Transformational Donation to Fund New Giles County Animal Shelter Facility

GILES COUNTY, Tenn. - The Giles County Animal Shelter is announcing a large donation that they say will be a turning point for animal welfare in Giles County.

The shelter has received a transformational gift from the BISSELL Pet foundation, led by Cathy Bissell, to help build a new facility in Giles County. The gift will support construction of the core structure of a new shelter facility with support of up to $300,000. The new facility will be located just near the current shelter facing the Pulaski National Guard Armory. Director of the Giles County Animal Shelter, Jaclyn Payne, says this investment is monumental for the shelter and helps improve animal welfare without requesting money from the county this fiscal year. 

Shelter officials say the existing structure was built in the 1960s as a dog pound and was never designed or intended to function as a modern animal shelter or community resource. As expectations, laws and best practices in animal care have evolved, the limitations of the facility have become increasingly clear. 

In 2025, 469 dogs were taken in, which is nearly double the amount taken in during 2024 when 276 dogs were taken into the shelter. Adoptions also nearly doubled and euthanasia dropped by two-thirds, even with significantly higher intake. The numbers reflect progress but also the gap between need and capacity. 

The new facility will offer safer, more humane housing for animals and improved workflow for staff and animal control. Additional rooms, including intake, an on-site spay and neuter suite and laundry areas are anticipated to be completed through community donations, sponsorships and volunteer efforts.  

Currently, planning and approval phases are underway, with construction anticipated to be complete by August of 2026. Payne says community involvement remains essential and invites the community to visit the current shelter.

Cathy Bissell and the BISSELL Pet Foundation says "I am honored to support the Giles County Animal Shelter with a new facility, the pets served by this shelter deserve a safe, comfortable environment where they can decompress, feel secure and show their true personalities, helping them find loving homes."

The Giles County Animal Shelter says it is deeply grateful to Cathy Bissell and the BISELL Pet Foundation for believing in this community and its animals.

Blueprint donated by Butcher Drafting: