HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight, Christian County Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam, and Melissa Goff with the Christian County Animal Shelter received a certificate from Better Cities for Pets, officially recognizing Hopkinsville as a Certified City.

Gilliam shared during the Oct. 8 Fiscal Court meeting that with this certification, Hopkinsville will have access to more grants through the state as they continue to work together to reduce strays and get more pets in loving care.

“Our shelter provides a warm welcoming place and people want to visit and take pets home”, said Gilliam. “Our city also communicates the importance of microchipping for lost pets to be returned home and we have a great microchipping program.”

Hopkinsville focuses on making pet ownership more enjoyable through parks, public spaces, and local businesses.

“This certification recognizes Hopkinsville’s efforts to welcome pets, offer pet friendly programs and amenities, and helps keep people and pets together in tough times,” said Goff.

Goff shares that at least 60% of households in the U.S. and Canada have one pet, and by leaning into pet friendliness the city can make the benefits of pet ownership more accessible and even more attractive. “A key part for us is getting all of our sheltered animals and community animals spayed or neutered,” she said. “We plan to expand the outreach of our Get Em’ Done program and are taking great strides forward.”

To celebrate the achievement, the Christian County Animal Shelter will be hosting an event in the coming weeks.