Amidst an influx of pets needing homes, Young-Williams Animal Center has hit a point of 'critical capacity' and is calling on the Knoxville community for support. CEO Janet Testerman, in a statement obtained by WVLT, explained the dire situation: "We currently have 192 dogs and 277 cats housed at the shelter. Ideal capacity is a max of 94 dogs and 84 cats for optimal space and care." In addition, they are caring for 75 dogs and 222 cats in foster homes and have 16 rabbits under their care.
As the shelter scrambles to find space for these animals, they've limited intake to emergencies only. Ironically, due to the critical situation, the public is urged not to bring in non-aggressive, uncontained stray animals. According to a WATE report, this measure is to ensure that animals in urgent need are given priority. To aid in the reunification of lost pets with their owners, the shelter recommends the use of the Petco Love Lost program, a national database with facial recognition technology, accessible at lost.petcolove.org.
To alleviate the overcrowding, Young-Williams Animal Center is waiving adoption fees through July 19, with the condition of a monetary donation. This initiative is part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation's Summer National Empty The Shelters event. Testerman emphasized, "We can all do our part to support animals in need, whether in our shelter or in a home environment through our outreach services," as she told WBIR.
The shelter also runs a Friendly Finders Program, aimed at helping lost pets find their way back home. Information on how to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate is available on their website, as per the statement obtained by WATE. Alongside these resources, Young-Williams remains dedicated to the animals' welfare, included in these numbers are 132 animals on adoption hold, with 58 at the shelter and the others on sleepovers for consideration of adoption or in foster care, as disclosed in a release. Community members are encouraged to explore these options and contribute in any way possible.
