The City of Pell City is grateful to all who reached out to us in response to a recent social media post regarding the Pell City Animal Control Center. We received many offers to help, and we heard many ideas that could improve animal welfare in St. Clair County. For those, we’re very thankful.
PCACC is St. Clair County’s only animal shelter, serving around 275 animals a month. In 2024, intake reached a historic low, while adoptions reached the highest rate ever at PCACC.
Over the past 8 years, more than 5,000 animals have found forever homes thanks to animal rescue organizations that partner with the Center. These organizations will continue to be part of our strategy.
Recently, there have been some concerning allegations we would like to address. Widespread misinformation (represented below in bold) is not helpful to our shared goal of saving animal lives.
$50 “pull fees” are harmful to rescue organizations. This information is being misrepresented. Rescue fees are not charged in most circumstances.
Our new procedures are part of a greater improvement plan for PCACC that intends to increase efficiency through digitization, organization, and improved communication.
Rescue fees have been in place since 2017 to offset treatment provided at the shelter. A $50 pull fee is meant for the most adoptable animals, who have received full veterinary care. Many partners will pay a $25 fee, which is less than the schedule set in 2017. And in many cases, there will be no charge for organizations assisting us in finding homes for animals.
This information has been communicated to all current and prospective rescue partners. Rescue organizations can find registration and animal pull forms at pell-city.com/adopt.
PCACC does not provide adequate medical care or food for animals. All animals receive personalized treatment daily. They are also fed daily an amount appropriate for their weight.
Conditions at PCACC are inhumane. We are aware of the need for minor cosmetic maintenance, which has been reported. These areas do not impact the Shelter’s ability to provide humane treatment. All animals at PCACC are treated with the utmost care.
Pell City is seeking to make a profit from the Center. More than 90 percent of the Center’s annual funding comes from the City and other local government partners. Fees and donations account for less than 10 percent of the Center’s budget. The Center is projected to lose $42,000 in 2025, absorbed by the City of Pell City.
For those asking what you can do to help, first and foremost, spay and neuter your pets, and encourage others to do the same. Animal intake at the shelter declined last year, and we want to see that trend continue.
Second, volunteer or foster. PCACC is always open to help from caring citizens looking to assist in our efforts to provide the best possible animal care. You can find registration forms at pell-city.com/adopt.
Each of your messages and emails has been received and read, and we thank you again for reaching out. We appreciate this community’s dedication to animal welfare and our shared mission at PCACC to save lives.