KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Young-Williams Animal Center is calling on East Tennesseans to adopt or foster pets as it works to place 250 animals in homes in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration.
The effort comes as the shelter faces significant overcrowding, with more than 800 cats and dogs currently in its care.
“As of today, we have 399 animals in our shelter locations and an additional 423 placed in foster homes, totaling 822 pets in our care,” said Young-Williams Animal Center CEO Janet Testerman. “Over capacity is an understatement, and we are asking for help and support. Our goal is to complete 250 adoptions in three days.”
To encourage adoptions, Young-Williams is holding a “name your own price” adoption event from July 1 through July 3. Traditional adoption fees are being waived in exchange for a donation of any amount to the shelter.
Animals adopted during the event will still receive the same benefits typically included with standard adoption fees, including veterinary exams, spay or neuter services, vaccinations, microchipping and additional care.
The adoption push comes just before the Fourth of July holiday, a time when shelters often see an increase in lost pets frightened by fireworks.
“Every year after the Fourth of July, we see an increase in lost pets arriving at our shelter because so many animals become frightened by fireworks and run away,” Testerman said. “It happens every year, and this year we’re already caring for more than 800 animals.”
Young-Williams officials say finding homes for current shelter pets will help make room for additional animals expected to arrive after the holiday weekend.
Residents interested in adopting can view available animals online or visit Young-Williams locations at 3201 Division Street and 6400 Kingston Pike. Both facilities are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a daily quiet time closure from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The shelter will be closed on July 4 for Independence Day.
