Friends of Gloucester County Animal Control, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has one simple mission: help dogs in need.

“It’s a really small organization,” said Jim Woodward, a board member of FOGCAC. “We’re all volunteer.”

The funds the group raises primarily goes towards the medical care of the dogs residing at Gloucester County Animal Control, located behind Big Lots and Tractor Supply at Shoppes at Gloucester, to get them healthy enough to adopt out.

“This organization exists to provide medical treatment for these dogs,” said Woodward.

Supplying proper medical care and treatment “increases chances of these dogs getting adopted tenfold,” said Woodward.

The group also raised money this year to expand the dog runs at animal control. “That’s a need we identified,” said Woodward.

One important goal of the nonprofit is to not only raise money, but also bring awareness to the 300-400 dogs that animal control houses every year.

“It’s been higher than that,” said Woodward.

A third of those dogs are briefly lost and returned to their owners fairly quickly.

“Two thirds of those dogs are abandoned, neglected and, a lot of times, in really bad shape,” said Woodward.

However, some dogs are reluctantly surrendered by their owner to animal control due to life circumstances, such as a move or having a child with an allergy.

FOGCAC would also like to encourage more people to volunteer at the shelter.

“The shelter needs volunteers,” said Woodward.

Volunteer opportunities at the animal control shelter include walking dogs, fostering, taking a dog on a day trip, making treats and simply spending time with the animals to make them feel loved.

“As a community, we can do better than this,” he said.

The shelter currently has approximately 40 dogs in its care and about 30 of them are ready to be adopted, according to Woodward.

“We are very, very grateful for the support we have received to date,” he said.

Since the organization first came into existence last December, it has received a lot of community support from both businesses and individuals.

“Almost everybody I’ve asked has said yes,” said Woodward about raising funds.

The group has been able to raise enough money to pay for the additional fencing for the dog runs and have money in the bank to support the dogs’ medical care.

“We’re really happy with the support we’ve received from the community,” said Woodward.

In the new year, FOGCAC will continue to raise money to support the dogs and also try to “raise awareness and find forever homes for those dogs,” he said.

In addition to Woodward, Joyce Emerson and Amy Brown also serve on the FOGCAC board.

All donations to FOGCAC are tax deductible since it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations can be received on PayPal @pounddogs412 or on Venmo @friendsofGCAC. Amazon and Chewy wish lists can be found on the Friends of Gloucester County Animal Control VA Facebook page. The organization can be reached at FOGCAC@gmail.com.

To view available dogs for adoption, visit the Gloucester Animal Control Outreach Program page on PetFinder. Adoption applications can be found at pub.gloco-sitedocs.com/AC/Adoption_Application.pdf.

For those who cannot give monetarily or adopt, volunteers at Gloucester County Animal Control are always welcome and needed.

“If you’ve got some time, volunteer,” he said.