posted July 3, 2008
Hit with a flood of requests that animals be taken, the new McKamey Animal Center is asking that those who bring animals make an appointment.
Some who went to the center in Hixson after 11 a.m. Thursday said they found the doors closed. Donna Deweese, community outreach coordinator for the center, said that was not the case.
She said, "We would never close our doors to an animal in need. There were times we weren't accepting animals because we had a major influx of animals, but we were never closed. We were (and are) always open to answer questions, schedule appointments and adopt animals."
The center has accepted 192 animals since opening its doors on Tuesday, officials said.
"According to our records, 99 kittens, 31 cats, 33 dogs and 29 puppies have come through center doors," said Ms. Deweese.
"Because we are responding to the tremendous need in our community, we are asking that people make an appointment before bringing us an animal," said Ms. Deweese. "Appointments can be made by calling 423-305-6500."
She said when an animal is received into the facility, he or she is held for a mandatory 48 hours in order to access the animal's behavior and medical condition. After the animal receives a clean bill of health, the animal is placed in the adoption area. Because so many animals came in at one time, the staff is processing up to 80 animals a day that will be up for
adoption, she said.
"We are asking the community to help us help their pet by calling ahead so our staff will be able to give the time and attention needed to provide the animal with the very best care," said Ms. Deweese.
"Animals are being adopted as soon as staff gets them ready for the adoption floor. We have adopted 11 cats and four dogs thus far, which is
incredibly encouraging," she said.
Dr. Amanda Wojtalik-Courter, the center's executive director, said, "Because we know everyone bringing their animal to the center wants to give them the best chance for a happy life, we ask that people work with us to provide them the best care and most attention possible to ensure they are
placed in a forever home."
The center staff also encourages everyone to spay or neuter their pet in order to keep the pet overpopulation problem in check. "It will save taxpayers dollars as well as lives if everyone will just spay or neuter their pet," said Dr. Wojtalik-Courter.
To celebrate its one week anniversary, the center is hosting a Two for Tuesday - Two Cats for Price of One on July 8 from 4 - 6 p.m. Adopters can get two cats for $100 instead of the regular price of $200.
The adoption fee includes a spay or neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, FVRCP vaccine, flea control, FeLV and FIV test, dewormer, vet check, and microchip with 1 year of service.
Studies show that when cats are adopted as pairs they tend to adjust better in their new home and environment plus they have a playmate to help occupy their curious minds, officials said.
The McKamey Animal Center is open for adoptions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you have any animal, located at 4500 N. Access Road and serves the city of Chattanooga.
For more information, call 423-305-6500 or visit
www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.
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