As I approach my 6-month anniversary as the Paulding County Dog Warden, I would like to take a few moments to pass along some of my thoughts, feelings and suggestions.
The past 6 months, for the most part, have been quite rewarding and enjoyable. I have been able to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. I have enjoyed working with the dogs, and getting them back to their owners or rehomed into a new home, thanks in great part to our Facebook friends. Facebook has been a wonderful tool for assisting with getting the dogs taken care of, and I thank all of you for your comments and sharing my posts to enable us to give them the love and care they deserve. If you haven’t already, please like our Facebook page, Paulding County Dog Kennel, and keep up with the latest happenings and dogs available for adoption.
A little about the dog kennel: We are not the SPCA or Humane Society and do not perform spay or neuter. We do not accept cats or kittens, just puppies and dogs. We are not a No-Kill shelter, but will do everything we can to avoid having to euthanize any viable dogs. The Kennel is generally open M – F from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. After hours is open by emergency only. The kennel is primarily funded by dog licensing fees.
Stray dogs with no tags are held for 3 days waiting for the owner to come and claim their dog. After 3 days with no owner showing up, the dog is available for adoption or rescue. A surrendered dog is available for immediate adoption. There is a charge for adopting a spay or neutered dog. If the dog is not fixed, it’s a different charge, but includes a $75 voucher towards their spay or neuter at one of the participating Veterinary Clinics. All adoption fees are non-refundable.
Dogs who have come in injured have been taken to the Animal Clinic of Paulding for treatment.
If you wish to surrender a dog that you own to the Dog Warden, there will be a fee. We would also ask that you provide all veterinary records and complete the Surrender form at the time of surrender. We will not accept either aggressive or vicious dogs.
We welcome all, local and far away adopters, and consider ourselves a rescue friendly kennel. Please visit our Facebook page to see the dogs we have available.
For my Paulding County Residents: I have been quite surprised and dismayed by the lack of dogs that are registered/licensed in our county, as required by law. Is that because some people are not aware of the requirement? Could be, because when I moved back here after being gone for 40 years, I brought 4 dogs back to Paulding County and didn’t know that I had to register them, until I started looking into this position. Once I realized this, I got them registered, so I understand if some folks didn’t know. I will try to disseminate this info as far and wide as I can with social media and local publications.
Examples of some of the excuses I have been given have been numerous and varied, from “My vet told me I didn’t have to register my dogs.”, “I thought only big dogs need to be registered.” “I live in the country, not in town.” “I keep my dogs inside.” “My dog isn’t a year old yet.” “Never thought my dog would get out/leave my property.” Etc, etc… So to clear up any confusion, I want everyone to know that ALL DOGS over 3 months of age must be registered! And if you obtain a new dog, you have 30 days to get it registered.
I have been rather lenient the past 6 months by usually giving folks 2 weeks to get their dogs registered, as opposed to writing a citation, which could result in a fine of up to $112 and costs, plus the additional late fee you will be required to pay to register your dog. Going forward, I highly recommend that if you have a dog in Paulding County that you register them, or face the consequences. Once you get your dog/s registered/licensed, please put their tags on a collar! This will aid in being able to identify and get your dog back to you, should they wander off.
For your convenience, dog tags can be purchased online from the Paulding County Auditors Website, through mail-in application, as well as in person at the courthouse, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Annual dog registration/licensing is open from December 1st through January 31st. Registration/licensing costs come in one year, 3-year, lifetime. If your dog is not registered prior to the January 31st deadline, the cost doubles per dog. Additionally, if you are found to not have a registered dog, a citation will be issued, which will include a fine. So, it only makes good fiscal sense to register your dog as required!
My personal feelings are that if you take on a dog, you are making a commitment and are accepting all the responsibilities that come with dog ownership, to include proper vet care with vaccinations, monthly preventatives, such as flea and tick and heartworm, and spay and/or neuter.
If you have dogs that are outside dogs, you are required to provide food, fresh water and adequate shelter. They require shade in the summer, and warm bedding in the winter. If called to investigate, and these requirements are not met (exception would be food, I understand they may have eaten!) you can be cited and fined.
All dogs must be confined or restrained on your property, or you will face a possible citation and fine.
Lastly, I would like to give a big shout out Thank You to all who have donated to the kennel and to the Vet fund. And a special Thank You to the volunteers, who have given up their time to spend weekend and evening hours at the kennel caring for and taking care of the dogs, it is much appreciated!
I look forward to continuing working in this position and would appreciate cooperation from every dog owner in our county to do the right things, and help prevent me from getting writer’s cramp due to filling out citations!
—David Bash, Paulding County Dog Warden
