About Our Animal Shelter

The Floyd County Animal Shelter is operated by the Dewey Dam Dog and Cat Protection Society, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare in Eastern Kentucky.

Founded in 1986, the Dewey Dam Dog and Cat Protection Society has served Floyd County for decades, providing safe shelter, veterinary care, and adoption services for thousands of stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals. The organization has long prioritized rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible pet ownership while working with limited resources and a small but dedicated team.

The shelter operates out of a facility located just outside Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and maintains a no-kill philosophy—placing a strong emphasis on lifesaving outcomes and the humane treatment of every animal in its care.

Over the years, the shelter has partnered with regional rescues, transport programs, and community volunteers to expand its lifesaving capacity. In recent years, the shelter has responded to rising intake numbers by expanding medical services, increasing adoption outreach, and strengthening relationships with veterinarians and rescue networks across the region.

In 2024, the Dewey Dam Dog and Cat Protection Society began construction of a new animal shelter facility on the same property, directly across from the existing building. This major project reflects the community’s commitment to improving animal welfare infrastructure in Floyd County. Once completed, the new facility will offer expanded space, better ventilation and lighting, and improved access for the public, staff, and volunteers.

The organization continues to serve as the municipal shelter for Floyd County, taking in animals picked up by county animal control as well as owner surrenders.

The Floyd County Animal Shelter exists not only to protect animals, but to serve the people who love them—building a healthier, more humane future for all.

Our Mission

At the Floyd County Animal Shelter, our mission is to protect the lives of animals in need, provide compassionate and ethical care, and build a safer, healthier community through rescue, rehabilitation, education, and outreach.

We believe every animal deserves a chance at life—and every community deserves access to humane, sustainable animal care solutions. Guided by this belief, we serve the people and pets of Floyd County with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to lifesaving.

Our Goals

🐾 1. Provide Safe Shelter and Humane Care

We aim to offer a clean, compassionate, and medically sound environment for every animal in our care. Our shelter staff and volunteers work daily to ensure that all animals receive appropriate food, housing, veterinary treatment, enrichment, and attention while they wait for adoption or placement.

🩺 2. Expand Access to Veterinary Services

Our long-term vision includes building a sustainable infrastructure for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter (HQHVSN) right here in Floyd County. Through partnerships with regional nonprofits and veterinary professionals, we hope to dramatically increase surgical capacity, reduce shelter intake, and improve access to preventative care—especially for underserved communities and rural pet owners.

💙 3. Promote Adoption and Rescue Collaboration

We actively partner with reputable rescues, adoption networks, and transport programs to maximize placement opportunities for every animal. Our goal is to maintain a live release rate that reflects our core commitment to no-kill sheltering practices and to give every adoptable animal a second chance.

📣 4. Educate and Engage Our Community

We believe education is key to long-term change. Through outreach programs, community events, school partnerships, and digital campaigns, we aim to promote responsible pet ownership, the importance of spay/neuter, and the value of compassion toward animals.

🏗️ 5. Complete Our New Shelter Facility

The construction of our new shelter is more than just a building project—it’s a foundation for the future. This new space will allow us to expand services, improve working conditions, and better serve both animals and the community. Once complete, it will support everything from intake and adoptions to HQHVSN surgery and public outreach.

Looking Ahead

The future of Floyd County’s animal welfare depends on both vision and action. As we grow, we are committed to investing in the systems, services, and partnerships needed to break the cycle of overpopulation and neglect. With the support of our community, we will build a shelter—and a county—that protects its animals with dignity, skill, and compassion.

Our Impact on the Community

Adopting a pet from our shelter not only saves a life but also enriches your own. Each adoption helps us create space for more animals in need and fosters a sense of community. We believe that every pet deserves a second chance, and through our adoption programs, we aim to match pets with families who will love and care for them. Our shelter serves as a resource for the community, providing support and guidance for new pet owners to ensure successful adoptions.

We are proud of the positive changes we have made in the lives of countless animals and families. Our shelter is more than just a place for animals; it is a community hub for education, support, and advocacy. We invite you to join us in our mission to promote animal welfare and make a lasting impact. Together, we can create a compassionate community where every animal is valued and loved.