Chilton County Animal Control explains adoption, transport and spay/neuter requirements; new assistant director introduced

Christina, representing Chilton County Animal Control, updated the commission on adoption and sterilization procedures and announced the promotion of a part-time adoptions counselor effective Nov. 14 and the hiring of Anna Brooks as assistant director. Christina explained adopted animals are scheduled for sterilization during biweekly transport windows; adopters can leave animals at the shelter or take them home and return them the night before the surgery appointment. She said the shelter provides transportation for adopted animals' sterilization appointments and manages scheduling internally.

When asked what happens if an adopter does not return an animal for the required procedure, Christina said it is a misdemeanor and the shelter may refer the matter to authorities. Commissioners and staff discussed the limited number of transport slots (the shelter operates on a point system, citing 50 points every other week) and that public spay/neuter events are booked for 2026 but release timing for booking details remains pending.

Commissioners praised Animal Control staff and volunteers for recent facility improvements and volunteer help that enabled intake of a large number of owner surrenders in a short time (staff reported taking in 36 animals in one day). No policy change was decided at the work session; staff continues to operate scheduled transports and to manage adopters' compliance with sterilization requirements.