4 Middle TN animal shelters participating in 16th annual Mars Pet Adoption Weekend

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Mars is celebrating 16 years of finding loving homes for furry friends by hosting its biggest adoption event ever, with shelters around the world — including Middle Tennessee — taking part.

According to the organization, between Friday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 13, Mars will cover or match more than $100,000 in dog and cat adoption fees at 18 partner shelter locations in more than a dozen cities across the U.S. In addition, the PEDIGREE Foundation will cover or match with an additional donation of $35,000 in dog adoption fees across U.S. shelters.

This year, four shelters in Middle Tennessee will be participating in the Global Mars Pet Adoption Weekend, according to officials. As a result, adoptions at the Nashville Humane Association , Metro Animal Care and Control , and the Williamson County Animal Center will be covered by Mars and/or the PEDIGREE Foundation. Meanwhile, adoptions at Wags & Walks will be matched with a donation by Mars and/or the PEDIGREE Foundation.

“To help pets and pet parents start off on the right paw, each adopted pet will also go home with a robust welcome kit, courtesy of the Mars family of pet care brands, including a variety of food and treats to try, veterinary and accessory coupons and toys to play with together to help build a strong bond,” a press release about the event said.

The addresses and operating hours for the Middle Tennessee locations involved in the 16th annual Mars Pet Adoption weekend are included below:

Metro Animal Care and Control

Metro Animal Care and Control will be open from noon until 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday at 5125 Harding Place.

In addition to the adoption event, the shelter said it is holding its Fall Rabies Clinic to provide microchips and one-year rabies shots to pets of Davidson County residents from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 12. If you have proof of prior vaccines, your furry friend could receive three-year vaccines at no cost.

Nashville Humane Association

The Nashville Humane Association, located at 213 Oceola Avenue, is ready to welcome potential pet parents from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

This Nashville organization said it transported more than 20 dogs in need from the Unicoi County Animal Shelter and the Animal Shelter of Sullivan County earlier this week following Hurricane Helene. Those pets are expected to be available for adoption this weekend, with fees covered by Mars and/or the PEDIGREE Foundation.

Wags & Walks

Over at 100 Bonnabrook Drive in Hermitage, Wags & Walks will be hosting its Mars Pet Adoption Weekend event from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Williamson County Animal Center

The Williamson County Animal Center — which is located at 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court in Franklin — will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. However, the facility is closed on Sunday.

Those interested in adopting from the Williamson County Animal Center are encouraged to fill out an application on the shelter’s website ahead of time.

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“According to the recently released Mars Pet Parent Study — which gathered insights from 20,000 pet parents in 20 countries — more than half (56%) of those surveyed own a cat or dog, with 47% of these as first-time owners. What’s more, in the U.S., one-third of dog (37%) and cat (36%) owners consider their pets the most significant aspect of their lives…The Mars Pet Parent Study also found that 66% of dogs and 70% of cats are acquired when they are three months or younger. This Pet Adoption Weekend, Mars, experts in pet parent centricity, is shining a light on the importance of compatibility when looking for a pet, encouraging people to find an animal companion that aligns with their lifestyle, personality, and interests,” officials said.

To learn more about the 16th annual Mars Pet Adoption Weekend, as well as the other shelters participating in the event across the country, click here .

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