30 Days and Beyond: Transitioning to Paws Animal Services Division
One month into Paws Humane Society’s transition to overseeing Columbus Animal Services, we want to share an honest update. Change is never simple, and while there have been challenges, there has also been significant progress worth celebrating.
Understanding the Transition
When the transition began, the existing city staff, hours, and policies remained in place. Over 70 animals were already in the facility, with some dogs having spent over six months—even over a year—in their kennels. Our first major task was hiring and training a team of 31 staff members to bring fresh energy and expertise to the operation.
Prioritizing Animal Care
Our immediate focus has been on improving shelter services, including:
- Hiring and Training: Onboarding new staff members and ensuring they are trained in national shelter standards.
- Deep Cleaning: Re-establishing protocols to create a healthier, more comfortable environment.
- Behavior Evaluations: Reassessing dogs previously labeled as aggressive and providing opportunities for socialization.
- Playgroups: Allowing dogs time outside their kennels for exercise, which also helps rescues better understand each dog’s personality.
New fencing is being installed to create safe, outdoor spaces where dogs can play and meet potential adopters. Repairs are underway, and new kennel doors have been ordered to enhance the facility. Meanwhile, office spaces are being cleared for Paws staff to move in and support daily operations.
Strengthening Field Services
We’ve hired senior field service officers and are continuing to fill additional roles. Officers are undergoing training and certification through the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA). Once certified, they will be sworn in by the Columbus Police Department, empowering them to enforce local ordinances and protect community pets more effectively. Previous Animal Control employees will be phased out by the end of April as the transition completes.
Building for the Future
In the coming weeks, the city will continue clearing office spaces. As Paws staff settles in, training on new software systems will begin, helping streamline operations and enhance communication. We’re also developing a new website to better showcase:
- Lost and found pets (now available!)
- Animals available for adoption
- Pets in the community looking for new homes
- Programs and services under our Animal Services Division (coming soon)
We are scheduling an open house (date TBD) and a LIVE virtual Q&A (date TBD) where all questions will be answered by our Executive Director, Courtney Pierce.
To further reduce stress in the shelter, sound baffles for the kennel areas will be ordered, creating a calmer environment for both animals and visitors. Building improvements will continue through April and beyond, with timelines depending on vendor lead times.
We are also scheduling our new officers to visit neighborhoods within our community. These visits will allow residents to meet the officers, ask questions, and receive limited supplies.
Adoption Specials & New Hours
Starting April 1st, we will launch an adoption special called Kennel to Couch, waiving adoption fees for all adult animals at both locations throughout April. Our updated operating hours will also go into effect:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
These new hours will provide more flexibility for community members to visit, adopt, and engage with our services.
The Road Ahead
Transitions like this don’t happen overnight. We were advised the process could take up to 90 days, and we are just 30 days in. We ask for the community’s continued patience and grace as we work to build the team, procedures, and environment that Columbus’s animals deserve. The full transition is expected to be completed by the end of April.
We are deeply grateful to Animal SOS for their unwavering support and shared dedication to animal welfare. Rescue truly takes a village, and we are proud to be in this together.
Thank you to everyone who has shown understanding and encouragement during this time. Progress is happening, and together, we’re creating a brighter future for animals in Columbus.
— Paws Humane Society 💙🐶
