Pet needs during pandemic addressed by Mayor Jacobs
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs visited Young-Williams Animal Center Wednesday, April 8, to raise awareness for the shelter’s community support programs.
He also filmed a short public service announcement highlighting the shelter’s needs and efforts to serve the community as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re seeing an increasing number of local pet owners who have encountered economic hardship and are asking us for help,” said Janet Testerman, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “No person should have to surrender a beloved pet due to cost concerns. We appreciate Mayor Jacobs’ support of our programs and are grateful for anyone who is able to follow his lead and donate supplies.”
Here’s a snapshot of the shelter’s needs:
• Wet and dry dog food
• Canned cat food (not salmon flavored)
• Unflavored Pedialyte
• Kong toys for dogs
• Baby gates, pack and plays or pop-up playpens
• Dog houses
• Donations for emergency vet care
If you would like to donate food, River Dog Bakery is donating one bag of dog food for every bag purchased from the store and will deliver those to the shelter on your behalf. For more information, visit https://riverdogbakery.com/.
“There are so many ripple effects caused by COVID-19,” Jacobs said. “It has to be terrible to feel like there are no other options than pet surrender, and Young-Williams Animal Center is doing everything it can to ensure that pet owners get the help and supplies they need.”
Young-Williams Animal Center, 3200 Division St. off Sutherland Avenue, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, but closed daily from 1 to 2 p.m. for animal quiet time.
The shelter encourages anyone who is able to apply online for curbside foster or adoption appointments at www.young-williams.org.
