Animal Center Announces Extension of Program to Keep Pets and People Together
Funding from PEDIGREE Foundation enables multiple middle Tennessee organizations to team up and continue a free behavioral training program that prevents the unnecessary surrender of dogs
Friends of Williamson County Animal Center has been awarded an extension of funding for a canine behavior training class designed to divert the surrender of dogs. Having concluded in January, the first year of the project provided support for 100 dogs in Cheatham, Davidson, Maury, and Williamson Counties. Montgomery County has been included as part of the re-launch.
According to Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) Director, Ondrea Johnson, only one dog served by the program was ultimately surrendered. “We know that most people do not want to surrender their pet,” said Johnson. “However, they don’t know how to properly correct disruptive behaviors or aren’t even aware of tools and resources available to them that can help.”
The extension for the Collaborative Grant provided by PEDIGREE Foundation supports a collective effort between WCAC, Cheatham County Animal Control (CCAC), Maury County Animal Shelter (MCAS), Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC), Montgomery County Animal Care and Control (MCACC), Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue (SGDR), and numerous private trainers. Johnson stated that the goal for the extension is to proactively address behavioral issues at no cost to the families.
She encourages anyone who is struggling with their dog’s behavior to contact the partner shelter near them for more information.
WCAC (www.adoptwcac.org) is open to the public Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.; and closed Sunday. Located at 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court in Franklin, hours may vary due to holidays. Phone: (615) 790-5590
CCAC (www.ccactn.org) is open to the public 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; closed Wednesdays and Sundays. Hours may vary due to holidays. The shelter is located at 2797 Sam’s Creek Road in Pegram. Phone: (615) 792-3647
MCAS (www.friendsofmcas.com) is open to the public every day, 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday until 5:00 p.m. Located at 1233 Mapleash Avenue in Columbia, hours may vary due to holidays. Phone: (931) 375-1406
MACC (www.macc.nashville.gov) is open to the public every day, 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and until 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Hours may vary due to holidays. The center is located at 5125 Harding Place in Nashville. Phone: (615) 862-7928
MCACC (www.montgomerytn.gov/animal-control) is open at 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Frydays and Saturdays; closed Wednesdays and Sundays. Located at 437 Jordan Road in Clarksville, hours may vary due to holidays. Phone: (931) 648-5750
SGDR (www.snootygiggles.com) is a foster-based rescue in Thompson’s Station. Anyone interested in adopting from Snooty should visit their website to submit an application.
Meet Chief, a six-year-old Beagle mix with a love for the outdoors who is happiest when he’s exploring or lounging in the fresh air. He’s very friendly with people, enjoys attention, and walks well on a leash. Chief can be selective about his canine companions so a meet and greet is required if there is already another dog in the household. As are all the cats and dogs adopted from WCAC, he is neutered, microchipped and current on vaccinations. Come see Chief and all the adoptable pets waiting for their forever home.
About Friends of WCAC
Our mission is to promote quality of life for all animals and the humans who care about them by supporting a compassionate environment and humane treatment for the animals of Williamson County and to advocate for animals throughout our region. We are committed to maintaining a best-in-class Animal Center and a community where animals are valued and live in harmony with an enlightened and responsive government and citizenry.
Our mission focuses on three general areas:
- Provide support to Williamson County Animal Center
- Increase awareness and educate the community regarding animal welfare
- Support policies that provide for compassionate treatment of animals and educate community leaders and state and local officials regarding animal welfare initiatives and best practices
See how you can help at FriendsofWCAC.org.
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