Why Should I Help? 
For many years, like many other government-run shelters, Walton County Animal Control’s primary function was to serve as a “dog-pound” to pick up strays. Many of the animals were euthanized after a mandatory holding period. In 2009, we decided to break out of the “dog-pound” mentality and began taking steps towards getting as many adoptable animals re-homed as possible.
Going Online
The first step, and most productive, was made in August 2009 with the launching of WaltonPets.net. We improved the quality of the photographs and increased postings on Petfinder. Slowly, adoptions began to increase, including many going outside of the Walton County area.
Rescue-Friendly
The second step was to roll out the red carpet to rescue groups. We began to reach out and build our reputation as a “rescue-friendly” animal control shelter. We began to clearly advertise our easy, no fee, “show-up-and-sign” policy for GA licensed rescues. We also began disseminating Rescue Alert Emails depicting some of the dogs and cats in danger of immediate euthanasia. The efforts have paid off. In August 2009, there were only about eight rescue groups actively rescuing dogs and cats from the shelter. Just one year later in August 2010, there were 43 Georgia licensed rescue groups with current paperwork on file and rescuing from the shelter. Now we have over 50 groups actively helping our shelter!
Vaccination Program
The third step was to make our animals more attractive to adopters and rescuers. Because of donations from some wonderful individuals, groups and businesses, we were able to begin vaccinating, deworming and giving Frontline flea treatments to our dogs. We found that these basic treatments not only made our animals healthier, but also increased the number of animals being rescued. We have also begun limited heartworm testing. Vaccinating at the shelter shortened the rescue's quarantine time and helped reduce costs for the non-profit rescues. (Click www.waltonpets.net/VaccinationDonation.aspx to help!)
Decreased Euthanasia
Through all these efforts and the help from adopters, donors, rescues and cross-posters, we have been able to considerably reduce our dog euthanasia rate. The average euthanasia rate from 2005 to 2009 was 67%. In January 2010, for the first time, 
the dog euthanasia rate fell below 50%. Even during our busiest summer months in 2010, the dog euthanasia rate has remained below 60%. Our desire is to see that rate drop even further. But we cannot do it without help from our community and concerned animal lovers. We would like to eventually see animals spayed/neutered and given rabies vaccinations before leaving to new homes or rescue groups. The majority of our small budget is for animal control operations. These other veterinary services are only possible through outside donations.
We are still just a small, government run Animal Control facility. But with your help, we hope to do big things and see an increasing amount of the strays and owner surrendered animals find new and permanent homes!