Construction has been completed on a new addition at Polk Animal Control’s existing facility.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners and Alan Bell Architects, Inc., Carrollton, made an agreement on June 9, 2011.

The firm was to provide architectural services for the project, including normal architectural, civil, structural, mechanical and electronic drawings. Total cost was listed at $18,500.

Earley Construction recently finished work at the facility for a total cost of about $236,000.

“I am happy we now have a building that will help house the overpopulation of animals here,” said Animal Control Director Jeff Crawford.

“We have added space for 50 to 60 more animals that can be housed separately or quarantined if they are ill,” he said.

Crawford, who joined Animal Control as an officer on Nov. 17, 2003, became director in 2005. He remembers when the existing structure was completed in July 2004 and has seen a number of changes during the past several years.

During the early years, he said stray dogs and cats were running rampant in Polk.These numbers have dropped due to educational programs, work of the Humane Society, rescue agencies and cooperation from local governmental entities and law enforcement.

“We make every effort to help people understand local and state laws and the need to be a responsible pet owner,” Crawford said.

He emphasized that strays are a part of the high call volume, which can also be attributed to reports of aggressive or dangerous dogs and other incidents.

A total of 3,000 or more calls have been received this year (2012). This number is expected to reach 3,500 by the end of the 12-month period.

Crawford said there is still an active adoption program through Polk Animal Control (PAC). Adoption fees for dogs are $35.00 and $15 for cats.

A total of 27 dogs and 6 cats were adopted during June 2012 and 28 dogs and 8 cats in July. During August, 19 dogs and 11 cats were placed and 16 dogs and 10 cats were adopted in September.

PAC staff also work with rescue groups, who often seek different breeds that are adopted by people who prefer a particular size and temperament.

A low cost spay/neuter transport program is now available in Polk. Reservations are required. Vaccines and tests are only available if the animal is having surgery, which is performed at the West GA Spay/Neuter Clinic in Villa Rica. For information about this program, call 770-749-9998.

Hours at the Polk County Animal Control & Shelter are Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday 12 noon to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 1 to 4 p.m. and closed the last Saturday of each month.

For more information about animal control or its adoption program, call 770-749-8908.