Make Christmas a holiday to remember with a new furry family member during the ‘Home for the Pawlidays’ adoption special at Young-Williams Animal Center on Dec. 21-24. All pets will be available for a donation of your choice, excluding puppies.

 

The four-day special starts Friday, Dec. 21, and continues through Christmas Eve at both shelter locations at 3201 Division Street and 6400 Kingston Pike. Both locations are open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily and close from 1-2 p.m. for an hour of quiet time for the animals.

 

“Our spaces are almost full, and these pets want nothing more than to find a forever home in time for the holidays,” says Janet Testerman, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “Please open your hearts this holiday season and save a shelter animal.”

 

Adopters will be asked to make a mandatory donation in the amount of their choice to Young-Williams Animal Center. As always, cats 3 years and older are free to adopt. The adoption fee for puppies remains $250.

 

The donations are used to cover the cost of medical exams, vaccinations and care of the animals. As the municipal shelter of the City of Knoxville and Knox County, Young-Williams Animal Center takes in approximately 10,000 animals a year.

 

Every animal adopted during the “Home for the Pawlidays” promotion will receive the same services covered by the regular adoption fees, which include a veterinary exam, spay/neuter surgery, some standard vaccinations, a microchip with registration and more. All adopters also will be screened by shelter staff.

 

Research by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has shown that pets provided as gifts are as likely to be kept and as well cared for as pets adopted by owners.

 

“Animals can be a special gift but always be sure to verify that the new family is open to adopting and eager to care for the new arrival,” Testerman says. “We work year-round to get our animals adopted into wonderful homes, and it is especially meaningful to see animals leave our shelter at Christmas and during the holidays.”