Alabama Animal Advocates

Animal Services in Pickens County

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Animal services in Pickens County, Alabama: How to get help with animal concerns, impoundment facility, animal control, low-cost spay & neuter, dog confinement requirements.

Impoundment Facilities or Shelters in Pickens County

With no impoundment facility and no animal control, Pickens County is failing to fulfill the statutory mandate of Alabama Code § 3-7A-7 that “Each county within the state shall provide a suitable county pound and impounding officer.” Bridget Crepps stated that stray dogs are a big problem in Pickens County.

Kari Rodgers, founder of Pickens Paws & Purrs, is working to start the first animal shelter for Pickens County, Alabama, she wrote in Oct. 2025. Kari coordinates a foster network and has a long-term goal of founding a no-kill shelter. She is also speaking to Pickens County Commissioners toward a public shelter for the county. Those who wish to be involved may fill out the Volunteer & Foster Sign-Up Form.

Rodgers was featured in Lisa Crane’s Apr. 9, 2026 WVTM report on the challenges that result from the lack of a pound and animal control, “Stray dog shootings in Alabama shine light on county with no animal control.” Nathan Winograd, founder of the No Kill Advocacy Center and author of Redemption, observed that “if Pickens County opens a pound, and Alabama history is any guide, it will almost certainly kill the dogs,” Winograd wrote on Substack. “So dogs may be damned if Pickens County Does and damned if they don’t.” It is up to Pickens County residents to hold their Commissioners accountable for complying with state law — and in doing so, spending the community’s tax dollars in a way that is compatible with the community’s beliefs.

Other than Rodgers’ efforts, the only resource we are aware of for county residents is a Facebook group created and maintained by volunteers called Pickens County Partners for Pets.

Animal Control in Pickens County

Pickens County has no animal control services — neither in the unincorporated area nor in the municipalities of Aliceville, Reform, Carrollton, Ethelsville, Gordo, McMullen, Memphis, or Pickensville.

We offer this guidance to residents and advocates who need help or who would like the county and municipalities to offer animal services.

Dog Confinement Requirements in Pickens County

Dog confinement is not required in unincorporated Pickens County because the Pickens County Commission has not adopted Alabama Code § 3-1-5, which would require that dogs be confined to the owner’s premises or kept in the charge of a responsible person if off-premises. There are still steps you can take to address issues or to encourage the county to require confinement.

Dog Confinement Requirements Within Corporate Limits & Police Jurisdiction:

Low-Cost Spay & Neuter in Pickens County

Compassion Pet Care in Northport (a 30-minute drive from Carrollton) offers spay, neuter, and TNR (for community cats) at regular low prices, with substantial discounts to households in which a member receives government assistance. Schedule at 205-409-6150. For other resources and tips, see Low-Cost Spay/Neuter in Alabama.

The only vet in Pickens County is West Alabama Animal Hospital in Carrollton, per Bridget Crepps.

Can you can provide spay/neuter information? Please email us.

Pickens County Documents

Pickens County Commission Public Records Request Form: The County Commission does not appear to have a Public Records Request form on their website. Call the Commission to request a form or submit according to the Open Records Act template.

Sources

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