By: Layne Kafsky
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The entrance sign for the Bulloch County Animal Shelter stands outside the facility in Statesboro, Georgia, welcoming visitors as they arrive. The shelter houses stray and surrendered animals while staff and volunteers work to provide daily care to the animals and help each animal find a permanent home.
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When visitors enter the Bulloch County Animal Shelter, the walls are lined with photographs of animals that have been adopted. The display celebrates successful adoptions while offering hope that the animals still waiting in the shelter will also find permanent homes.
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Photographs of the dogs in Adoption Floor E are displayed outside the kennel hallway at the Bulloch County Animal Shelter. Each hallway is organized with photos and names of the dogs inside, making it easier for visitors to identify the animals and learn who is available for adoption.
 | | Volunteer Colin Wooley takes one of the dogs, Sherlock, into the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play area, where dogs can run, play, and spend time outside their kennels. The play yard gives visitors and volunteers an opportunity to interact with the shelter dogs, helping the animals exercise, socialize, and show their personalities to potential adopters. |
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Wooley sits with Sherlock in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play yard as the dog leans in for attention and pets. The shelter staff say many of the dogs spend less time playing than expected and instead seek affection and human interaction when they are taken outside their kennels.
 | Wooley walks Sherlock back toward the kennel after spending time with him in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play area. Although Sherlock returns inside, many other dogs are still waiting for their turn outside highlighting the ongoing need for adopters and volunteers to provide the attention and companionship that the shelter animals need.
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Thornberry another dog avalible for adoption at the Bulloch County Animal Shelter, explores the outdoor play area after volunteer Wooley brings him outside. Before settling in to play, Thornberry spends time sniffing his surroundings and getting comfortable with both the new environment and his volunteer, giving him a chance to build confidence outside the kennel while waiting for adoption.
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| Volunteer Wooley plays with Thornberry in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor exercise area after the dog becomes comfortable with him. "I love getting to spend time with each dog here. Most of the dogs are shy at first, but they all warm up to you pretty quick, and it's a great feeling to see them happy and excited to get attention and time outside," Wooley said. |
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Thornberry stands in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play area after becoming comfortable enough to explore and interact with visitors. Dogs like Thornberry often thrive with consistent attention, exercise, and companionship highlighting the ongoing need for adoptions that give these shelter animals a permanent home and the opportunity to live outside their kennel.
 | | A flyer advertising waived adoption fees for sterilized animals is displayed inside the Bulloch County Animal Shelter. Promotional events like reduced cost or waived adoption fees are used throughout the year to encourage more adoptions and help move animals from the shelter into permanent homes. |
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| Volunteer Wooley walks another shelter dog Ginny through one of the outdoor exercise areas at the Bulloch County Animal Shelter. In addition to the shelter's fenced-in play yards, volunteers regularly take dogs on walks to provide exercise, enrichment, and one-on-one attention while they wait to be adopted. |
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Ginny walks around the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play area while spending time with a volunteer. Regular time outside the kennel gives shelter dogs exercise, mental stimulation, and human interaction, making volunteer work an important part of helping shelter animals stay healthy and socialized while they wait for permanent homes.
 | | Volunteer Wooley leads Ginny back into the Bulloch County Animal Shelter after taking her outside for exercise. "My least favorite part of volunteering here is having to put each animal back in their kennel. I always want to spend more time with them, but I know there are more animals that need time outside and attention," Wooley said.
Photographs of the cats available for adoption line the entrance to the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's cat area, displaying each cat’s name, age, and basic information about them. The photo displays help introduce visitors to the cats and encourage potential adopters to learn more about each animal and hopefully consider giving them a permanent home.
Volunteer Wooley spends time with the cat Soul in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's indoor cat play room as the shy cat remains hidden in a cabinet for most of the visit. "The cats can definitely be more shy because they need stability more than anything, and the constant change of environment can scare them and make them hesitant to warm up to you," Wooley said. |
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Wooley spends time with a kitten in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's indoor cat play room after the kitten gradually becomes comfortable enough to explore, play with toys, and interact with its surroundings. The shelter stocks its play rooms with toys, treats, blankets, and climbing spaces to help the animals feel safe, build confidence, and enjoy time outside their kennels while they wait for adoption.
A donation flyer inside the Bulloch County Animal Shelter lists the food, treats, and supplies the shelter needs to care for its animals. The requested items support a wide range of needs, from feeding newborn kittens with milk replacer to providing specialized diets, treats, and everyday essentials for animals recovering from illness.
A prisoner work crew member walks across the Bulloch County Animal Shelter property while helping with daily operations at the facility. In addition to shelter staff and community volunteers, inmate work crews assist with cleaning the grounds, caring for the animals, and helping the shelter meet daily needs.
Flyers posted throughout the Bulloch County Animal Shelter provide visitors with information about volunteering, needed donations, and proper animal care. The displays encourage community members to support the shelter by donating supplies, volunteering their time, and learning how to keep animals healthy both in the shelter and after adoption.
Donation bins filled with toys, bedding, and other supplies are available inside the Bulloch County Animal Shelter. As shelters continue to take in large numbers of animals, donated supplies and volunteer support help provide the daily care, enrichment, and resources needed to meet the growing demand and improve the well-being of animals waiting for adoption.
