Close to 300 dogs and cats have been rehomed since the Franklin County PAWs Animal Shelter opened in March 2025. These were animals that were strays, abandoned, or surrendered for various reasons. This is a remarkable accomplishment. An accomplishment that would not be possible without visionary leadership and cooperation.
Following the passion and vision exhibited by Jan Switzer since 2020, the PAWS of Franklin County Board of Directors, Franklin County Judge Scott Lee, and the Franklin County Commissioners Court, Mayor Brad Hyman, and the Mount Vernon City Council, formalized a collaborative relationship to address the issue of abandoned and stray dogs and cats throughout Franklin County. In February 2025, following the purchase and renovation of the PAWS animal shelter in 2024, the Board of Directors of PAWS of Franklin County, the Franklin County Commissioners Court, and the Mount Vernon City Council executed interlocal agreements for the funding and operations of the PAWS of Franklin County Animal Shelter.
All entities share the cost of operating the shelter. The City of Mount Vernon is responsible for shelter operations and animal control. The Shelter is staffed by a shelter manager, one full-time ACO, and one part-time shelter technician. PAWS supplies a number of volunteers. Volunteer assistance is essential to shelter operations. All shelter animals are vaccinated, neutered or spayed, and all dogs are chipped prior to adoption.
Animal control and shelter operations are challenging work. It is a 24/7 operation. Animals, like people, need care. Franklin County and Mount Vernon are fortunate to have many people who are willing to share their time, resources, love, and forever homes with the dogs and cats that come to the PAWS of Franklin County Shelter. If you are interested in adopting a pet, providing resources, or volunteering, please contact the shelter.
https://www.pawsfctx.org/
