Elizabethton Animal Shelter Shares January Numbers, Upcoming Spring Plans

Shelter sees high intake, multiple cruelty cases, and plans fundraising 5K event to support new clinic

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter took in over 100 animals in January, including 69 dogs and 39 cats. While adoptions were strong, the shelter also dealt with multiple animal cruelty cases. To raise funds for the shelter and a new Spay and Neuter Clinic, the shelter is hosting a 5K and 1K pet walk on April 19.

Why it matters

The Elizabethton animal shelter plays a critical role in the community, providing care and adoption services for stray and surrendered pets. The high intake numbers and cruelty cases highlight the ongoing need for animal welfare resources, while the upcoming fundraiser supports the shelter's expansion plans to better serve the region.

The details

In January, the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter took in 69 dogs and 39 cats, for a total of over 100 animals. While adoptions were strong, with 47 dogs and 50 cats finding new homes, the shelter also dealt with multiple animal cruelty cases during the month. The shelter is currently at capacity and working to resolve these cruelty cases through the courts. Once the legal process is complete, the animals will be available for foster and adoption.

  • The Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter took in over 100 animals in January 2026.
  • The shelter's Happy Tails 5K and 1K pet walk will be held on April 19, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter

A local animal shelter that provides care and adoption services for stray and surrendered pets in the Elizabethton, Tennessee area.

Friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter

A volunteer group that supports the animal shelter through fundraising, advocacy, and other initiatives.

Jackie Ledesma

A representative of the Friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter group.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are at capacity again. There's been a lot of cruelty cases where the animals get removed and they stay there for a while until the court finalizes everything.”

— Jackie Ledesma, Friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter

“We strongly suggest you contact authorities and the animal shelter as well because animal control will go and start the process, which would be a checkup on the animal.”

— Jackie Ledesma, Friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter

What’s next

Once court cases regarding animal cruelty are resolved, if the judge rules in favor of the shelter, animals will then be available for foster and adoption.

The takeaway

The Elizabethton animal shelter is working to address a high intake of animals, including cruelty cases, while also raising funds for a new Spay and Neuter Clinic through a community 5K event. This highlights the ongoing need for animal welfare resources and the shelter's efforts to expand its services to better support the region.