News Summary
The OCHS Animal Support Center has officially opened in Starkville, MS, marking the first facility of its kind in the state. This new center, a collaboration between the Oktibbeha County Humane Society and the ASPCA, aims to improve animal care and welfare by providing enhanced resources for local shelters. With a focus on spaying and neutering, the center plans to perform 5,800 surgeries annually, significantly increasing the capacity for animal care. The center’s goal is to reduce the number of unwanted litters and improve adoption rates for animals in the region.
OCHS Animal Support Center Launches in Starkville, Mississippi!
In an exciting development for pet lovers and animal advocates, the OCHS Animal Support Center has officially opened its doors in Starkville, Mississippi! This brand new facility is a result of a fantastic collaboration between the Oktibbeha County Humane Society (OCHS) and the ASPCA, and it promises to be a game changer for animal welfare in the region.
A First-of-Its-Kind Facility
The opening of this state-of-the-art center marks a significant milestone as it is the first facility of its kind in Mississippi dedicated to enhancing animal sheltering and veterinary care services. Now, local animal shelters can look forward to better resources and support to care for their furry residents.
One of the highlights of the center is its emphasis on spaying and neutering. The OCHS Spay & Neuter Clinic, housed within the new facility, will allow for an impressive 5,800 spay/neuter surgeries annually. This is a huge leap from the previous capacity of just 2,900, meaning more pets will have the chance for a healthier future and families will see fewer strays roaming the streets.
Room to Grow
The center also features the newly constructed VanLandingham Kennel Facility, extending an additional 3,300 square feet and housing 30 kennels. This expanded space will facilitate the transport of up to 3,500 animals each year to other shelters where they have better chances of being adopted. Previously, this number was limited to only 1,800. With these improvements, the community can expect a significant enhancement in the quality of care for animals in transition.
Financial Support and Goals
Making this all possible was a generous $1 million in grant funding from the ASPCA, aimed at establishing the new center. The hopeful goal is to significantly reduce the number of unwanted litters in Starkville and the surrounding areas, which has been a persistent problem. With the right resources, this forward-thinking facility aims to cut down the time animals spend in shelters, ensuring they get adopted into loving homes more quickly.
The facility has been thoughtfully designed to improve health safeguards for both shelter animals and those en route to new homes. Removing barriers to care and adjusting the process for how they are transported means that animals will have a greater chance of arriving safely and comfortably at their destinations.
A Bright Future for Animals
The opening of the OCHS Animal Support Center represents a monumental step toward enhancing animal welfare services in Northeast Mississippi. Since the partnership with the ASPCA began in 2016, over 18,000 animals have been successfully relocated to shelters that provide them with better adoption opportunities. This new center adds even more potential to that incredible statistic and offers hope for countless pets and their families.
As Starkville residents embrace this wonderful addition to their community, it is clear that the OCHS Animal Support Center is set to make a significant and lasting impact. From improved veterinary care to better adoption rates, the facility is designed to serve as a valuable resource for both pets and their families in the area.
With new programs and initiatives on the horizon, the community can look forward to positive changes in addressing the challenges of animal welfare. With everyone pulling together, it’s a hopeful time for our four-legged friends in Starkville!
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Additional Resources
- The Dispatch: 150 New Homes Coming to East Oktibbeha County
- Wikipedia: Oktibbeha County
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Deer Hunter Harvests Monster Trophy Buck
- Google Search: Mississippi deer hunting
- Starkville Daily News: Lee Ann Turner Sworn In as Oktibbeha’s First County
- Google Scholar: Oktibbeha County history
- PR Newswire: ASPCA and Oktibbeha County Humane Society Open Animal Support Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Welfare
- Starkville Daily News: Livingston Works to Digitize Oktibbeha County Records
- Google News: Oktibbeha County records
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
