Holmes County Launches Kennel Sponsorships to Fund Medical Care
Holmes County Dog Warden Jonathan Beam told commissioners about a new Shelter Heroes Kennel sponsorship program designed to help offset rising veterinary and medical costs at the county adoption center. The program and recent license fee changes directly affect residents who license dogs or seek to support local animal care, including options to avoid a new postage charge by picking up licenses in person.
At a county commissioners meeting on December 5, 2025, Holmes County Dog Warden Jonathan Beam outlined a new Shelter Heroes Kennel sponsorship program intended to generate funds for medical and veterinary care for dogs housed at the county adoption center. The program will offer tiered sponsorships at gold and silver levels, each tied to individual kennel spaces and accompanied by recognition tags for sponsors.
Beam also reviewed recent adjustments to licensing and kennel registration fees. Dog license fees will increase from seventeen dollars to nineteen dollars. Annual kennel registration fees will rise from eighty five dollars to ninety five dollars. A two dollar postage fee will be added for licenses mailed to residents, but residents may avoid that fee by picking up licenses in person at the dog warden office.
Commissioners discussed capital fundraising for a future dog warden facility, and Beam reported that several local businesses have expressed interest in supporting the effort. The conversation underscored a dual approach, combining routine fee changes with community partnerships, to meet the growing costs of shelter medicine and facility needs.
For local residents the changes carry immediate practical implications. The modest license fee increases mean a slightly higher annual outlay for dog owners, while the new postage charge affects those who prefer mail delivery. At the same time the sponsorship program creates new opportunities for individuals and businesses to directly support specific kennel spaces, making sponsorship a way to see the impact of contributions on animal care and recovery.
The county frames the initiative as a response to rising treatment costs and a step toward more sustainable shelter operations. Commissioners signaled continued attention to capital planning and said they will work with the dog warden to outline sponsorship details and fundraising milestones. Residents interested in the program or in avoiding the postage fee should contact the Holmes County Dog Warden office for current hours and licensing pickup procedures.
