In 2013, the Beaufort County Animal Shelter took in more than 4,500 animals, but with the help of staff, social media and the Tabby House, more animals were adopted and returned to owners compared to 2012. Last year, there were also 18 percent fewer animals euthanized at the shelter compared to 2012.

Of the 4,537 animals that came to the shelter, 1,436 were transferred to other shelters or pet adoption organizations, 653 were returned to their owner, up 41 percent from 2012, and 741 were adopted, up 31 percent from 2012.

The Tabby House, a cat adoption center started in 2012 by the county, helped the adoption rate improve in 2013 due to the center finding new homes for 230 cats. Without the volunteer foster families and volunteers who facilitate all operations of the Tabby House, the county shelter would not have saved 58 percent of the felines.

“The Animal Shelter underwent some significant changes in 2013, but one thing that didn’t change was the staff working hard to make sure more animals were going back to their own home or finding a new home,” said Beaufort County Animal Shelter Director Tallulah Trice.