🛠 Shelter & Staff Rebuild Updates

 

What happened

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated our community and destroyed the Unicoi County Animal Shelter building. Since then, the county, town, and city have been working together on plans and funding for a new facility. Shelter location will remain at 185 N Industrial Dr, Erwin, TN but at this time the building is unavailable. 

 

Where we are now

• The shelter improvement designs by LGS Architecture were reviewed by the Erwin Unicoi and Unicoi County Animal Welfare Board, with plans estimated for completion by end of 2025. 

• A portable Green Cube was delivered July 16th at shelter site to house dogs until the animal shelter is rebuilt. It's not properly insulated so not cooling down sufficiently but the Board are reviewing fixes to make. This Cube is a TEMPORARY solution. Please do not assume this fixes all problems and allows the shelter to house many dogs. Community still need to focus on Spay/Neuter and individual responsibility!

• Director hired! Please see above to meet Mollie Haren, September 6th. Welcome Mollie!

• We currently have one full‑time Animal Control Officer (ACO) with another to be hired. 423-863-6372.

• Animal Control services are limited to emergencies only. 

• Volunteers keep critical programs running, including the spay/neuter voucher program and pet pantry to support local families and pets during this period.

• Pet food that was in UCAS storage facility has been distributed to community.

• Fosters Needed!! If you are willing to foster, please contact Selena Rose (423-863-6372) or Pam Bailey. 

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📲 Follow & connect

• Visit the Unicoi County Animal Shelter Facebook Page for official updates​