Wilson County mayor, animal control director urge volunteers as shelter plans new Tennessee Boulevard facility

Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto and Steve Gatlin, director of Wilson County Animal Control, used a local television appearance to promote a new nonprofit and recruit volunteers as the county plans a larger shelter on Tennessee Boulevard.

The nonprofit, Friends of Wilson County Animal Control, has formed to support the county shelter’s adoption events and outreach, Gatlin said. "Friends of Wilson County Animal Control," he said, recommending ways residents can help by volunteering to walk dogs, staffing adoption events and assisting community programs.

Gatlin described plans for a replacement facility on Tennessee Boulevard, saying, "It'll be twice the size of the building we have now, and we're probably gonna be in there maybe in a year," and stressing that the timeline depends on volunteer support. He said volunteers will be needed to help get dogs ready for adoption and to operate the facility as a community gathering spot.

The segment also highlighted the shelter’s use of social media to connect animals with adopters. "Just this week, we had somebody drive from Kingsport to adopt a dog," Gatlin said, crediting Facebook followers and other social posts with expanding the pool of potential adopters. Hutto noted that donations take many forms, including monetary gifts and in-kind items such as pet food and supplies, and mentioned public figures who have supported the shelter.

Hutto, identifying himself as Wilson County mayor, thanked Gatlin and his team for the everyday work of caring for animals and encouraged residents to participate. No formal county action or funding decision was announced during the segment; the appearance focused on outreach, volunteer recruitment and the announced facility plan.

The segment ended with mutual thanks; the shelter’s organizers are seeking volunteers and donations while continuing outreach and preparations for the Tennessee Boulevard site.