About Us

About Wiregrass Pets Rescue

The Wiregrass Pets Rescue and Adoption Center has created an exemplary animal shelter and community-friendly adoption facility right here in Dothan and Houston County, Alabama.

We meet the basic needs of domesticated animals, primarily cats and dogs, until they are reclaimed by their owner, adopted into a loving home, or placed with one of our long-term foster volunteers.

We built this center for our local communities, because pets and people in the Wiregrass deserve a safe, compassionate space where second chances begin. By providing care, comfort, and adoption opportunities, we’re not only saving animals’ lives but also strengthening the bond between pets and families across our region. 🐾

Our mission

The Wiregrass Pets Rescue and Adoption Center exists to provide humane care and shelter for the lost and abandoned companion animals, and to find loving homes for all adoptable pets.

Rachel Smith

Executive Director

Our Director

As Executive Director of Wiregrass Pet Rescue & Adoption Center, Rachel developed and coordinated the Home At Last Capital Campaign to build the new animal shelter for Dothan and Houston County. Rachel grew up in northeast Ohio outside Cleveland and began volunteering at the local Animal Protective League at a young age. Her love of animals continued after she graduated from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and began working with a local limited intake nonprofit animal shelter, first as a volunteer, then as a member of their adoption team, eventually being promoted to Adoptions Manager while also helping as a Humane Educator. Rachel then assisted in opening Gem City Catfe, Dayton’s first cat cafe, as their General Manager. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia, Rachel worked with Lifeline Animal Project at DeKalb County Animal Services, one of the largest animal shelters in Georgia, as Placement Manager. She now calls Southeast Alabama home with her hubby, three furbabies, and a revolving door of foster pets. 

Our Leadership

Allison Jones - Shelter Manager

Allison is deeply committed to animal welfare and brings a strong background in nonprofit shelter work to her role. She has four years of experience working at a nonprofit animal shelter, where she gained valuable management experience and developed a strong foundation in shelter operations. In addition, she spent a year working at a high-volume, nonprofit spay and neuter clinic, further expanding her knowledge of animal care and community-based veterinary services.

When not focused on helping animals in need, Allison enjoys spending time with her four beloved dogs—Maui, Sway, Bentley, and Fern—and her three incredible children. She’s excited to help build a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for both animals and the community.

Dedra Garrey - Volunteer & Education Coordinator

Dedra Garrey, known to most as Dee, serves as the Education and Volunteer Coordinator with a deep passion for community engagement and animal advocacy. With over 11 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, she has collaborated with staff and volunteers to champion causes ranging from youth development and historical preservation to animal welfare. A lifelong animal lover, Dee is excited to bring her experience and heart for service to the Wiregrass community, helping improve the lives of local pets and the people who
care for them.

Outside of work, Dee enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring the outdoors through camping and ATV riding, and cheering on the Troy Trojans. As a proud supporter of Troy University’s band program, she never misses an opportunity to watch her two sons perform with The Sound of the South marching band. Dee looks forward to connecting with fellow animal lovers and volunteers to make a lasting impact across the region.

Casey Green - Marketing & Events Coordinator

Casey Green is a highly engaged member of the Wiregrass community, known for her leadership across the arts, nonprofit, and animal welfare sectors. She now serves as the Marketing and Events Coordinator for Wiregrass Pets, bringing years of experience in both nonprofit and legal marketing. Casey is also the Technical Director for Alabama Dance Works and a Vice President on the board of Aero Theatrics of Enterprise, AL, where she continues to support and grow the region’s creative landscape.
A versatile and community-driven professional, Casey has led campaigns, built brands, and fostered meaningful connections across a wide range of industries. She is the owner of Casey G. Photography and an affiliate photographer with The Tilly Project, a nonprofit that connects pet families with photographers specializing in end-of-life sessions.
A longtime advocate for both the arts and rescue communities, Casey’s work blends storytelling, empathy, and impact. Her background includes fundraising, social media, photography, event coordination, and public outreach. She approaches each initiative with professionalism and purpose, working to strengthen community ties, elevate animal welfare, and create lasting, meaningful engagement.

Want to spend your days working with animals?

Want to Volunteer?

Adult Volunteers

Engage in meaningful activities like dog walking, cat cuddling, and assisting with office tasks or event planning to support our rescue efforts.

Junior Volunteers

Teen volunteers can participate in creating enrichment projects, helping at adoption events, and learning about animal care and teamwork.

Kid Volunteers

Young animal enthusiasts can contribute by making enrichment items, gathering donations, and joining family-friendly projects.

Our vision

The Wiregrass Pet Rescue and Adoption Center will provide resource programs and humane education to ensure our Wiregrass Communities value all companion animals and treat them with respect and kindness.

Want to Foster?

🐾 Ways You Can Change a Life Through Fostering.

Whether it’s for a few hours, a weekend, or several weeks, fostering makes a world of difference. At Wiregrass Pets Rescue, we have programs for every lifestyle, from long-term and short-term care to bottle babies, slumber parties, and dog day outs. However you choose to help, your time gives pets love, comfort, and a better chance at finding their forever home. 🐾