Young-Williams announces new program to help lost pets get home

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Operations at Young-Williams Animal Center have finally returned to normal, but the shelter has shared it is launching a new program to help them be better than “normal.”

Over the last few weeks, Young-Williams has worked hard to help more than 100 pets find homes after a month-long battle with distemper cases . In early July, Young-Williams shared that there were no more cases of distemper at the shelter’s locations, but the best way to protect the animals at Young-Williams was to reduce the number of pets entering the shelter.

Statistically, dogs only have about a 10 to 15 percent chance of being reclaimed after enter the shelter, even though they are typically typically found within a one-mile radius of their home, Young-Williams explained. The shelter shared an update on Facebook Saturday announcing the new program.

“Thank you, everyone, for all of your support in the past several weeks. Our intake department and Young-Williams Animal Services have returned to normal operations and continue their vital work, bringing 92 animals into our care this week alone,” Young-Williams wrote. “That said, to best serve the animals of our community, we have to be better than “normal.””

The new program will be called “Friendly Finders” and will allow those who find a lost pet to keep them, rather than surrender them, for three to five days while utilizing available tools, neighborhood connections and social media to attempt to reunite the pet with their owners.

The program aims to help reduce overcrowding in shelters while improving the chances of the lost pets getting home. Young-Williams shared that it will provide food and supplies needed for the pet during those few days.

“Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and families in our community.”

Young-Williams did not share what date the program is anticipated to begin.

Anyone who has found a lost pet in the Knoxville-Knox County area is still asked to Young-Williams Intake Department at 865-433-9922 ext. 2009, visit us at 3201 Division Street, or call Young-Williams Animal Services at 865-407-2229.

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