I met with Ms. Sam Shelton, CEO of Furkids. Furkids, headquartered in Georgia, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that operates the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for rescued cats and Sadie’s Place, a no-kill shelter for dogs. Furkids also operates one of the only facilities in the Southeast dedicated to the care of FIV positive cats.
Can you tell us a little bit about what Furkids does?
We save lives. Over 5000 dogs and cats each year. We get some of the most at-risk animals, the sick and injured. Animal Control (AC) will often call us before euthanasia. We seek to restore health and find loving homes.
Can you tell us about your new facility?
In 2018 we bought 9 acres in Cumming, GA, the original Wakoola Water Gardens. We renovated the existing buildings and now have our Headquarters there. The land gives us an opportunity to expand and we are getting reading to break ground on a new medical facility, cat and dog shelter. We will also have a special events venue in our beautiful setting. We welcome the community to the campus.
How many cats do you help each year and where do you get them from?
The majority come from AC or strays that people find. We help over 3000 per year. On the dog side about 1200. With the Community Cat Program in place we help over 100 cats there each month. We have bought the Cobb County Animal Services euthanasia rate down substantially. We are focused on making Cobb County cats truly non-kill.
Do you transport cats out of the state?
In 2018 we started transporting some cats and dogs north to no-kill partners in VT, CT, MA and ME.
What did you do before you started Furkids and have you always liked helping cats?
I have always loved animals and children. Before I started Furkids I worked in the corporate world for Turner and Equifax. One day I found a mother cat and kittens in my backyard. I called Fulton County AC and they told me they had no space and if I brought them in they would be euthanized. I then went to an adoption center in Buckhead, Friends of Animals, run by a lady named Margaret. She taught me so much. I started Furkids by just putting a sign up “Volunteers Needed” and the rest is history.
What do you want the community to know about Furkids?
We love animals. We love placing them in loving homes. If you are looking to adopt come visit us. If you want to volunteer we have opportunities for adults and for kids too. The Furtails Program for children allows them to read to cats. Children can help with their parents. We have kids that help out in our thrift stores too. We want to help the community. We have vaccine clinics and we are working on a food pantry for struggling families.
What is a message you have for the community?
It is important for people to know that you can make a difference. Apply yourself to a dream. Don’t turn your back on an animal in the street.
How can the community help you?
Fix your pets. Adopt. Support the work we do by donating and volunteering. We truly appreciate community support. Donate to one of our thrift stores based in Marietta, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville. You can find information on Furkids on our website: Furkids.org