05/27/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the County Manager's Office:
Animal Shelter Facility Improvements and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Madison County, NC - May 27, 2026
The Madison County Animal Shelter (MCAS) has made strides toward facility and operational improvements with the assistance of local non-profit, Beyond Animal Sheltering (BAS). Facility upgrades
include the addition of a new building adjacent to the original facility, significantly improving infrastructure for animals being cared for at the shelter and enabling an enhanced visitor experience and improved service to residents.
The new building, donated by the Madison County Public School System, was relocated from the Hot Springs Elementary School campus and renovated by community volunteers, including members of Beyond Animal Sheltering. In addition, the County Government worked through MCAS to facilitate site preparation, perimeter fencing with an electronic gate, and utilities. The facility offers a welcoming, comfortable space for visitors to meet adoptable animals and strengthens the animal shelter's capacity to respond during high demand or emergencies while freeing up space in the original shelter building for medical treatment, holding, and quarantine.
"For me, the most exciting part of this building is the climate controlled meet-and-greet area that will allow adopters and volunteers a comfortable space to truly connect with animals. It will also help us utilize more volunteers and free up space for critical medical and quarantine needs," explains Pia Cash, Director of MCAS.
In partnership with BAS, MCAS will continue to promote the well-being of animals within the shelter and the community while realizing infrastructure improvements and long-term solutions that prioritize animal health and welfare.
Sydney Queen, BAS Board of Directors President, stated, "BAS is thrilled to be able to provide this space to improve MCAS animal services. We are grateful to everyone who came together to bring this vision to fruition. Madison County and Pia Cash have been incredibly supportive and instrumental in this process, as have the countless volunteers who invested so much time and skill into making this building a cohesive and functional space for the shelter. We couldn't have done it without them."
A grand reopening to celebrate the new facility is planned for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event, which will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a tour of the facility, and a speaker from the Board of Commissioners. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark an important milestone for MCAS and the community.
