MAC Press Room

For Media Inquiries: Please email Director of Advancement, Lauren Mann or call directly at 423-305-7141.

Check below for the latest Press Releases from McKamey Animal Center.

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Joins NBCUniversal Local’s ‘Clear the Shelters’ Pet Adoption Campaign

McKamey Animal Center Joins NBCUniversal Local’s ‘Clear the Shelters’ Pet Adoption Campaign

McKamey Animal Center will lower adoption fees to just $15 for all adoptable pets for the month of August in honor of ‘Clear the Shelters’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Chattanooga, TN – (August 1st, 2023) – McKamey Animal Center has again joined NBCUniversal Local’s 2023 Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign from Aug. 1st to 31st.

This is the ninth consecutive year NBC and Telemundo-owned stations are partnering with affiliate stations and animal shelters and rescues to promote pet adoption and raise funds for animal welfare. Since its inception in 2015, Clear The Shelters has helped more than 860,000 pets find new homes.

McKamey Animal Center is taking the event one step further. In an effort to help clear their kennels and to commemorate 15 years of serving people and pets within our community, MAC will be lowering adoption fees to just $15 for all pets available for adoption for the entire month of August. All dogs and cats adopted from the Center are spayed/neutered (fixed/altered), microchipped, given parasite prevention, and have received age-appropriate vaccinations before leaving the Center with their new owner. That’s a $300+ value for just $15 for the entire month of August!

All adoptions will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, and this special fee does not include collars, leashes, carriers, city licenses, etc. Please visit https://bit.ly/MACPets to see who you may adopt! For questions, please call the MAC Adoptions Team at (423) 305-6514.
 
For more on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, and details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

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Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

Twitter @ClearTheShelter
Instagram: cleartheshelters
Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

About Clear The Shelters

Clear The Shelters™ / Desocupar Los Albergues® is an annual, nationwide pet adoption campaign that is spearheaded by NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal. Every year, NBCUniversal Local’s NBC and Telemundo-owned stations, plus affiliated stations, partner with animal shelters and rescues in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise needed funds. NBCUniversal Local’s Clear The Shelters campaign was inspired by a 2014 North Texas pet adoption event hosted by NBC 5 / KXAS and Telemundo 39 / KXTX and dozens of area shelters that resulted in the most adopted pets in one day for North Texas. Since 2015, Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign has resulted in more than 860,000 pet adoptions. Visit ClearTheShelters.com and DesocuparLosAlbergues.com for more information.   

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect through creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. To learn more, please visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center To Host 2023 MAC Doggy Pool Paw-ty at Carver Recreation Center

McKamey Animal Center To Host 2023 MAC Doggy Pool Paw-ty at Carver Recreation Center

MAC will be hosting the MAC Doggy Pool Pawty on Saturday, August 12th from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Carver Recreation Center

Chattanooga, TN (July 14th, 2023) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce that their beloved MAC Doggy Pool Pawty is just a month away and set to take place on Saturday, August 12th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Carver Recreation Center!

MAC will be offering three swim sessions for attendees and their furry friends to get their splash on! Admission is $20 per dog (no more than 2 dogs per person please) and attendees must pre-register online — door tickets will not be sold. There are a limited number of swim tickets available for each session, but tickets are sold by dog, not by person, so bring the whole family!

Swim Sessions Available:

Session 1 – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Session 2 – 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM
Session 3 – 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

MAC plans to have a few local food trucks and vendors out at the event providing attendees with refreshing drinks, ice cold popsicles and pup-cups, yummy eats, iced coffee and more! In addition to swimming in the main pool, MAC will also be hosting dog-friendly games to keep pups entertained. MAC will also have merchandise for sale at the event. All proceeds will benefit the nearly 5,000 animals that MAC cares for each year.

Beat the summer heat and join in on the best pool paw-ty of the year! All sized dogs are welcome!

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/2023MACPoolPawty

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About McKamey Animal Center:

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann – Director of Advancement

Email: directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

Phone: 423-305-6500 ext. 8

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Teams Up With Life-Saving Partners To Waive Adoption Fees For The Month Of July

McKamey Animal Center Teams Up With Life-Saving Partners To Waive Adoption Fees For The Month Of July

MAC will be partnering with Best Friends Animal Society and Bissell Pet Foundation to waive adoption fees on all available pets June 30th – July 30th

CHATTANOOGA, TN (June 30th, 2023) – McKamey Animal Center is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for potential pet owners in the community. Thanks to the life-saving support of Best Friends Animal Society and the Bissell Pet Foundation, McKamey Animal Center will be waiving adoption fees for for all available pets for the entire month of July. MAC will be participating in Best Friends National Adoption Weekend set to take place Friday, June 30th through Sunday, July 2nd. During this event, Best Friends will be sponsoring adoption fees for all pets adopted during the event. MAC will also be once again participating in Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters National Adoption Event, which is set to take place Wednesday, July 5th through Sunday, July 30th. Bissell Pet Foundation will be sponsoring adoption fees on all available pets adopted throughout the duration of the event, too. Please note that MAC will be closed to the public on Tuesday, July 4th.

MAC has offered fee-waived adoptions to the Chattanooga community throughout the entire month of July for the last two summers, and is excited to partner with incredible organizations to do so for a third summer in a row. Intakes of pets are traditionally higher in the summer, with this summer being no different, so MAC hopes to use these events to find homes for as many pets as possible. Last summer, MAC was fortunate enough to facilitate over 450 adoptions last July, and is eager to surpass that amount and reach 500 adoptions this July.

“We are excited to host our fifth National Adoption Weekend, encouraging the community to add a new
pet to their home this summer,” said Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society. “These warmer
months can see some of the highest intakes in shelters, so it’s critical the shelter staff and volunteers
have the support they need from the community. If you can, please adopt and foster. And if you already
have pets, make sure they’re microchipped and spayed/neutered.”

In addition to sponsoring adoption fees for shelter pets, Bissell Pet Foundation has also partnered with MetLife Pet Insurance to offer potential adopters pet insurance policies for the new pets they will be bringing home, providing peace of mind to new pet owners. “We are excited to team up with MetLife Pet Insurance to offer 30 days of pet insurance at no cost to the adopter, as well as the opportunity to purchase an annual pet insurance policy, which could make a difference in helping adopters deal with their pet’s unexpected illness or injury,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Veterinary costs add up quickly, and too often, pet owners forgo care or surrender their beloved pets when they can’t afford treatment. This collaboration could help to enable more pets in more communities to be adopted through ‘Empty the Shelters’ and can help facilitate adopters seeking treatment to keep their pets healthy and in their new homes.”

With over 100 pets currently available for adoption, with more coming in to the center daily, there is no better time to adopt a shelter pet than now. “These life-saving partnerships really make all of the difference when navigating our ongoing capacity crisis,” said Director of Advancement, Lauren Mann. “Having partners like Best Friends, Bissell and MetLife helping to support this adoption event is absolutely incredible. We are all so grateful at MAC for their support.”

Every dog and cat adoption from McKamey Animal Center includes the animal being spayed or neutered (altered/fixed), up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, microchipped, and more. Adoption fees typically range anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the animals’ age, breed and species. This adoption special does not cover City license fees, leashes, collars and carriers for animals.

To view adoptable animals, visit www.mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets or visit MAC in person! MAC is open Tuesday through Friday, 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. All adoptions are done on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions regarding an adoptable animal, call 423-305-7141 to speak to a MAC Adoption Counselor.

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About McKamey Animal Center:

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs
and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill
movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million
per year to around 378,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the
nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 4,300
animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to
Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.

About BISSELL Pet Foundation:

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501©(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping, and crisis and disaster response. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 5,700 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Homecare, Inc., where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit http://www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

Media Contact:

Brittany Schlacter | Marketing & PR Specialist | brittany.schlacter@bissell.com, 616.600.9470

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center To Host Second Annual Paw Palooza Pet Walk & Festival on June 10th, 2023

McKamey Animal Center To Host Second Annual Paw Palooza Pet Walk & Festival

MAC’s 2nd Annual Paw Palooza Pet Walk & Festival is set to take place on June 10th, 2023 at Coolidge Park from 10am – 4pm

CHATTANOOGA, TN (June 9th, 2023) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to invite the community to join us as we host the 2nd Annual Paw Palooza Pet Walk & Festival tomorrow! This event is set to take place on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, from 10 am – 4 pm in Coolidge Park. Attendance at this event will help MAC continue to provide life-saving services and resources for the tens of thousands of pets that will turn to the center this year in need of assistance.

Paw Palooza will include a fundraising walk around Coolidge Park, a doggy fun run course for your pooch to run, shopping from 50+ local vendors, delicious local eats from 10 different food trucks, a beer garden with tasty brews from 4 local breweries and bars, dog games and activities, event day contests including a pet costume contest and so much more! MAC will also have an on-site adoption center sponsored by Hills Science Diet for families looking to add a new pet to their family at the event.

The centerpiece of Paw Palooza is the fundraising pet walk, where participants and their four-legged companions embark on a scenic route around beautiful Coolidge Park. The fundraising walk will kick off at 10 am at the stage in Coolidge Park. By participating in the walk, you are not only enjoying a fun-filled day with your pooch, but you are also making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of homeless pets in Chattanooga. Online registration for the walk is still open! Online registration will close at 6 PM on Friday, June 9th. Walk-up registrations will be accepted on the morning of the event. All registrants will receive the exclusive event day t-shirt, as well as a matching bandana for their dog. Individual fundraisers and fundraising teams can earn some exciting prizes and perks based on how much they raise as well! To register as an individual fundraiser, to register a fundraising team, or to join an existing fundraising team, please visit https://bit.ly/PawPaloozaFundraising.

Directly after the fundraising walk, the festival portion of the event will kick off and will be open for all of the community to attend. There will be all kinds of fun to be had for both the two-legged and four-legged attendees throughout the event. Rotten Dog Sports Lodge will be back again this year, sponsoring the “Doggy Fun Run” Lure Course, and tickets to run will be $10 per dog per run. Animal Emergency & Specialty Center will be sponsoring the other fun dog game activities at the event, including ‘Bobbing for Tennis Balls,’ Paw Print Painting, the ‘Doggy Splash Pad,’ and more! If your pet is more of the laid-back, dress-up type, don’t worry! Paw Palooza will also host three contests throughout the day, including a costume contest, a best trick contest, and a look-a-like contest. All prizes for the event are generously sponsored by Nooga Paws, Play Wash Pint, and Play Wash Stay.

“We are so excited to be bringing this event back for its second year to unite the large pet-loving community of Chattanooga,” said Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement. “MAC is here to help pets and people, and we are so excited to host a community-based event that shows just that.”

All proceeds from this event will help MAC to continue to provide for the tens of thousands of animals that come to MAC every year looking for protection, medical treatment, food, shelter, and love until they find their new homes. MAC will also be closed for adoptions on this day and encourages potential adopters to visit the adoption area MAC will have set up on-site at Coolidge Park during the event. For more information about this event, please visit https://bit.ly/PawPalooza.

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About McKamey Animal Center:

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Needs Help From Community to Overcome Spacing Crisis

McKamey Animal Center Needs Help From Community to Overcome Spacing Crisis
With nearly 500 animals in care, MAC desperately needs the public’s help to decrease the number of animals in care

CHATTANOOGA, TN (June 2, 2023) – McKamey Animal Center is experiencing a space crisis, and is asking for the public’s help. According to the latest report by Shelter Animals Count, the national sheltered animals database, intakes of animals in shelters all across the country are far outpacing adoptions, creating a national sheltering crisis. MAC is no exception, with 415 animals arriving in May and only 330 departing.

For a shelter to function humanely, the number of animals coming in and leaving needs to be equal. When more animals come in than go out, the shelter becomes overcrowded, and animals can’t get the individualized humane care they need and begin to suffer. Here at MAC we are trying to navigate this crisis by holding animals in temporary pop-up kennels, staff cubicles, and every other available space, and even putting multiple animals in spaces designed to hold just one, but these are not humane options. While MAC prides itself on being a facility that does not euthanize animals simply for time or space, without a huge influx of adopters and foster families we may not be able to honor that commitment much longer.

“We are at a critical point in sheltering homeless animals at MAC, and things are only going to get worse as the summer continues. We need the public’s help now, more than ever, if we are going to be able to continue honoring our commitment of not euthanizing simply for time or space,” said Inga Fricke, MAC’s Executive Director. “If you’ve thought about adopting a new dog, now is the time to do so. We have over 150 animals available for adoption who have been waiting for hundreds of days, and all of them deserve to be in a loving home, not an overcrowded or too-small kennel. Even if you can’t adopt, please consider becoming a temporary foster, or share our adoptable pet information with friends and family.”

To make adopting easier, MAC is planning to continue adoption events decreasing adoption fees and fully-waiving them as the summer months roll in. Starting June 2nd, adoption fees will be reduced to only $10 for all adult animals (6 months and older). MAC anticipates the sheltering crisis to only get worse as the summer continues.

“We are taking in an average of over a dozen animals per day, and have a wait list for owner surrenders of 500+ pets at this time. We’re doing everything we can right now,” said Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement. “For every animal that is adopted, there’s 5-6 waiting to come in and fill the kennels. We have doubled dogs up as we can to make room, have hosted discounted adoption events, are working with people to rehome themselves and much more, but we are simply running out of humane options and animals will suffer if something does not change. We need the public to help us navigate this crisis.”

MAC also needs assistance from those who find stray pets. More often than not, a stray pet is simply loose, not lost, and likely belongs to a neighbor. Finders can help by holding onto the animal, canvassing the area you have found the pet, knocking on neighbors’ doors, posting on the community’s social media pages and hanging up flyers around the neighborhood. Of course, finders should call MAC to report the found pet so they can check lost reports, but bringing the pet to MAC should be the last step, not the first.

If you or someone you know are interested in adopting a pet, fostering, in need of rehoming assistance, finding a lost pet and not sure what to do, or are considering a donation to support MAC during this challenging time, you can visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org for more information.

MAC is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 6 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM for adoptions. All animals available for adoption can be viewed at https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets-at-mac/

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About McKamey Animal Center:

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Facebook: facebook.com/mckameyanimalcenter
Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center To Host Second Annual Paw Palooza Pet Walk & Festival on June 10th, 2023

McKamey Animal Center To Host Second Annual Paw Palooza Pet Walk & Festival

MAC’s 2nd Annual Paw Palooza Pet Walk & Festival is set to take place on June 10th, 2023 at Coolidge Park from 10am – 4pm

CHATTANOOGA, TN (May 26, 2023) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Paw Palooza Pet Walk & Festival is back for an even bigger and better year! This event is set to take place on Saturday, June 10th 2023 from 10 am – 4 pm in Coolidge Park. Your attendance at this event will help MAC continue to provide life-saving services and resources for the tens of thousands of pets that will turn to the center this year in need of assistance.

Paw Palooza will include a fundraising walk around Coolidge Park, a doggy fun run course for your pooch to run, shopping from 40+ local vendors, delicious local eats from 10 different food trucks, a beer garden with tasty brews from 4 local breweries and bars, event day contests including a pet costume contest and so much more! MAC will also have adoptable pets on-site that day for folks looking to add a new pet to their family.

The centerpiece of Paw Palooza is the fundraising pet walk, where participants and their four-legged companions embark on a scenic route around beautiful Coolidge Park. By participating in the walk, you are not only enjoying a fun-filled day with your pooch, but you are also making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of homeless pets in Chattanooga. Participants are encouraged to create a team and rally their friends and family to raise critically needed funds to support MAC’s life saving mission. In addition to participating in the walk, individual fundraisers and fundraising teams can earn some exciting prizes and perks based on how much they raise. To register as an individual fundraiser, to register a fundraising team, or to join an existing fundraising team, please visit https://bit.ly/PawPaloozaFundraising.

Directly after the fundraising walk, the festival portion of the event will kick off, and will be open for all of the community to attend. There will be all kinds of fun to be had for both the two-legged and four-legged attendees throughout the event. “We are so excited to be bringing this event back for its second year to unite the large pet-loving community of Chattanooga,” said Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement. “MAC is here to help pets and people, and we are so excited to host a community-based event that shows just that.”

Paw Palooza is still accepting sponsors and vendors, and those who are interested are encouraged to reach out to Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement by emailing here at directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org. Please note that food truck and beer garden slots for this event are full and additional vendors for these areas cannot be accepted at this time.

All proceeds from this event will help MAC to continue to provide for the tens of thousands of animals that come to MAC every year looking for protection, medical treatment, food, shelter, and love until they find their new homes. MAC will also be closed for adoptions on this day, and encourages potential adopters to visit the adoption area MAC will have set up on-site at Coolidge Park during the event. For more information about this event, please visit https://bit.ly/PawPalooza.

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About McKamey Animal Center:

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Joins NASCAR Day Giveathon In Honor of NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary

McKamey Animal Center Joins NASCAR Day Giveathon In Honor of NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary

A nationwide 75-hours giving campaign begins May 16 at 5 p.m. ET at NASCARdaygiveathon.org

CHATTANOOGA, TN (May 16, 2023) – McKamey Animal Center is joining NASCAR, The NASCAR Foundation, Speedway Motorsports, and Speedway Children’s Charities for the first-ever NASCAR Day Giveathon, an online giving campaign to raise $750,000 in charitable funds for local charities in all 50 states.

As a nonprofit organization participating in the Giveathon, MAC has its own online Giveathon page for collecting donations, found here: https://bit.ly/NascarGiveathon2023

MAC is incredibly excited to be partnering with the NASCAR Foundation for their Giveathon and is eager to see all of the good that will come out of these 75 hours of giving. Donations made to MAC ensure homeless, neglected, and abused pets are provided with healing, medical care, shelter, behavioral training, and an abundance of love.

“We are so grateful for the support we receive from dedicated animal lovers throughout our community”, said Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement at MAC. “And now because of the generosity of the NASCAR Foundation, gifts made in the next 75 hours will go twice as far to support the nearly 5,000 pets that will turn to us this year in need”.

The Giveathon, which runs from Tuesday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. ET until 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 19, features bonus grants every hour during the 75-hour window and matching gift donations for nonprofit organizations on May 19, as well as T-shirts and memorabilia items as incentives for donors.

Every hour during the 75-hour window, NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports will randomly award one (1) $750 bonus grant to charities that receive at least one $25 donation during that hour.

Additionally, matching gift donations will be available throughout the day of May 19 thanks to the generosity of Giveathon sponsors, including NASCAR, Speedway Motorsports, Coca-Cola, Jeep Beach, and First Nation Group. Sponsors will continue to match donations in their designated hour until they reach their specified dollar amount. The following breakdown explains the matching gift donations per hour available on Thursday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m ET.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET

NASCAR

$10,000 Match

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Speedway Motorsports

$10,000 Match

11:00 a.m. – Noon ET

Jeep Beach

$10,000 Match

1:00 p.m.– 2:00 p.m. ET

First Nation Group
(veterans/military charities)

$25,000 Match

4:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. ET

Jeep Beach

$15,000 Match

5:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. ET

Coca-Cola

$25,000 Match

6:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. ET

NASCAR

$15,000 Match

7:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. ET

Speedway Motorsports

$15,000 Match

Donor incentives include the opportunity to be listed on the bed of three GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado RSTs competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at North Wilkesboro on Saturday, May 20; a commemorative Helmet for the first 100 donors who contribute $750 or more; a commemorative coin for the first 300 donors of $50 or more; and a commemorative t-shirt for the first 3,000 donors of $75 or more.

NASCAR fans can also follow along throughout the 75-hour window by tuning into SiriusXM Radio Ch. 90 and following The NASCAR Foundation’s social channels, which will feature charity spotlights throughout the campaign.

For more information and to make a donation, go to http://www.nascardaygiveathon.org

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About McKamey Animal Center:

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

About The NASCAR Foundation

The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR racing communities through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Since 2006, The NASCAR Foundation has contributed nearly $43 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.7 million children across the country.

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Announces Empty the Shelters National Adoption Event with Bissell Pet Foundation and Dogtopia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BISSELL Pet Foundation and Dogtopia Team Up to “Empty the Shelters”
McKamey Animal Center part of 350+ shelters participating in the spring “Empty the Shelters” event

CHATTANOOGA, TN MAY 1ST, 2023 —BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is excited to announce it will team up with Dogtopia for the foundation’s first “Empty the Shelters” national adoption event of 2023. From May 1 to May 15, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Spring National “Empty the Shelters” will occur at more than 350 shelters in 45 states with pets available for adoption for just $50 or less, including McKamey Animal Center.

McKamey Animal Center will participate May 2nd through 14th offering fee-waived adoptions for ALL adult and senior dogs and cats. MAC currently has over 150 pets who are available for adoption and looking for loving homes to call their own. Interested adopters do not need an appointment to visit the MAC Adoptions Center, or to adopt. All pets will be spayed or neutered (altered/fixed), microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines and de-wormed before going home with their new families. All adoptions will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. All interested adopters can find more details online at http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.

Since the 2016 inception of BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters,” nearly 140,000 pets at 605 animal welfare organizations in 47 states and Canada have received second chances. An average of 1,000 shelter pets are adopted each day during each quarterly national event. Through this partnership and continued support, the foundation is looking forward to reaching more pets in more shelters and communities during this upcoming event.

“BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters’ is proven to make a lifesaving difference, and we are thrilled to team up with Dogtopia, who shares our vision to give every pet their best life,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “This is a very difficult time for shelters across the country, with increasing owner surrenders due to the housing crisis and inflation as well as slowed adoption rates. With Dogtopia’s partnership, we are hopeful more pets than ever will find homes during this national event.”

BISSELL’s Empty the Shelter adoption events helped to adopt out hundreds of animals from McKamey Animal Center into the local Chattanooga community in 2022, and MAC is extremely grateful to continue this life-saving partnership in 2023.

“As we are continuing to navigate this emergency sheltering crisis, life-saving events like Empty the Shelters truly make the difference in the lives of these pets,” said Director of Advancement, Lauren Mann, “We are so grateful to Dogtopia, as well as BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell for their continued support of MAC.”

BISSELL Pet Foundation and McKamey Animal Center urge families to do their research about the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements. For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit http://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters as well as http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org

About McKamey Animal Center:

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

About BISSELL Pet Foundation:

Media Contact:

BISSELL: Brittany Schlacter | Marketing & PR Specialist | brittany.schlacter@bissell.com, 616.600.9470

MCKAMEY: Lauren Mann | Director of Advancement |directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org | (423) 305-7141

For Immediate Release - AFS Sponsors Adoption Event at McKamey Animal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFS Sponsors Adoption Event at McKamey Animal Center

Chattanooga, TN April 25th – McKamey Animal Center is excited to invite the public to their latest adoption event sponsored by AFS, a Groundworks company. AFS has generously agreed to cover the adoption fees for all adult and senior pets adopted from MAC between Friday, April 28th and Sunday, April 30th.

MAC is so grateful for community partners like AFS. “Partnerships like this one are what truly help to save lives in our community,” said Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement. “AFS is a wonderful company that is truly dedicated to giving back to the community – pets and people alike.”

“AFS Chattanooga is PAWS-itively privileged to partner with McKamey Animal Center for such a worthwhile cause. AFS loves to turn forever homes into FUR-ever homes too! We are so excited to be sponsoring this event,” said Cathy Gordon, AFS Production Assistant.

McKamey Animal Center currently has more than 140 adoptable animals looking for their new loving homes, with more being made available for adoption daily. To see all of the animals that are currently available for adoption, please visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets.

When you adopt a pet from MAC, they are spayed/neutered, microchipped, given parasite prevention, and have received age-appropriate vaccinations before leaving the Center with their new owner.

This special does not cover city licensing fees, leashes, collars, carriers, etc. Adoptions will be conducted on a first come, first serve basis. Appointments to visit with adoptable animals are not required (unless you currently have a dog in the home and wish to bring them in for a dog-on-dog-meet and-greet, in which case please call our placements team at (423) 305-6514.

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McKamey Animal Center opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. To learn more, please visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org

MAC Media Contact:

Director of Advancement: Lauren Mann

Contact: (423) 710-6349 or (423) 305-7141

Email: directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Hosts '10 out of 10' Adoption Special with Reduced Adoption Fees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKamey Animal Center Hosts ’10 out of 10′ Adoption Special with Reduced Adoption Fees

April 19, 2023 (CHATTANOOGA, TN) – In an effort to combat the on-going capacity crisis, McKamey Animal Center is kicking off their ’10 out of 10′ Adoption Special now through Sunday, April 23rd. All adult and senior dogs weighing 10 lbs. or more will have their adoption fees reduced to just $10 in an effort to find these 10 out of 10 pups forever homes! MAC’s kennels are at MAX CAPACITY and are filled with wonderful dogs that are all a 10 out of 10. MAC is hopeful this adoption special will help them find the loving forever homes that they all deserve.

When you adopt a dog from MAC, they are spayed/neutered, microchipped, given parasite prevention, and have received age-appropriate vaccinations before leaving the Center with their new owner.

All adoptions at MAC are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need an appointment to adopt with McKamey Animal Center, but you must be at least 18 years old with a valid ID. This adoption special does not include City license fees, leashes, collars, carriers, etc. MAC is open Tuesday through Friday 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM.

Over 145 dogs are currently available for adoption at MAC, with more being made available daily. To meet your new furry best friend, visit www.mckameyanimalcenter.org for more information on how to adopt and view animals available for adoption.

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on Social Media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter

Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only please).

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Brings Adoptable Pets in Need of Loving Homes During PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Week

McKamey Animal Center Brings Adoptable Pets in Need of Loving Homes During PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Week

In-Person Adoption Events to Take Place at Hixson PetSmart Store March 6 – 12

March 6 2023 – CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE: Each year, more than five million pets enter animal shelters in need of loving homes. Today, pets are staying in shelters longer and many local shelters are struggling with stretched budgets and limited staffing. In partnership with PetSmart Charities, McKamey Animal Center will bring adoptable pets to the Hixson PetSmart location in support of National Adoption Week, taking place March 6 – 12, 2023.

During the in-store event, McKamey Animal Center invites pet lovers to make room in their homes for pets in need. PetSmart Charities also encourages people to consider adopting pets with special needs, like Spunky.

Spunky is a 5-year-old mixed breed who is just as sweet as he looks! When Spunky first arrived at MAC, he was missing a lot of his fur and had inflamed skin – and we quickly learned that he was suffering from untreated allergies. Spunky has unique dietary restrictions, and all he is able to consume is beef products. But despite this, he is still the best dog ever! To view all available pets for adoption at MAC, please visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets-at-mac/.

“National Adoption Week is an ideal opportunity to give a pet in need what they need most – people to love,” said Heidi Fulcher, Sr. Adoptions Grant Manager at PetSmart Charities. “Pets with special needs, such as those recovering from injuries or living with limb differences, trauma recovery or physical limitations make wonderful additions to families. These resilient pets have a lot to teach us about the joy and value of caregiving.”

PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. PetSmart stores feature adoptable pets to meet and cuddle in spacious areas, and staff and volunteers are on-hand to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new family members.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with PetSmart and are so excited for this adoption event!” said Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement. “Thanks to this event and support from PetSmart Charities, we are excited to bring community awareness and hopefully find homes for as many animals as possible. We are planning to have around 40 animals available for adoption throughout the duration of this event.“

One of the many wonderful pets at MAC that will be available pets available for adoption at this event is Penny. Penny is a 3-year-old mixed breed pup who is sure to steal your heart once you meet her! Penny is the ultimate lap dog who promises to give unlimited love and cuddles to her new adopted family and would love to find them during this event!

WHEN/WHERE:
Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and PetSmart locations:

Saturday, March 11th – 9am – 2pm

Sunday, March 12th – 9am – 2pm

Location: Hixson PetSmart – 5591 TN-153, Chattanooga, TN 37343

For questions about the event, the public is encouraged to call (423) 305-6500×4, or email adoptions@mckameyanimalcenter.org.

Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll footage of adoptable pets are available upon request. To view request editorial materials, please contact Lauren Mann by emailing directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on social media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter
Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement
directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org
(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only).

About PetSmart Charities

Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit http://www.petsmartcharities.org.

Connect with PetSmart Charities on social media:

Instagram: @PetSmartCharities
Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs
Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

Media Contacts:

PetSmart Charities 24-hour media line: 623-587-2177

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Hosts Valentine's Day Themed Adoption Event with Reduced Adoption Fees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKamey Animal Center Hosts Valentine’s Day Themed Adoption Event with Reduced Adoption Fees

February 10, 2023 (CHATTANOOGA, TN) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce its latest adoption event, “Home is Where The Heart Is!” Join MAC and fall in love with a new best friend this Valentine’s Day! From Friday, February 10th through Tuesday April 14th, MAC’s 25 longest residents will have $14 adoption fees! Additionally, nearly all adult dog and cat adoption fees will be 50% off and bonded pairs will have a 2-for-1 adoption fee!

If you visit McKamey Animal Center this weekend, you will surely fall in love with your new best friend! Kennels and walls are filled with special Valentine messages to all of the animals available for adoption from MAC staff and volunteers. MAC even has a ‘blind date’ option where you can learn more about a dogss personality before you ever meet them! On your way out, be sure to stop by for a cute photo op and a smooch at the kissing booth!

Over 120 animals are currently available for adoption at MAC. To meet your new furry best friend, visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org for more information on how to adopt and view animals available for adoption.

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on Social Media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter

Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only please).

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Hosts New Community-Based Event, Dining for Paws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKamey Animal Center Hosts New Community-Based Event, Dining for Paws

Chattanooga, Tennessee (January 23, 2023) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce its newest special event, Dining for Paws. From Thursday, February 16th through Sunday, February 19th, participating Dining for Paws restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, cafes, and more will be donating a portion of their proceeds to support the lifesaving work McKamey Animal Center provides for animals in this ultimate “give back” event.

Partners that have already signed up to participate include Chick-fil-A (Gunbarrel Pointe Location), Red Eye Rooster Coffee Co., Wooden City, Texas Roadhouse (Hixson Location), The Edwin Hotel, The Social and Spill the Beans Coffee Truck. Chattanoogans are encouraged to visit participating Dining for Paws establishments to enjoy some of the best food and drink the City has to offer while supporting the animals.

Dining for Paws partner applications will be accepted until noon on February 9th. If you are a vendor interested in participating, or would like to learn more, please visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/dining-for-paws/ or call 423-305-6500 x8. Participating vendors are asked to donate a minimum of 15% of sales back to MAC for at least one, if not all, event days, in exchange for promotion on MAC’s website, emails and social media channels.

For more information about this event and all that MAC has to offer, please visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on Social Media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter

Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only please).

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center to Remove Breed Labels for Dogs In Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKamey Animal Center to Remove Breed Labels for Dogs

January 5, 2023 (CHATTANOOGA, TN) – If you’re looking for a new four-legged canine companion, things may look a little different this year when adopting from McKamey Animal Center. MAC will no longer label dogs in their care by breed, but rather, will focus on personalities, behavioral traits and circumstances unique to each dog. Studies prove that every dog is an individual and should be judged based on their own unique characteristics, rather than on the perceived traits of their breed or how they look.

The decision to remove breed labels was made after much research and consideration. A UMass Chan Medical School study of more than 2,000 purebred and mixed-breed dogs suggests that behavioral traits in dogs are not specific for breed. What’s more, studies show that even experts like veterinarians guess wrong 75% of the time when attempting to identify mixed breed dogs.

Dogs have roughly 20,000 genes that make up their entire genome, but only 50 of those make up the way they look — that’s less than 1%! Based on that, it’s easy to agree that looks don’t always indicate the behavior or temperament you will receive from a dog. Because breed labels are so often incorrect or misleading, removing them actually will allow potential adopters to make more informed and objective decisions about which dog is the best fit for their home and family.

“Rather than focusing on how a dog looks or how it is labeled,” says Executive Director Inga Fricke, “adopters will be able to choose a new family member based on more relevant factors like size, energy level, and compatibility with other pets and children. We believe this will not only make better matches between people and pets but will ensure that wonderful companion dogs are not overlooked simply because of labels that are often just educated guesses. We are certain that this will help more people be successful in their search for a new companion and open more hearts and homes to the wonderful dogs in our care.”

Over 100 dogs are currently available for adoption at MAC. To meet your new furry best friend, visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org for more information on how to adopt and view animals available for adoption.

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on Social Media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter

Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only please).

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center to Host Monthly Series For Community - MAC C.A.R.E.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKamey Animal Center to Host Monthly Community Series, MAC C.A.R.E.S.

January 4, 2023 (CHATTANOOGA, TN) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce its newest initiative, MAC C.A.R.E.S. (Community Awareness, Resources Education and Services), bringing monthly fun and educational opportunities to Chattanooga’s pet loving community.

The public is invited to attend any or all of these monthly free sessions to be held the fourth Saturday of every month at 10 AM in McKamey Animal Center’s Community Room.

“We’re excited to invite the public to come to MAC C.A.R.E.S.! Our team at MAC is really excited to connect one on one with community members and their pets while also having fun,” said Lauren Mann, MAC’s Director of Advancement.

Over the next few months the Center plans to share topics regarding community cat care, easy DIY pet projects for enrichment, pet first aid, social media for your pet, preparing for a disaster with your pet, and much more.

For a full schedule of MAC C.A.R.E.S. topics and offerings please visit: https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/mac-cares/

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on Social Media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter

Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only please).

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Looking For Holiday Fosters For Long-Stay Shelter Dogs This Holiday Season - Over 100 Dogs Are Actively Looking For Foster Homes For The Holidays

December 15, 2022 (CHATTANOOGA,TN) — For families looking for a fun way to make a difference this holiday season, MAC is excited to announce our ‘Home for the Pawlidays’ Foster Slumber Paw-ty Program, aimed at giving our adoptable shelter dogs the opportunity to spend the holidays in a foster home and out of the shelter.

Families can visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets-at-mac/ to view all of the dogs that will be included in this particular program. To participate, families will need to submit a special Pawliday Foster application indicating their top three choices for dogs and providing information about their household. The MAC Foster Team will then reach out about next steps.

“I have been SO excited about this holiday program!” Said MAC Foster Coordinator, Emy Richards. “Studies show that spending even one night outside of the shelter lowers a dog’s stress level while raising their chance of being adopted! Dogs are always different in a home than in a shelter, and with programs like these we can give adopters a wealth of information they wouldn’t otherwise have. Fostering a dog for the holidays is a great way to give back to the community and literally save lives!”

To apply and have your own MAC dog for the Pawlidays, submit an application at: https://bit.ly/PawlidayFosterApp. Applications for this program must be submitted no later than December 20th at 5 PM.

To learn more about this program, please visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/fostering/. For questions about this program or any of the pets included, please email the MAC Foster Coordinator at fostercoor@mckameyanimalcenter.org or by calling 423-305-6500 ext. 7.

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on social media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only).

For Immediate Release - BISSELL Pet Foundation Brings Holiday Hope to Shelter Pets Across the Country McKamey Animal Center joins 275+ shelters participating in “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope” event

CHATTANOOGA, TN – DECEMBER 12, 2022 – BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is bringing hope to the nation’s shelter pets this holiday season with its “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope” adoption event Dec. 1 – 11. BISSELL Pet Foundation sponsors reduced adoption fees of $50 or less per cat or dog during each nationwide event. This event will be hosted in more than 275 shelters in 43 states, including McKamey Animal Center.

EVENT SPECIFICS

Nearly all animals at MAC will have their adoption fees reduced to $25.00 through December 11th. Those excluded from the event will have proper signage on their kennels.

An appointment is not required to adopt from MAC. All adoptions are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

All pets will be spayed or neutered (altered/fixed), microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines and de-wormed before going home with their new families.

This special does not include city license fees, leashes, collars, carriers, etc.

All interested adopters can find more details and see the full list of animals available for adoption online at http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.

For questions, adopters can call (423) 305-6514 or email adoptions@mckameyanimalcenter.org

“BISSELL Pet Foundation is in constant communication with our shelter partners across the country and they are struggling with unprecedented increases in owner surrenders and longer stays for pets,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “With so many great pets waiting in shelters, our ‘Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope’ event is the perfect opportunity to save a life through adoption and create space to give another homeless pet a chance. If you can’t adopt, please consider fostering.”

McKamey Animal Center has partnered with the Bissell Pet Foundation in the past year to provide homes for hundreds of pets in the Chattanooga community. “We are once again so excited to partner with the Bissell Pet Foundation,” said Lauren Mann, MAC Director of Advancement. “We have so many wonderful dogs and cats waiting to find loving homes. Adding an adopted furry family member to your home this time of year is always memorable and so rewarding. We encourage anyone who is looking or considering to come by the Center to visit!”

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” event is the largest funded adoption event in the country. This lifesaving event began in 2016 with a goal of encouraging more families to choose adoption. Nearly 160,000 pets have found loving homes since its inception. “Empty the Shelters” is BISSELL Pet Foundation’s largest program, partnering with 560 animal welfare organizations in 47 states and Canada to reduce adoption fees.

Pet adoption is a lifetime commitment, and not just for the holidays. BISSELL Pet Foundation and McKamey Animal Center urge families to do their research about the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements. For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit http://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters and http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org .

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About BISSELL Pet Foundation:

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501©(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 5,600 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit http://www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

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Media Contacts:

BISSELL: Brittany Schlacter | Marketing & PR Specialist | brittany.schlacter@BISSELL.com |812.593.3296

MCKAMEY: Lauren Mann | Director of Advancement |directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org | (423) 305-7141

About McKamey Animal Center

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

About BISSELL Pet Foundation:

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501©(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 5,600 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit http://www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Hosts Black 'Fur'day Adoption Event - McKamey Animal Center Will Have Extended Hours From 10am - 6pm

November 11, 2022 (CHATTANOOGA,TN) — McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce its latest adoption event, Black Furday in celebration of Black Friday! On Friday, November 25th from 10 AM to 6 PM, bring an item off the special MAC Black Friday wish list and spin an adoption wheel with lots of fun discounts and giveaway’s!

Wishlist items include pet food and treats, high-value dog chews, KONG toys, cat litter and more. Potential prizes from the wheel include fee-waived adoptions, discounts, pet supplies, and more! MAC will be open with extended hours on Friday to celebrate the occasion and draw in more adopters.

“We are excited for our Friday adoption event and hope to see lots of pets go home!” said Lauren Mann, MAC Director of Advancement. “We hope by having longer hours for the day we can get people who are out holiday shopping to stop by and maybe, just maybe add a new member to their family!”

Adopters do not have to have an appointment to participate in this event or adopt from MAC. All adopters must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid ID. All adoptions will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To view all available pets for adoption, please visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets-at-mac/. To see the full wish list for this event, and for more information, please visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/adoption-specials/

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on social media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only).

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Looking For Holiday Fosters For Long-Stay Shelter Dogs This Thanksgiving - 10 Of MAC's Longest Residents Are Awaiting Foster Homes Nov. 23rd - Nov. 28th

November 21, 2022 (CHATTANOOGA,TN) — For families looking to add a “plus one” to their dinner table this Thanksgiving, MAC is excited to announce our Thanksgiving Slumber Paw-ty Program, aimed at giving our longest-staying residents the opportunity to spend the holidays in a foster home and out of the shelter.

Families can visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets-at-mac/ to view all of the pets that will be included in this particular program. If interested, just submit an application indicating your top 3 foster picks and information about your household, as well as other pets that are currently in the home. Then, the MAC foster team will match you with a compatible shelter dog to “host” over the holiday weekend.

“I have been SO excited about this holiday program!” Said MAC Foster Coordinator Emy Richards. “Studies show that spending even one night outside of the shelter lowers a dog’s stress level while raising their chance of being adopted! Dogs are always different in a home than in a shelter, and with programs like these we can give adopters a wealth of information they wouldn’t otherwise have. Fostering a dog for the holidays is a great way to give back to the community and literally save lives!”

Anyone interested in participating in this program is encouraged to apply at https://bit.ly/MACThanksgivingBreak. Upon application approval, the MAC foster team will work with the family to select a compatible dog and make all necessary arrangements. Pickup of foster dogs will need to take place before 6pm on Wednesday, and will need to be dropped back off at MAC on Sunday.

To see a full list of animals participating in this Thanksgiving Break Foster Slumber Paw-ty Program, please visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets-at-mac/. To learn more about this program, please visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/fostering/.

For questions about this program or any of the pets included, please email the MAC Foster Coordinator at fostercoor@mckameyanimalcenter.org or by calling 423-305-6500 ext. 7.

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on social media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only).

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Connects Adoptable Pets With Loving Homes During PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week - Local Adoptions At PetSmart Stores Will Take Place Nov. 7-13

November 11, 2022 (CHATTANOOGA,TN) — Each year, more than five million pets enter animal shelters in need of loving homes. McKamey Animal Center is proud to partner with PetSmart Charities® to bring adoptable pets to the Hixson PetSmart in support of National Adoption Week, taking place November 7-13.

During the in-store event, MAC invites potential pet parents to meet adoptable pets in their area. Opportunities will be given to spend time with animals in need of loving homes. Staff and volunteers will help potential adopters learn about caring for a pet and the types of tools, products and services they may need.

To view all available pets for adoption, please visit https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets-at-mac/. In addition to the off-site event, the MAC Adoption Center will also be open for families to visit with adoptable animals.

“National Adoption Week is an ideal opportunity to give a pet what they need most – people to love,” said Heidi Fulcher, Sr. Adoptions Grant Manager at PetSmart Charities. “When you adopt a pet, you also help shelters make more room for others in need. We’re thankful for McKamey Animal Center’s partnership in preparing pets for the best start in their new homes.”

WHEN/WHERE:

Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and PetSmart locations:

Friday, November 11th – 9 AM to 3 PM

Saturday, November 12th – 9 AM to 3 PM

Sunday, November 13th – 10 AM to 2 PM.

Location: Hixson PetSmart – 5591 TN-153, Chattanooga, TN 37343

For questions about the event, the public is encouraged to call (423) 305-6500×4, or email adoptions@mckameyanimalcenter.org.

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About McKamey Animal Center

McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC’s vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. Visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org to learn more about the services MAC offers and to adopt your own amazing shelter pet.

Connect with MAC on social media:

Instagram: @McKameyCenter

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Facebook: Facebook.com/McKameyAnimalCenter

TikTok: @McKameyCenter

MAC Media Contact:

Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement

directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org

(423)305-7141 or (423)710-6349 (text only).

About PetSmart Charities®

PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit http://www.petsmartcharities.org.

Connect with PetSmart Charities on social media:

Instagram: @PetSmartCharities

Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs
Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

PetSmart Media Contact:

24-Hour PetSmart Charities, Mediarelations@petsmart.com

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Hosts Memorial Event for Beloved Volunteer

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE (NOVEMBER 4, 2022) – McKamey Animal Center is hosting a small memorial celebration this Saturday, November 5th from 10 AM to 12 PM to recognize the contributions and lasting legacy of late volunteer, John Williams.

Williams unexpectedly passed away in July 2020, during the height of the covid-19 pandemic at 82 years old. John was a devoted and passionate volunteer of McKamey Animal Center from the time the Center opened. His love of animals, and devotion to helping enrich the lives of the big dogs at MAC will be remembered forever.

To honor his legacy, McKamey Animal Center will be hosting a ribbon cutting event to celebrate a small expansion of their behavior and enrichment program. The Center plans to unveil a lure course for the dogs at MAC to utilize on a daily basis. A lure course is a mechanized, white plastic lure that simulates the unpredictability of chasing live prey to encourage dogs to run and play. A similar lure course was enjoyed by many of the attendees at MAC’s Paw Palooza event in Coolidge Park earlier this year.

“John loved nothing more than to watch the big dogs play,” said Lauren Mann, Director of Advancement. “When we shared this surprise with his family, they were thrilled and said they knew he was smiling down from heaven. This will be incredibly beneficial to the dogs in our care as we continue to navigate our capacity crisis and looking for new innovative ways to help de-stress our shelter animals.”

The Center will provide light refreshments to those who attend, but do ask that you RSVP by emailing donorsupport@mckameyanimalcenter.org.

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About McKamey Animal Center

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Facebook: /McKameyAnimalCenter
Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Waives Adoption Fees For Senior Pets All of November

CHATTANOOGA, TN (NOVEMBER 4, 2022) McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce that for the month of November, adoption fees will be waived for all senior dogs and cats to celebrate National Adopt a Senior Pet Month.

Thanks to a generous donor, the senior pets at MAC hope to find their new homes this month. Senior pets are often overlooked and forgotten when adding a new furry friend to the home. Pets are considered to be seniors once they have reached 8 years of age. Older dogs and cats have just as much love to give as a puppy or a kitten, and have often already lived in a home and have tricks, training and manners down.

“Adopting a senior pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I, myself, have adopted a senior cat and he is one of the best cats I’ve ever owned. He came into our home knowing not to scratch up the furniture, used his litter box perfectly without any accidents, and found his comfy spot right away,” said MAC Director of Advancement, Lauren Mann. “We really hope that by waiving their adoption fees this month, we can get our senior pets adopted into loving homes where they can spend the rest of their golden years.”

Adopters are encouraged to come to the Center to meet their new best friend. All animals available for adoption can be found listed on the MAC website at https://mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets-at-mac/. Adoption fees typically range anywhere from $50 to $300 and include the animal being spayed/neutered, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, microchipped, de-wormed, and for dogs, heartworm tested.

McKamey Animal Center is open for adoptions Tuesday through Friday, 12 to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM. If you have any questions, you can call (423) 305-6500 or email adoptions@mckameyanimalcenter.org .

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About McKamey Animal Center

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Facebook: /McKameyAnimalCenter
Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

For Immediate Release - BISSELL Pet Foundation Announces Fall “Empty the Shelters” McKamey Animal Center part of 280+ shelters participating in fall “Empty the Shelters” event

Chattanooga, TN October 1, 2022 —BISSELL Pet Foundation is doing its part to take homeless pets from kennels to couches by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $50 or less from Oct 1 – 8. The longest-ever National “Empty the Shelters” event will be hosted in more than 280 shelters in 42 states, including McKamey Animal Center.

McKamey Animal Center will participate October 1st through 8th, 2022 offering fee-waived adoptions for adult and senior dogs and cats. McKamey Animal Center currently has more than 120 animals looking for dedicated and loving homes. Interested adopters do not need an appointment to visit the MAC Adoptions Center, or to adopt. All adoptions will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. All interested adopters can find more details online at http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.

Bissell’s Empty the Shelter adoption events have helped to adopt out hundreds of animals from McKamey Animal Center into the local Chattanooga community throughout the last year.

“We are just so grateful for all of the support Bissell Pet Foundation has offered MAC this year,” said Director of Advancement, Lauren Mann, “It’s been a tough year, and as we continue to see more and more animals coming through our doors needing critical, life-saving help, having a partner like Bissell has been so wonderful and vital for our adoptions.”

“It has been a challenging year for our nation’s animal shelters. The devastating increase in owner surrenders has left thousands of socialized, house-trained and leash-trained pets desperate to find a home,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Our fall’ Empty the Shelters’ will support the adoption of thousands of pets across the country, helping shelters in this critical time. Opening your home to a shelter pet saves a life and creates space to give another pet a chance.”

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” event is the largest funded adoption event in the country. With a goal of encouraging more families to choose adoption, this lifesaving effort has helped nearly 118,000 pets find loving homes since 2016. “Empty the Shelters” is BISSELL Pet Foundation’s largest program, partnering with a total of 541 animal welfare organizations in 47 states and Canada to reduce adoption fees.

Adoption is a lifetime commitment. BISSELL Pet Foundation and McKamey Animal Center urge families to do their research about the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements. For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit http://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters as well as http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org/adoption-process

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Media Contacts:

BISSELL: Brittany Schlacter | Marketing & PR Specialist | brittany.schlacter@BISSELL.com |812.593.3296

MCKAMEY: Lauren Mann | Director of Advancement |directorofadvancement@mckameyanimalcenter.org | (423) 305-7141

About McKamey Animal Center

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter
About BISSELL Pet Foundation:

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501©(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 5,600 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit http://www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Helps With Rodent Hoarding Case From New York

Chattanooga, TN (September 22, 2022) – McKamey Animal Center has partnered with Lollypop Farms out of Rochester, New York to help with adoptions after a devastating rodent hoarding case took place. Lollypop Farms seized over 800 animals from World of Wildlife Educational Enforement after Humane Law Enforcement investigators determined the animals were neglected at the facility.

Among the animals seized, were over 470 mice, 150 rats, 40 rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs and other animals. Lollypop Farms has spent the last few months rehabilitating and caring for these animals while adopting them out to loving homes. Although they’ve adopted out hundreds of critters, they asked McKamey Animal Center for help in finding placement for a handful of rats and mice.

McKamey Animal Center has five mice and twelve rats available for adoption from this case. Others are receiving foster care until they will be ready for adoption in the next few weeks.

“We are grateful to have partners like Lollypop Farms and for the opportunity to help these little critters. We can’t wait to see how these pocket pets make their way into the homes and hearts of Chattanoogans,” said Lauren Mann, MAC Director of Advancement.

To adopt a special rat or mouse from MAC, they ask that you visit the Center first. MAC is open Tuesday through Friday, 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. No appointments are required to adopt, but adoptions are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Rats and mice have an adoption fee of $10 each. All rodents adopted from the Center are to be personal pets only.

For more information, visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org or follow MAC on social media @mckameycenter to learn more.

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About McKamey Animal Center

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter

For Immediate Release - Mark Your Calendars for September 16th – 18th McKamey Animal Center is Partnering with Best Friends Animal Society for their upcoming National Adoption Weekend to Help Combat the Growing Shelter Crisis in America

Chattanooga, TN (September 12, 2022) – McKamey Animal Center and Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to save the lives of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, are teaming up for another adoption campaign to encourage people to choose to adopt, not buy, their next pet.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to participate in this National Adoption Weekend with Best Friends! Our adoption fees will be waived for most of our adult and senior dogs and cats for the duration of this event. Our staff and volunteers are really hoping to see our longer residents, senior pets and larger dogs be adopted during this weekend special,” said Lauren Mann, MAC Director of Advancement.

McKamey Animal Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. All adoption fees will be waived for animals included in this adoption event. All dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, given parasite prevention, and have received age-appropriate vaccinations before leaving the Center with their new owner. Adoptions fees typically range anywhere from $50 to $300 depending on the animals age, breed, type, etc. To see all available animals at MAC, head over to MAC’s website at http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets.

Recent data released by Best Friends showed that U.S. shelters were seeing an increase in animal intakes and a decrease in pet adoptions from shelters. This has steadily turned into a crisis in the animal welfare community, causing many shelters, including MAC to be far over capacity. In 2022 already, MAC has seen an influx of animals coming through their doors needing help. More than 4,000 animals have already been cared for at MAC this year, that’s 600 more than last year at this time. Currently, over 130 pets are looking to be adopted, with hundreds of more in MAC’s care.

Anyone considering adding a new pet to their family can make a difference by choosing to adopt instead of purchasing their pet.

“There is a growing shelter crisis across the country and the animal welfare community won’t just sit by and let innocent pets die,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We’re joining forces with our vast network of shelters and rescues across the country to host our third National Adoption Weekend since May to incentivize people to get out and adopt.”

Due to recent problems such as staffing shortages, limited shelter hours, decreased volunteers, and reduced adoption events, the time is now to help save lives by adopting a pet.

“We have proof that national promotions like the first two adoption weekends we did in May and July work,” said Castle. “Our July National Adoption Weekend saw close to 10,000 animals adopted in a three-day period.”

That’s why McKamey Animal Center is proud to be a part of the upcoming National Adoption Weekend. “We are seeing unprecedented numbers of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats, coming to us. We are not excluded from any of these challenges other shelters are facing — we are definitely more than overcrowded at this point. Looking at our data we are more than over 200% our humane housing capacity currently. Our staff is doing everything we possibly can for the animals in our care,” said Lauren Mann, “For every animal that is adopted 4 to 5 other animals are waiting to come in and fill our kennels. Our foster program has been absolutely critical during this challenging time. If someone is not quite ready to commit to adoption, fostering an animal in need can still make a huge difference in the life of that pet.”

For more information, visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org or follow MAC on social media @mckameycenter to learn more.

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About McKamey Animal Center

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter
About the Best Friends Network

The Best Friends Network is comprised of thousands of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations and other animal welfare organizations in all 50 states. We are a coalition committed to saving the lives of homeless cats and dogs through collaboration, information-sharing and implementation of proven lifesaving strategies. Our partners support each other and inspire their own communities to increase lifesaving of dogs and cats across the country.

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Brings Back MAC Doggy Pool Paw-ty at Carver Recreation Center

Chattanooga, TN (August 3rd, 2022) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce its latest event – the revival of the beloved summer time dog pool party!

Your favorite event of the Summer is back! Join MAC on Saturday, September 3rd from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM for the 2022 MAC Doggie Pool Pawty at the Carver Recreation Center!

MAC will be offering three swim sessions for you and your furry friend to get your splash on! Admission is $15 per dog (no more than 2 dogs per person please) and you must pre-register online — door tickets will not be sold. There are a limited number of swim tickets available for each session, but tickets are sold by dog, not by person, so bring the whole family!

McKamey plans to have food trucks, a popsicle vendor (for humans and dogs!), dog-friendly games and more at the event. All proceeds will benefit the nearly 5,000 animals that McKamey Animal Center cares for each year.

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/MACPoolPawty2022 or http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.

Beat the summer heat and join in on the best pool paw-ty of the year! All sized dogs are welcome!

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About McKamey Animal Center

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Announces Participation in NBC’s Annual Clear the Shelter Event

Chattanooga, TN (July 29th, 2022) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce its latest adoption special and participation in Clear The Shelters, NBCUniversal’s nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign. Clear the Shelters, which will be held during the month of August, has helped more than 700,000 pets find new homes since its 2015 inception.

As part of this year’s month-long Clear The Shelters, NBC and Telemundo owned and affiliated stations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico are partnering with animal shelters and rescue services in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise needed funds. This year’s campaign will again feature online donations to participating shelters or rescues during the campaign at ClearTheSheltersFund.org.

To support Clear The Shelters, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will provide adoption kits to help new pet parents and their pets get a healthy start on their new life together. Kits containing starter bags of Hill’s science-led nutrition, coupons, pet-parenting tips and other supplies will be available at McKamey Animal Center, and other participating shelters, during the campaign.

McKamey Animal Center is taking the event one step further to celebrate – MAC will have a “Name Your Price” adoption fee for the duration of the event for all adoptable animals. This special fee does not include collars, leashes, carriers, city licenses, etc. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $300 dependent on the animal, age, and breed. Appointments are not required to adopt a pet from McKamey Animal Center. To see all adoptable animals and for more event information, please visit http://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

Follow McKamey Animal Center on social media:

Twitter: @McKameyCenter
Instagram: @McKameyCenter
TikTok: @McKameyCenter
HashTags #MACClearTheShelters #ClearTheSheltersChattanooga
Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

Twitter @ClearTheShelter
Instagram: cleartheshelters
Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

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About McKamey Animal Center

About Clear The Shelters

Clear The Shelters™ / Desocupar Los Albergues® is an annual, nationwide pet adoption campaign that is spearheaded by NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal. Every year, NBCUniversal Local’s NBC and Telemundo owned stations, plus affiliated stations, partner with animal shelters and rescues in their communities to host Clear The Shelters events. NBCUniversal Local’s Clear The Shelters campaign was inspired by a 2014 North Texas pet adoption event hosted by NBC 5 / KXAS and Telemundo 39 / KXTX and dozens of area shelters that resulted in the most adopted pets in one day for North Texas. Since 2015, NBCUniversal Local’s Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign has resulted in more than 700,000 pets finding new homes. Visit ClearTheShelters.com and DesocuparLosAlbergues.com for more information.  

About Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 80 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill’s Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday foods, Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Healthy Advantage and Hill’s Bioactive Recipe, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products, nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com or HillsVet.com. To learn more about Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, visit hillspet.com/shelter.

About NBCUniversal Local

NBCUniversal Local is NBCUniversal’s local media division that delivers English and Spanish-speakers and bilingual audiences in 31 U.S. markets and Puerto Rico, the very best in local sports, news, weather, consumer and investigative reporting, and lifestyle entertainment across any platform and screen. NBCUniversal Local is comprised of three individual media groups including the NBC Owned Television Stations, the NBC Sports Regional Networks and the Telemundo Station Group. The division is also home to multicast networks LX News, COZI TV and TeleXitos, the regional cable news network NECN, a MeTV station, as well as NBC Spot On, an advanced video advertising business designed for local/regional CTV and OTT advertisers and several in-house companies including production company LXTV, marketing and promotions company Skycastle, its out-of-home business NBC Everywhere, and the Arthouse, a graphics design group. With six regional sports networks and 43 NBC and Telemundo stations serving 38 percent of U.S. homes, NBCUniversal Local is the only network-owned local media division that is home to the largest bilingual local newsrooms within the country’s top 10 TV markets. NBCUniversal Local’s stations and networks serve diverse audiences and communities across linear, streaming, OTT, digital web, mobile and audio, and cable platforms and work together to keep local audiences informed anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit NBCUniversal.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Brian Potter

Brian.Potter@nbcuni.com

National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in McKamey Animal Center To Save and Improve the Lives of Pet in Chattanooga, Tennessee $55,000 grant celebrated at local Petco on July 5th, 2022Chattanooga, TN (July 5th, 2022) – McKamey Animal Center has received a $55,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in McKamey Animal Center To
Save and Improve the Lives of Pet in Chattanooga, Tennessee

$55,000 grant celebrated at local Petco on July 5^th, 2022

Chattanooga, TN (July 5^th, 2022) – McKamey Animal Center has received a $55,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love during a special celebration at the Hixson Petco, located at 5756 TN-153 Suite 100, Hixson, TN 37343 on July 5^th, 2022 at 2pm in support of their lifesaving work for animals in Southeastern Tennessee.

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $330 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations — like ours — across North America, with 6.5 million pets adopted and counting.

“Our investment in McKamey Animal Center is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently celebrated the one-year launch anniversary of Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses pet facial recognition technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“We are so grateful for this investment in the life-saving work MAC does each and every day,” said Lauren Mann, MAC Director of Advancement. “Generous grant support from Petco Love will continue to provide funding and resources for homeless, neglected and unwanted animals that MAC cares for.”

McKamey Animal Center is a nonprofit organization that provides life-saving services to both pets and people within the communities of Chattanooga, Lakesite and Redbank. The funds received from this grant will allow McKamey to continue to support the communities we serve in numerous ways with a specific focus on MAC’s Trailblazer and K9-to-5 programs. Since 2008, McKamey Animal Center has provided life-saving medical care, shelter, support, and love to thousands of homeless, neglected, and abused pets all across the greater Chattanooga area.

For more information about McKamey Animal Center, visit www.mckameyanimalcenter.org. Learn more about Petco Love here: petcolove.org.

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About McKamey Animal Center

About Petco Love

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $330 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide.

Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Join us. Visit petcolove.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Brings Fee-Waived Adoptions to Chattanooga All Month Long

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKamey Animal Center Brings Fee-Waived Adoptions to Chattanooga All Month Long

Chattanooga, Tennessee (June 28, 2022) – McKamey Animal Center is excited to announce its latest adoption special – fee-waived adoptions for the entire month of July!

In an effort to find homes for as many animals as possible, MAC will be waiving adoption fees for all animals – adults to puppies and kittens, and everything in between for the entire month of July. This is only made possible thanks to generous donors and national partners such as PetSmart and the Bissell Foundation who help to offset the adoption fees through national programs and sponsorships.

Starting July 1^st, MAC will waive adoption fees for all adoptable animals. From July 11^th through 17^th, MAC will be participating in PetSmart National Adoption Week with adoptable animals visiting the Hixson PetSmart daily. Additionally, starting July 18^th, MAC will be participating in the Bissell Foundation’s summer event, Empty the Shelters, which runs through the remainder of the month.

“We have so many wonderful animals looking for loving homes to call their own,” said Director of Advancement, Lauren Mann. “Having partners like PetSmart, Bissell and our private donors helping to support this adoption event is absolutely incredible. We are all so grateful at MAC for their support.”

To view adoptable animals, visit www.mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets or visit MAC in person! MAC is open Tuesday through Friday, 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. All adoptions are done on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions regarding an adoptable animal, call 423-305-7141 to speak to a MAC Adoption Counselor.

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About McKamey Animal Center

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center Awarded Pets For Life Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKamey Animal Center is Awarded Pets For Life Mentorship Grant

Chattanooga, TN, June 28, 2022 –  McKamey Animal Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Pets for Life Mentorship grant to provide direct, hands-on community outreach for pet owners in the most under-resourced areas of Chattanooga. The program is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.

“McKamey Animal Center’s mission is Saving Animals, Helping People,” said MAC Executive Director Inga Fricke. “This partnership, which brings supplemental resources directly to pet owners, is a perfect match for that mission. We are excited to launch Pets for Life Chattanooga to make a real and lasting difference for people and pets in our community.”

The new program will be centered in the Alton Park area, a community in which pet owners have not historically been adequately supported. “Pets for life will provide services and resources to residents in the South Chattanooga community to enhance knowledge about pet care options,” said District 7 Concilwoman Raquetta Dotley.

Pets for Life provides grants, in-depth training and ongoing guidance to local organizations across the United States, so they have the support needed to sustain the outreach program long term. With an estimated 23 million pets and 45 million people living in poverty across the country, Pets for Life addresses the critical lack of available and affordable resources in those communities.

To learn more about this life-saving program, please visit www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.

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About McKamey Animal Center

For Immediate Release - McKamey Animal Center is offering Reduced and Fee-Waived Adoption Fees May 20 – 22, thanks to Bounty and Best Friends Animal Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKamey Animal Center is offering Reduced and Fee-Waived Adoption Fees May 20 – 22, thanks to Bounty and Best Friends Animal Society

Assets:

Best Friends CEO Julie Castle b-roll

Bounty kitten photos

Pets at home b-roll

Chattanooga, TN May 19, 2022 –  This weekend, Bounty Paper Towels is partnering with participating Best Friends Animal Society network partners to surprise new pet owners by helping to pick up adoption fees at shelters across the country.

That includes McKamey Animal Center, where adoption fees will be waived for senior pets and reduced for all adult pets. All adoptions include the newly adopted pet being spayed or neutered (fixed/altered), up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, microchipped and more! McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, TN is open to the public daily from Tuesday through Friday 12 to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. MAC is closed on Mondays. Appointments are not required to adopt. All adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis. Available pets can be previewed at www.mckameyanimalcenter.org/available-pets.

“We are so thankful for partners like Best Friends and Bounty who are doing everything they can to help adoptable animals find new, loving homes,” said Director of Animal Care, Suzanne D’Alonzo. “We can’t wait to see how many pets go home this weekend – we hope to see mostly empty kennels on Sunday afternoon!”

Currently, there are 100,000 more pets awaiting homes at shelters than at this time last year due to recent problems such as staffing shortages, limited shelter hours, decreased volunteers, and reduced adoption events.

“MAC has been no exception to the challenges mentioned. We’ve experienced staffing crisis, supply chain shortages, and a large influx in unaltered and unwanted animals. We need our local community to help by adopting and fostering pets now more than ever,” said Inga Fricke, MAC Executive Director.

For every pet Bounty helps get adopted, it can save two lives: the pet who goes home and the one who now has space to come to MAC.

That’s why the promotion could not have come at a better time, according to Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “May is one of the highest intake months for animal shelters around the country. The sad truth is that shelters get overcrowded when pets aren’t adopted quickly enough and this can put lives at risk,” says Castle. “That’s why we’re grateful that Bounty wanted to quickly come to the rescue.” 

Bounty was happy to assist. “As every pet parent knows, pet messes are no ordinary messes, which is why you shouldn’t use an ordinary paper towel.” says Janette Yauch, Vice President, Bounty. “We are honored to join Best Friends Animal Society to help save the lives of pets while helping pet parents everywhere.”

###

About McKamey Animal Center

About the Best Friends Network

About Procter & Gamble 

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Puffs ®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com/ for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. 

Quick Links

Contact Us

McKamey Animal Center

4500 N. Access Rd.

Chattanooga, TN 37415

(423) 305-6500

hello@mckameyanimalcenter.org

McKamey Animal Center was founded in 2008, serving the pets and people of the cities of Chattanooga, Red Bank and Lakesite, Tennessee. MAC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization.

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Theodore has stolen our hearts; will he steal your

Want to have a rootin' tootin' good time with ador

Hello!!! Stop scrolling and listen to me, please!!

Check out everyone on today’s walk-through! ❤️ #MAC #McKamey #McKameyAnimalCenter #Adopt #AdoptUs #ShelterDogs #ShelterCats #Dogs #Cats #DogsOfIG #CatsOfIG #AdoptAShelterPet #AdoptAShelterDog #AdoptAShelterCat #AnimalShelter #AnimalRescue #Reels #ReelsIG #Chattanooga #Chatt #Nooga #NoogaDogs #NoogaGram #ChattanoogaLiving

Your future adventure buddy awaits you at MAC! 🐾

This is Socks, a 1-year-old mixed breed who is our 3rd longest resident, having been with us for over 280 days. Socks doesn't seem to generate a lot of interest from potential adopters, and we hope to change that by introducing him to all of you!

Socks is definitely still a puppy at heart and has the energy to match. A high-energy family to match his personality would be the paw-fect fit for him! He would love to accompany you on your evening walks, join you on your weekend hikes, or would even just be happy to have a big backyard to run around in. He isn't picky, and as long as you promise to keep him busy, he'll love you forever!

He loves to play with toys of all kinds and is always down for a good game of fetch, too. However, stuffy toys are definitely his favorite. He would also probably love another doggy sibling to play with, although they would probably need to match his energy since he can be hyper and playful. He does playgroups here at MAC with other high-energy dogs and seems to have a really great time every time! An older sibling to keep him busy and show him how to be the best dog ever is exactly what this boy needs. ❤

If Socks sounds like the paw-fect fit for your family, be sure to stop by MAC today to meet him! We'll be open from 12 pm - 6 pm and would love to introduce you to him! 🐾

To learn more about Socks, and all of the other wonderful pets currently available for adoption from MAC, click the link in our bio!

#MAC #McKamey #McKameyAnimalCenter #Adopt #AdoptMe #AdoptAShelterPet #AdoptAShelterDog #ShelterPet #ShelterDog #Dog #Dogs #DogsOfIG #DogsOfInstagram #AnimalShelter #AnimalRescue #Chattanooga #Chatt #Nooga #NoogaDogs #ChattanoogaDogs #NoogaGram #ChattanoogaLiving

We need your help! Do you recognize any of these p

From all of us at MAC, thank you so much! ❤ Las

Heads up! ‼️ MAC will not have public TNR sur

If you're looking for dinner plans TONIGHT, MAC's

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