During their March 25, 2025, Work Session Meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved the transition of services, via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for the management of Park Rangers, Animal Control and the Pet Adoption & Resource Center.

“When evaluating operational efficiencies, as well as best allocation of County tax-payer dollars, we made the decision in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office to transition operations of these three departments,” said Forsyth County Manager David McKee. “The transition will not only allow for great management of these crucial services to the community, but it will also equate to a tremendous savings for the County.”

The MOU provides a framework for cooperation and communication between the County and Sheriff’s Office in providing services. The MOU can be viewed by clicking here. A joint video announcing the changes can also be found by clicking here.  

“The Sheriff’s Office brings unique opportunities to enhance the Pet Adoption & Resource Center, our ability to utilize inmate labor for cleaning and sanitation, as well as the addition of the incredible work by our 160 plus citizen volunteers will allow not only significant financial savings, possibly even more importantly it will allow the dedicated staff at the Center to focus not on cleaning, but working with and socializing animals to prepare them for adoption,” said Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman.

“Couple that with our incredibly successful Pups with Purpose Jail Dog program, and I am excited to see just how far we can go in protecting and caring for our communities’ animals. Our Park Rangers were equally a natural fit in with the FCSO as safety is our job #1. We will augment them with our SROs when schools are out of session again with our large volunteer force, and we will see greatly increased presence in our parks, greenway and lake parks. County Manager McKee and the Commissioners and I agree, if we can provide enhanced services and save taxpayer dollars, this is the right thing to do. And I assure you we will do it well.”

PET ADOPTION & RESOURCE CENTER AND ANIMAL SERVICES

The Sheriff’s Office will work in partnership with the community to create a safe, healthy and caring environment for both County citizens and animals through both the Pet Adoption & Resource Center and Animal Services. This shall be maintained by the Sheriff’s Office through the education and enforcement of County ordinances as they pertain to animals in the County.

PARK RANGERS

Park Deputies and Rangers are responsible for ensuring the safety, security and enjoyment of all park visitors by enforcing park rules and ordinances, promoting compliance through education and actively engaging with the community. The transition of management aligns with the mission of Forsyth County Parks & Recreation to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all users and the Sheriff’s Office to provide a safe community for residents.

The Forsyth County Code Compliance Office will remain with Forsyth County operations reporting to the Building & Licensing Office.

Transitional updates, including social media for the Pet Adoption & Resource Center, website information and more for the impacted departments will be made available via Forsyth County and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.