Urgent plea for adopters
Franklin, TN – For the second time this summer, Williamson County Animal Center in Franklin is overflowing with adoptable cats and kittens. To promote adoption and relieve overcrowding, Shelter Director Laura Chavarria said the shelter is waiving the cat and kitten adoption fees until further notice. Adoptions do require an approved application and include vaccinations, spay or neuter (or $50 returnable deposit) and microchip.
Chavarria says that many of the young immature kittens that have been cared for in foster homes since late May and June have now become eligible for adoption. “Our fosters are bringing in litters of kittens daily, and they are overwhelming our capacity. We are appealing to the public for help. If you have ever wanted a kitten or cat, now is the time to be a hero and adopt.” Intake numbers skyrocketed in June, with 345 cats received at the shelter, an all-time high for a one-month period. The steady intake continued with 205 in July and a surge to 300 in August.
Chavarria continues to stress the importance of spaying and neutering pets. “This annual seasonal influx of kittens could be relieved,” she says, “if more people had their cats spayed and neutered. One unspayed female, her mate and all of their offspring can result in over 2,000 births in four years, and two million in eight years.” The shelter offers a low-cost feline spay/neuter program to county residents (call for details).
The Williamson County Animal Center is located at 106 Claude Yates Dr. in Franklin. The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m. (Closed Labor Day, September 4.) The adoption fee for adult cats and dogs is $50; puppies are $85. Adoptable animals can be viewed at www. adoptwcac.org. For more information, call (615) 790-5590 or like Williamson County Animal Center on Facebook.
