Have you ever wondered how many pets live in our community? The federal government conducts an annual census each decade to determine the human population, but there’s not an official animal census.

By using data provided by the Humane Society of the United States and the Census Bureau, the number of dogs and cats in our community exceeds 100,000. This does not take into consideration other owned animals. We know that AAHS helps over 5,000 animals on an annual basis, and since 2007 our surgical team has performed over 16,000 spay/neuter surgeries. 

So…how many animals have a relationship with the Athens Area Humane Society?  To help answer this question, we are conducting a mini-census through the end of June. This Census does include all pets—dogs, cats and any other owned animal. Our “Every Cat Counts” (and dogs) Census will culminate with a celebration in front of our Adoption Center on Saturday, June 30from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The Adoption Center is located at the back of Pet Supplies Plus (191 Alps Rd. in Athens). Come by and count your pet, enjoy some light refreshments, meet the cats and check out our plans to renovate the Adoption Center!

Pet Supplies Plus is an animal-friendly store. I hope to see you and your dog and/or cat at the Every Cat Counts Celebration! (Please note that outside animals are not allowed in the Adoption Center area.) 

--Bob Boyd

Complete our Every Cat Counts Census!