New Chilton County Humane Society Director Scott Missildine started working with animals when he realized the impact they have in people’s lives.

“Animals open people up,” he said.

Missildine has been on the job for about three weeks. He replaces Joe Murphy, who recently stepped down as director.

The two worked together during a transition period last month, and Missildine said he looks forward to continuing the work Murphy started.

Specifically, Missildine wants to see an increase in adoptions and more awareness about the benefits of spaying/neutering and regular vaccines.

“We want to adopt animals out of here to the community,” he said.

Missildine said people should consider adopting from shelters rather than buying from breeders. He said adoptions are up around the holidays as usual, and, hopefully, the momentum will carry through the spring and winter.

Missildine’s other goals include working with schools to teach responsible pet ownership and partnering with rescues, like Pilots for Paws, which offer homes for animals that aren’t locally adopted.

Missildine went to high school in Prattville and studied geography at the University of South Alabama. While in college, he worked at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Mobile. He also spent 27 months in the Peace Corps, teaching environmental education in Paraguay.

He’s worked at the Prattville/Autauga Humane Society as co-director and worked with the Montgomery Humane Society as a volunteer coordinator, administrative assistant and humane deputy. He’s also in the National Guard.

Missildine encourages anyone considering adopting a pet to visit the humane society.

“Just come down and take a look around,” he said.

It’s also a good idea for families that already have dogs to bring them along for a visit to see how the animals interact.

The humane society is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Adoption fees are $110 for dogs and $85 for cats, which includes spaying/neutering and all needed vaccines.

The society is also always looking for supplies, donations and volunteers. Items that tend to always run low include bleach, cat litter and paper towels. Monetary donations help with vet bills and other needs.

“I look forward to working with the vets,” Missildine said.

Volunteers can help in many ways, including walking dogs and giving animals extra attention.

“I would love for more people to come in (and volunteer),” Missildine said. “Being with people helps the animals adjust (when potential families visit the shelter).”