to see some folks come in and “adopt, don’t shop” at the shelter.

The application process is pretty simple, he explained. There’s a short form to fill out and the adoption fees are reasonable – $155 for dogs and $105 for cats. The cost includes the spay and neuter fee, as well as first shots and a one-year rabies shot.

And while Coker said the shelter staff is always hopeful to get animals adopted to good homes, they’re shifting their focus to educating the community about the need to spay and neuter pets. “I want to push spay and neuter in the community, to keep the animals from coming into the shelter” in the first place, he said.

Anyone interested in seeing the adoptable dogs and cats can visit the shelter during business hours. The shelter is located at 1243 Brodie Rd. and is open on Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays – Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., all day every other Friday and half days every other Saturday.

Coker hasn’t turned down many adoption applications. “If the dog seems to be a good fit for the family, I adopt him out,” he said.

It’s a win-win-win for the animal, the community and the adopter, he explained: You’re saving an animal, taking a stray out of the neighborhood, and gaining a member of the family.

“You just carry him home and start loving him,” Coker said.

To learn more, visit the shelter at https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/animal-control/or call 252.492.3136.

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TownTalk: Coker Takes Over As Chief Of Animal Services

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The vast majority of pet owners do the right thing and provide everything their animals need to live healthy, happy lives as furry members of the family.

And while Vance County’s new Animal Services Chief William Coker acknowledges this to be the case, he said that for those pet owners who don’t, there are county ordinances in place to protect animals.

“I think the biggest thing is educating the community on proper animal welfare and the county ordinances” in place to protect animals from maltreatment.

Once a dog is placed in a pen or put on a chain in the yard, it instantly becomes totally dependent on people for food, water and shelter. And it’s up to Coker and his officers to make sure all the animals in the county are afforded the minimum standards.

He said he chooses to de-escalate situations that may involve improper pet treatment, but he’s not afraid to fall back on county ordinances. Dogs must have a dog house, for example, and access to fresh water and they must be fed once a day – those are the minimum standards in place for the county’s canines.

After animal services officers give pet owners a couple of warnings and still fail to comply, the officers can issue citations.

Educating the community can come in many forms, Coker said on Wednesday’s TownTalk: he said he’d like to get into the schools and talk to young people about proper animal care. He also said he wants to emphasize getting dogs and cats spayed and neutered to reduce the unwanted pet population.

When his officers go out on a call, he asks that they promote the spay/neuter program, which often can be at a reduced cost for those that qualify.

Coker said he’s always had a passion for animals, and when he learned of an opening at animal services, he applied and was hired on in 2013. He worked with former chief Frankie Nobles for five years, and he said he learned a lot from his time working alongside Nobles.

He and Nobles stay in close contact and Coker said it’s reassuring to know that Nobles, now the county’s Special Projects Coordinator, is just a phone call away.

“I don’t like seeing animals mistreated,” Coker said. Just the other day, he came to work and found a dog tied outside the office door. As much as he hates for that to happen, he said the alternative – just turning the dog loose – wasn’t a good option either.

“As long as I’m chief of animal services, I’ll never turn away a surrender.”

Learn more about Vance County Animal Services at https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/animal-control/

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Petco Provides $10k More for Vance Animals

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The Petco Foundation awarded Vance County Animal Services $10,000 in early March.

The Save Pet Lives Grant will be used for just that, lifesaving efforts of pets in Vance County.

Chief of Vance County Animal Services Frankie Nobles said in a press release, “These funds will help save lives of animals at the Vance County Animal Shelter as well as be used for spaying and neutering community pets.”

He indicated the grant money could also be used to pay unforeseen vet expenses for animals at the shelter.

This marks the second time a Petco Grant has been received in Vance County and is among a short list of organizations that have periodically awarded such grants here locally.

Petco recently opened a retail space in Vance County.

The Local Skinny! Animal Services Gets $13K For Spay/Neuter Program

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Thanks to a donation of $13,000 from a nonprofit dog rescue group, the Vance County Animal Services is able to offer free spay and neuter services for dogs and cats in the area.

Frankie Nobles, chief of Vance County Animal Services, said the gift came from the Mona Pants Foundation, a 501c3 organization that is based in Zebulon.

According to information from animal services, residents who turn in a litter of puppies or kittens to the shelter can have their intact dog or cat spayed or neutered at no charge.

Feral or otherwise unowned cats can be spayed or neutered as well as part of a trap-neuter-release effort. And any animals that are brought to the shelter can be spayed or neutered at no charge to the owner in lieu of having to pay fees for reclaiming or redeeming them.

In addition to providing a free service for individuals with pets living in the community, the additional spay and neutering program likely will reduce the number of unwanted animals being dropped off at the shelter.

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TownTalk: Preview Of Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society Cruise-In

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The upcoming Ruin Creek Cruise-In is the perfect time to celebrate the successes of a collaboration of public and private agencies whose mission is to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats in the area.

The Cruise-In will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the former Boyd dealership, 284 U.S. Hwy 158 Bypass. Admission is free to the public; all proceeds will benefit the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society.

RCAPS founder and president Brandon Boyd said the Cruise-In is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year. This year’s presenting sponsor is Vance County Department of Tourism.

“Not only is it a fundraiser event, but it’s also a time of community fellowship for people in our area to get together and share an evening of safe and enjoyable fun together,” Boyd said in a written statement to WIZS News.

“This is a time we get to see all of our generous donors that allow the work of Ruin Creek to take place and gives us the opportunity to simply tell everyone, ‘thank you,’” Boyd added.

The Cruise-In is surely an event for human enjoyment, but the real winners are the hundreds of dogs and cats that find their way to rescue organizations for foster care or for adoption.

Vance Animal Services Director Frankie Nobles said RCAPS, working alongside his staff, has been a valuable partner.

In the last six years or so, the number of dogs and cats coming through the animal shelter has basically been cut in half – from more than 3,000 a year to last year’s count of below 1,800, Nobles told John C. Rose during Tuesday’s Town Talk.

“We’re seeing that number of animals drastically dropping,” he said, but over the past several weeks, the daily intake is a dozen or more animals. “The shelter is seeing a lot of intakes,” Nobles added.

But RCAPS programs like the Friday Freedom Rides get animals out of the shelter, freeing up space and reducing the need to euthanize animals because there simply is no room to house them.

“The more money they can raise, the more animals we can help get out of here,” Nobles said. Some of that money is used to pay for the transport, but RCAPS also helps offset the cost for the shelter’s spay and neuter program, as well as provide vet care for sick or injured animals who are brought in to the shelter.

County residents who receive government assistance – like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – can qualify to get their pets spayed or neutered for free through the shelter. The only out-of-pocket expense for eligible pet owners is their animal’s rabies shot, $5 at the shelter or $10 on the day of the spay or neuter procedure.

Residents who don’t qualify for the free spay or neuter services can still get their animals fixed at a reduced rate – $50 for male cats and $60 for female cats, and $70 for male dogs and $80 for female dogs.

Nobles said they’ve done more than 400 community animals – and that doesn’t include those animals that are in the shelter.

The spay/neuter program, coupled with education programs in the community, Nobles said the unwanted pet situation has improved.

“That’s our goal – to reduce that number as low as we can get it,” he said.

In just a few months, the shelter will celebrate six years at the new facility on Brodie Road. Nobles said he appreciates the work of Lead Officer Megan Cottrell as well as Animal Service Officers Chris Vick and Waverly Saunders.

Heather Lovings is the shelter’s office assistant and ever-present volunteer Ellen Wilkins provide invaluable service to keep the office running smoothly.

Nobles said RCAPS volunteers Michelle Wood and Taylor Pitkowsky are a big help, too.

The Cruise-In is a chance to say “thank you” to the community for its support of the work of all the staff at the shelter and the volunteers at RCAPS. Last year’s crowd was in the 3,200 to 3,500 range, and organizers are hoping to exceed that number.

Classic and collector cars from all across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia will be participating in this event, and local vendors will offer a variety of craft items for sale as well. Vehicle owners can register and check in beginning at 1 p.m.

Stock car racing television broadcaster and classic car enthusiast Mike Joy will be on hand for the festivities, as will Richard Petty’s “Petty Garage,” a traveling display with some of the latest gizmos and gadgets from the world of car racing. There will be demonstrations of some of the equipment for participants to enjoy, too.

South Hill’s Shep Moss and Party Time Music will provide musical entertainment during the Cruise-In, Boyd said, and there will be raffle drawings for prizes throughout the evening.

 

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The Local Skinny! Nobles Talks Latest At The Animal Shelter

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Thanks to a local volunteer firefighter, the animals up for rescue or adoption at Vance County Animal Services may get some extra “likes” that just might land them in their furever home.

Lightning, a male lab mix, is the first animal to be named “Firedog of the Month” on the Facebook page of Watkins Volunteer Fire Department.

Frankie Nobles, Vance County’s chief animal services officer, said “there’s no telling how many people have seen him” since his picture was first posted a few days ago.

Nobles told John C. Rose on Monday’s The Local Skinny! that he gives all the credit to volunteer firefighter Justin Simmons. It was his idea to feature an adoptable pet from the animal shelter on social media to spread the word about the animals.

It’s a great way to “get the animals recognized and get them out of the shelter,” Nobles said. Just last week, the shelter took in more than 30 kittens; luckily, one rescue organization wanted every single one, and Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society was able to transport them last Friday evening.

Having volunteers like Simmons who think outside the box are certainly helpful as the shelter gets more and more animals, whether they come in as strays or as owner surrenders, as in Lightning’s case.

He said volunteers are welcome at the shelter and their efforts go a long way to socialize animals and prepare them for adoption or rescue.

“Volunteers can get out and walk them – it really helps them out a lot,” Nobles said.

He and his staff are making plans to take puppies or dogs on visits to other county offices and to get the dogs more visible in the community with walks downtown, for example.

It helps the dogs expend some energy, gets them out of their kennels for a bit and – who knows – maybe they’ll find a new home in the process.

Find a photo of Lightning on the Watkins Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page and stay tuned for the next Firedog of the Month.

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City, County Animal Ordinances Spell Out Owners’ Responsibilities To Keep Pets Safe

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Pet owners often regard their dogs and cats as members of the family and give their furry companion enough food to eat, proper veterinary care and a roof over their heads. However, recent news stories about the venomous zebra cobra that escaped in Raleigh leave some animal lovers shaking their heads about how to make sure animals – and the neighbors who live near them – stay safe.

Vance County has two animal control ordinances that describe and define adequate, proper treatment and housing of animals, from companion animals to exotic animals like that zebra cobra that had everyone’s attention when it was on the loose.

Vance County Animal Services Director Frankie Nobles told WIZS News Thursday that in his 11 years on the job, his department has had only one dealing with a citizen concerning exotic animals.

Vance County Ordinance #16 is a 9-page document that outlines owner responsibilities for animal care, from rabies vaccinations and adequate shelter to what constitutes a public nuisance and fees associated with violations.

Section 19 of the ordinance describes minimum standards for care of equines, and states that owners must provide adequate shelter, fresh clean water at all times and be fed appropriately. Horses may not be tied or tethered as a means of confinement, the ordinance states.

County Ordinance #28 describes what is required to own a “wild, vicious or exotic” animal in Vance County. There’s a $50 permit fee included in the application and 13 other pieces of detailed information that must be provided to Animal Control before a resident takes possession of an exotic animal. In addition, owners of exotic animals are required to maintain a minimum of $1 million liability insurance in case of injury or property damage, the ordinance states.

Corey Williams, Henderson’s development services director, said the police department typically handles issues with dogs, with assistance from Animal Control. Although there is no leash law in the city limits, there are certain breeds of dogs that, according to city ordinance, must be muzzled when at large. Additionally, the city has a two-dog limit per household.

Visit vancecounty.org to find the complete ordinances. In the Residents tab, click Code of Ordinances and choose IX. General Regulations.

(The text throughout this story includes clickable links to the referenced ordinances.)

Rabies Alert

Skunk Found on Cross Creek Road Tests Positive for Rabies

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Vance Co. Animal Services

Vance County Animal Services responded to a call on November 16, 2020, in reference to a possibly rabid skunk in the 800 block of Cross Creek Road in Henderson. The skunk was sent off for testing and has tested positive for rabies.

At this time, Animal Services is asking residents to please make sure that all dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccines. Even if your pet is up-to-date, a booster vaccine is recommended if you live on or near Cross Creek Road.

The Vance County Animal Shelter offers rabies vaccines for $5. Hours of operation are Monday 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Rabies Alert

Rabid Skunk Found on Glebe Rd

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Vance County Animal Services

Vance County Animal Services responded to a call on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, in reference to a possibly rabid skunk in the 3600 block of Glebe Road. The skunk was sent off for testing and has tested positive for rabies.

At this time, Animal Services is asking the public to please make sure that all cats and dogs are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. If your pet is up-to-date and you live in this area, a booster vaccine is recommended.

The Vance County Animal Shelter offers the rabies vaccine for $5. The shelter is located at 1243 Brodie Rd in Henderson and is open Mondays from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays – Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Paws, Tails and Boots

Town Talk 09/21/20: Veterans Dog Walk Raises Mental Health Awareness

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Mark Ferri, veteran and Vance County Animal Shelter volunteer, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Ferri announced that a “Paws, Tails and Boots” Veterans Dog Walk will be held at the Vance County Animal Shelter, 1243 Brodie Rd. in Henderson, on Saturday, September 26, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Founded by Ferri in 2016, the program raises awareness of the mental health issues faced by veterans and first responders.

“When you have somebody who is stressed out and nervous with a lot of anxiety, sometimes that can be subdued by other means,” said Ferri. “One of them is interacting with an animal who is also stressed out or depressed, and somehow it works out where you both heal each other.”

The public is welcome, with veterans, first responders and their families strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will walk and interact with selected shelter dogs in an effort to provide companionship and trust-building activities.

Service animals are welcome; however, participants are asked to leave other pets at home.

Ferri said he enjoys the camaraderie of these events. “It has been a pleasure to work with these animals and talk to veterans and first responders. These men and women are out there doing a great job, working and doing their day-to-day thing. If they can get a little helping hand from time to time, it’s a good thing.”

For more information on the Vance County Animal Shelter and its services, please visit www.vancecountyanimalshelter.com.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(Photos courtesy Mark Ferri)