Due to the Knox County Health Department’s safer-at-home order to stymie the spread of COVID-19, Young-Williams Animal Center will temporarily pause public spay/neuter services and offer a modified adoption process.

The safer-at-home order, which goes into effect Tuesday, March 24, has the support of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and will remain in effect for two weeks.

To protect employees and the public, the shelter will limit occupancy to staff only. No volunteers or visitors will be allowed inside the shelter, located at 3201 Division St., with the exception of emergency visits to reclaim lost pets or pick up supplies from the Pet Resource Center.

• Spay/Neuter Solutions, including the Spay Shuttle, will temporarily halt services for the public.

• Curbside adoptions are now offered through a streamlined “foster to adopt” program. After the shelter returns to full function, the adopter can complete the permanent adoption process via phone. Apply online at www.young-williams.org/adopt-a-pet/.

• The curbside foster program will continue. Apply at www.young-williams.org/get-involved/foster.

• The Intake department (including Lost & Found) will remain open to take in strays and for owners to reclaim lost pets. Call 865-215-6665 or text the number posted on the door at the shelter for assistance.

• The Pet Resource Center will remain open for pet owners who need free pet supplies, food or other help to keep pets in their home. Call 865-363-6702, email [email protected] or text the number posted on the door for assistance.

“We have made changes based on the safer-at-home order that has been issued to keep our employees as safe as possible at the shelter,” says Janet Testerman, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “We are an essential business under this order, and we want to assure everyone that the animals are still receiving the best care.”

For more information, call 865-215-6599 or visit http://www.young-williams.org//.