FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) – From big cities to small towns, animal shelters are overcrowded and pets are in desperate need of adoption. In Franklin, volunteers at the Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) are putting their pockets together to help combat the issue.
“A few weeks ago, we found out we were out of space,” said Jennifer Biggs, a volunteer at WCAC. “We had to open up in-pound which we haven’t done before for our adoptable dogs. That was a red flag for me and I knew in this brand new, beautiful building, for us to be out of space meant a crisis.”
“This has been a very eye-opening year for us,” said Scott Pieper, assistant director of WCAC.
“Intakes have been relatively steady with last year’s numbers, but adoptions are down significantly, by as much as 20%.”
MACC waives adoption fees amid ‘dangerous level’ of overcrowding Pieper said it’s been a learning experience.
“We are experiencing things for the first time with having more adoptable dogs than kennels. We’re seeing puppies grow up here which hardly ever happened before,” Pieper said.
Biggs led the volunteer effort and together the team raised enough money to sponsor 50 adoptions of puppies, dogs, or cats.
That will save adopters anywhere between $50 and $85, providing them with a “fur-ever” friend, and a clear shelter in their community.
“It would just be a moment to take a breath, for the staff, for the volunteers, for the community because we could be empty,” said Biggs.
Pieper said they prepare the animals for home life and ensure they are spayed, neutered, and have all of their shots.
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The ‘Clear the Shelter’ event runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The first 20 adoptions receive a gift bag. Plus, family-friendly events will run on Friday and Saturday.
FRIDAY
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.:
- ‘ Touch a Truck ‘ – fire, police, and garbage trucks on-site
- Lemonade stand
- Face painting
- 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Sidewalk chalk contest (winner gets to name a dog!)
- Friendship bracelets, temporary tattoos, color, stickers
SATURDAY
The WCAC is located at 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a dog go to a home,” said Biggs. “It makes my heart swell every time.”
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