CHESTERFIELD – When one enters the gates of the Chesterfield County Animal Shelter located at 467 Goodale Road, he or she will not find any of the alleged forlorn and forgotten “backyard” dogs that have been brought into the shelter chained to a stationary object. These animals also see no "life sentence without parole” if they are adopted to a good family or individual. Instead, you will find that all of the animals are housed in separate kennels either alone or with others, but never with a chain around their necks. According to Animal Control Officer Frank Laney, who was hired by the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Department in November to manage the shelter, several improvements have taken place.

“In spite of some of the issues the shelter was faced with last year, the Sheriff’s office is on top of the everyday maintenance as well as the adoption portion of the shelter. We recently added a new roof on the cat and the dog buildings, in which the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Department and Paws and Claws, a nonprofit group of volunteers also shared the cost of that project. Sealing the floors and finishing the painting is still on the to-do list,” said Laney. He continued to add that the number of adoptions have also increased since the shelter is now open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“The Paws and Claws volunteers come on the weekends and work with the adoptions and they feed and water the animals, and clean the pens too,” Laney said. He said that he not only has a passion for these animals but also has a dream for the shelter’s future. “I want to clear some of the property in the back of the dog pens and build a good fence around it so the dogs can use it as an exercise yard. I want Chesterfield County Animal Shelter to be the best we can make it,” he said. Presently, the shelter is in need of a washer and a dryer as well as supplies such as towels, dog and cat food, blankets and other donations. Medications for animals who come into the shelter that have mange or other illness are costly.

“Some medications to treat an animal’s illness can range as high as $130 or more,” said Laney.

Laney said that the process to adopt a cat or a dog is simple. The adoption fee is $20, and females are spayed at Paws & Claws’ expense at a local vet’s office. For male dogs, a discount certificate is available for neutering. “Having these services done for a pet can help with over populating the animals, which can lead to one being unable to care for the animals properly in some situations,” he continued.

To donate to the shelter or to adopt a cat or dog waiting for a new home, call the Chesterfield County Animal Shelter at: (843) 623-3585 or Fax: (843) 623-9223.