About FJCAS: Our Story, Our Progress
The Friends of Jackson County Animal Shelter (FJCAS) was founded by Mark Pack in 2022 in response to a dire need in our community for safe shelter and supporting services to help unwanted and neglected animals.
An engineer and lifelong animal lover (his weakness is German Shepherds), Mark launched his vision by hosting a meeting at the old 12 Degrees Tavern in downtown Gainesboro, describing his dream for a multi-phase project that would start with a dog shelter, expand to a cat shelter, and eventually include a veterinary clinic, dog training facility, pet park and more. The response was overwhelming; the meeting was standing room only. Dozens of folks attended, and many of the volunteers who dedicated their support at that first meeting are still helping FJCAS today.
Now, FJCAS still remains entirely run by volunteers - there are no paid staff. Every dime of donations and grants goes to these animal welfare programs in Jackson County:
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Deeply-discounted spay and neuter to reduce our County's population of unwanted animals;
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Medical care and fostering to provide safe, temporary homes for abandoned pets;
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Adoptions to find them permanent, loving homes when they are ready; and
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Community pet food distribution to help struggling owners with the cost of keeping their beloved pets.
And while we keep these essential programs going, we're working hard to clear a construction site, find grants and launch a Building Campaign to fund the shelter construction. (You can read about our Building Progress here.)
LET'S FACE it - FJCAS has a big vision and an uphill climb. But the need in Jackson County is great and WE remain dedicated to achieving Mark Pack's vision. thanks to our donors, we are making a real difference in jackson county. read BELOW about what our programs have achieved so faR.
Spay/Neuter Progress ... So Far
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In late 2024, FJCAS kicked off its Spay/Neuter Program, sponsoring 58 spays and neuters of community pets and rescued animals, paying over $5,500 of their medical costs (including spay/neuter, vaccinations, heartworm/flea/tick preventives, microchipping, and urgent medical interventions)
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In 2025, FJCAS sponsored 392 spays and neuters of community pets and rescued animals, paying over $39,500 of their medical costs
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As of July 31, in 2026, FJCAS will have sponsored 217 spays and neuters of community pets and rescued animals, paying over $20,000 of their medical costs
DID YOU KNOW ... spaying or neutering your pet is one of the best things you can do for your pet's health and long life? Read about it here.
DID YOU KNOW ... in addition to deeply discounting the cost of spay/neuter, FJCAS maintains a necessity fund to cover the full cost of the procedure for pet owners who are financially challenged? If you are in need of financial support for spay/neuter, email us here.
Fostering and Adoption Progress .... So Far
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From 2024 through today, FJCAS has adopted out 57 dogs and cats into permanent, loving homes. Are you ready to add a loving and loyal best friend to your family? Please take a look at the adoption-ready animals we are sponsoring - you may find the love of your life!
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As of today, 18 dogs and cats are being fostered, with all food and medical costs paid fully by FJCAS. And yet there are still so many who need to be fostered - without a shelter in Jackson County, fostering is our only hope of caring for animals who are waiting and longing for a forever family.
DID YOU KNOW ... fostering is one of the most rewarding things an animal lover can do? There is nothing more fulfilling than watching a lonely, hurting animal recover its trust and hope. Read about it here.
DID YOU KNOW ... while we work to build a shelter, FJCAS is actively supporting fostered animals and is always in need of more foster homes. Could you open your heart and home temporarily to a pet in need? We would love to hear from you. All the information you need can be found here.
Community Pet Food Distribution ... So Far
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Every month, FJCAS distributes 600-800 lbs of free dog and cat food to pet owners in our community who face financial challenges.
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In some cases, we deliver food directly to pet owners who are without transportation or unable to drive.
DID YOU KNOW ... that for some folks, pet food assistance has made the difference in their ability to keep their dogs or cats. Read about the Pet Food Program here and how you can get help or give help.
