Friends of the Shelter Dogs

Home
United States
Athens, OH
Friends of the Shelter Dogs

Directions Website Contact the organization

Friends of the Shelter Dogs is a group of Athens County, OH citizens dedicated to the welfare and rescue of dogs from the Athens County Dog Shelter.

FOSD provides these services and more to the Athens County Dog Shelter:

Identifying, vetting, and arranging transport for dogs to approved rescues to reduce euthanasia rate at the Shelter. Maintenance of a Foster Network for dogs awaiting rescue or adoption from FOSD. Rescuing/fostering puppy litters that are too young to adopt. Dog Impressions to give potential adopters and rescues more info about each dog and working with dogs with special needs. Shelter Shot program development and maintenance. Weekly updating of the Friday Athens Messenger Shelter Dog Ad & recruitment of ad sponsors. Additional programs for the shelter, including, but not limited to, the Rescue Animal Mp3 Project music program for the shelter dog kennel room. Weekly comparison of lost and found dogs in attempt to reunite as many dogs and owners as possible. Maintenance of a Friends of the Shelter Dogs page to continually showcase and share Shelter Dogs available for adoption. Maintenance of our own Website. Planning, promotion (creation and hanging of fliers, PR, etc.), and implementation of fundraising to pay veterinary and other expenses. Development (in process) of a Shelter Spay & Neuter program. Stewards of a Spay/Neuter Grant from the Athens Foundation. Local adoptions of dogs who remain in our custody past their rescue window due to illness or other unforeseen reasons.

10/30/2026

10/29/2026

You look like you need some vitamin puppy!!!!!!

10/29/2026

STRAY HOLD

BACON- 4m old, male, 13 pounds.

Found on W. Franklin st. Nelsonville.

Call us if yours. 740-593-5415

10/27/2026

MEET ZEUS, KING OF THE SHELTER DOGS👑

Zeus is a beautiful Australian Shepherd - St Bernard mix. While he loves to play with volunteers (fetch is his jam), he’s experiencing kennel stress. He’s a sensitive soul looking for a patient adopter or foster to allow him time to decompress. Here’s some more info:

⚡️Male
⚡️4 years old
⚡️LOVES to play fetch!
⚡️Very dog selective
⚡️Neutered
⚡️Up to date on vaccinations
⚡️Not good with cats

📲Meeting dogs is by appointment, walk-ins accepted but if someone has an appointment priority will be given. Please call the shelter (740/593-5415) to make an appointment. All adopters must bring in kids and other dogs in the household for a meet and greet before adoption.

⚡️Not ready to adopt? Zeus would love a foster home. Apply at http://www.fosdathens.com/volunteer

10/26/2026

REMINDER: 10 PUPPIES AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28
Please help us get these puppies adopted quickly and out of the The Athens County Dog Shelter.

The Candy Gang (4 females, 6 males) - terrier mix - 8 weeks old, 6.6 # - 8.6 #

These puppies are very friendly and love attention and affection.

If you are interested in adopting a puppy (6 months or younger) please CALL the shelter at 740-593-5415 to have your name added to a list of interested adopters.
Adoption fees are $125 ($65 for dogs 7 years old and older) and include dog license, basic vaccinations, heartworm test on adult dogs, and spay or neuter (ARRIVED 10/23/26)

10/26/2026

We are so relieved to share that Wilma, who has been running around E. State St. in the Walmart area for many months was trapped safely this morning by a team of staff and volunteers from The Athens County Dog Shelter. Unlike Wilson who took weeks to go in the trap, Wilma went in on the very first night and snuggled up in the warm straw.

Wilma spent much of last night in the trap but never triggered the door. Smart girl! Thanks to the quick thinking of Heather Norman, she was able to feed her in the trap this morning and trigger the door. It was a nerve-wracking few minutes to figure out how to get her out safely after that. Wilma is terrified of leashes and could quickly bite through one and escape. Lieutenant Gillette was able to squeeze through a panel and enter the trap to sit with her. We placed a couple of slip leads on her and lined up a crate outside. When we opened the panel a little further, she ran right into the crate.

She is now at the shelter and will be given time to decompress. She is a very sweet girl and never once growled at us despite being terrified. She needs lots of TLC, both physically and emotionally. She is quite dirty and has ticks and fleas. She is trusting staff already to touch her. Most important, she is safe before winter and won't be out in the cold at risk of becoming pregnant. Welcome, Wilma! We can't wait to get to know you and help you find a loving home.

Huge thanks to Heather for not giving up on this sweet girl. There will be a lot of people sleeping more soundly tonight knowing she is safe.

Address

P. O. Box 576
Athens, OH
45701

Website

https://www.fosdathens.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Friends of the Shelter Dogs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.