The following article appeared in the April 2025 print edition of Open Line

In cartoons, animal control officers are often cast as grumpy, heavy-handed villains whose sole mission is to snatch up your beloved pets — usually with an oversized net and an exaggerated scowl. Our Animal Control officers (ACOs) are less about dramatic pet heists and more about keeping tails wagging!

The Role of Animal Control

ACOs play a critical role in the community, responding to stray, nuisance and welfare calls. However, their mission extends beyond writing citations. Their top priority is keeping pets safe in their homes through community education and reunification efforts.

Did you know that during their neighborhood patrol our Auburn Animal Control officers familiarize themselves with local pets so they can reunite lost pets with their owners?

As Auburn grows, so does the number of stray pets. From teacup poodles to 300-pound pigs and even larger livestock, ACOs work tirelessly to return lost animals to their homes. If an owner cannot be located, the pet is transferred to CARE Humane Society, a private nonprofit organization, for housing and potential adoption, if unclaimed.

Auburn’s pets are well “care-d” for

For over 50 years, CARE Humane Society (CARE) has provided a lifeline for Auburn’s homeless and surrendered pets.

“Since 2017, we are proud to report at least 90% or higher of all pets have found their way into loving homes through reunification, adoption, transfer to rescues and the dedication of our staff,” CARE Executive Director TJ McCullough said. “We are an open-admissions shelter, meaning we accept all stray and surrendered pets from within the jurisdictional boundaries set by our city contracts.”

All stray pets picked up by Animal Control in Auburn or Opelika city limits are delivered to CARE at 1140 Ware Drive, where they are held for seven days. This “stray hold” gives owners a full week to reclaim their lost pet. On day eight, the pet is assessed as a candidate for adoption or transfer to rescue organizations.

The power of community engagement & education

Both CARE and Auburn Animal Control share the same goal: preventing pet homelessness and abandonment. Public education is key to preventing these pet-related issues.

“Many pet owners do not want to give up their pets but feel they have no other choice due to financial hardships,” Auburn Animal Control Division Manager Krista Weldon said. “Our community is blessed to have CARE with resource programs available to any resident in Lee County, not just Auburn.”

CARE offers resource programs, partially funded by city tax dollars, which are available to all Lee County residents. ACOs connect residents with CARE if they see there is a need with pet food assistance, low-cost or free spay/neuter vouchers, kennels, veterinary care assistance and other pet supplies.

Residents are urged to take advantage of CARE’s affordable spay-neuter programs to help reduce the number of homeless pets in our community. Unplanned puppy and kitten litters are one of the biggest causes of pet overpopulation. Funding these assistance programs not only supports families and keeps pets in loving homes, but it also eases the strain on City resources and the number of animals surrendered to the shelter. It’s a win-win for pets, their owners and the community.

City of Auburn and CARE both host outreach programs and public events throughout the year, such as Bark in the Park, to educate residents about basic pet care, responsible pet ownership, safe pet handling and the importance of spaying and neutering your pet. Don’t forget, Auburn Animal Control is always available by phone calls at 334-501-3090 for any pet-related questions.

Caring for animals is costly

On average, shelter stays last 98 days for dogs and 32 days for cats, with costs totaling $3,038 per dog and $992 per cat. Adoption fees cover only a fraction of these expenses, making community support and donations essential to sustain shelter operations.

For FY24-25, Auburn contributed $31 per pet per day of each stray pet’s stay at CARE, totaling $225,472.91. To give unclaimed animals a chance to be adopted, CARE raises an additional $920,000 (approximately 71% of its current operating budget) through fundraising efforts and community contributions. The City of Opelika contributed the remaining $141,875.50.

While pets wait for their forever homes, CARE staff and volunteers do their best to ensure all pets receive the highest level of care. Rain or shine, adult dogs enjoy enrichment time outdoors to play as a group. Socialization, training and behavioral support are also prioritized to improve adoptability and ease the transition into a new home.

Bark in the Park and the Tails and Trails Fun Run are both set for March 22 at Kiesel Park! Find more information about these events celebrating responsible pet ownership at auburnalabama.org/parks.

How you can help

Reporting concerns properly helps ACOs proceed with issuing a citation or facilitating the pet’s removal, when necessary. While social media is useful for spreading awareness, it is never an official reporting tool. If you suspect pet neglect or abuse, report it directly to Auburn Animal Control at 334-501-3090 or the Auburn FixIt App to ensure action may be taken.

Joining CARE’s foster program to offer pets a temporary home keeps them healthy and happy while freeing up valuable kennel space for other pets in need. Donations fuel CARE’s mission to provide top notch care, exciting programs and special promotions, including discounted adoptions, its popular youth summer camp, educational seminars and more.

Together, Auburn residents, Auburn Animal Control and CARE Humane Society can ensure every pet gets the care and protection they deserve. For more information on CARE and its programs, visit carehumane.org. For more information about City of Auburn Animal Control, visit auburnalabama.org.