Exploring the Vital Work of Chatham County Animal Services

In this week's episode of The Chat, Will Peebles of Chatham County’s Public Information Office sat down with Tasha Reed, Animal Officer Supervisor at Chatham County Animal Services, to discuss the department's multifaceted role in the community. Tasha oversees a team of officers dedicated to responding to a wide range of animal-related concerns, from stray dogs to cases of abuse and neglect. Beyond enforcement, her team is also deeply involved in public education, shelter management, and facilitating adoptions. “We respond to domestic animal complaints and work to reunite lost pets with their owners, but we also spend a lot of time educating the community and participating in events like career days,” she shared, highlighting the department's outreach efforts.

The shelter’s impact extends beyond local borders, thanks to partnerships with other organizations. Collaborations with shelters in neighboring states allow for the rehoming of animals when local capacity is stretched or when certain pets have better adoption prospects elsewhere. This extensive networking supports the mission to find homes for every animal. For example, Reed noted that the department recently celebrated 43 adoptions in a single month—a testament to the dedication of the team and the supportive animal-loving community in Chatham County. “It’s all about teamwork,” she said, praising both the staff and volunteers who make this possible.

Chatham County Animal Services also plays a critical role during natural disasters, ensuring pets are safe and cared for during crises. In the aftermath of Hurricane Debbie, for instance, the department worked alongside the Red Cross to establish shelters where evacuees could stay with their pets or temporarily house them free of charge. “We provide daily updates to owners so they can have peace of mind,” Reed explained.

For those interested in adopting a pet, the shelter encourages in-person visits to meet their adoptable animals. Staff are on hand to help match potential adopters with pets suited to their lifestyles. Click to see available pets for adoption.