Jackson Animal Care Center seeks foster, forever homes amid struggles with space
JACKSON, Tenn. — With more than 100 dogs and cats being housed, the Jackson Animal Care Center is making an urgent plea to the public to adopt and foster.
Every animal goes through the center’s routine medical protocol, and all animals that leave the facility have either been spayed or neutered, are up to date on all vaccines, and have been tested for heartworms and treated as needed as well as monthly preventatives.
“We currently have a waiting list for owners and surrenders which is currently 167 dogs long, and there’s just no way for us to currently keep up with that demand and respond to the calls that we need to in the community for dogs running loose–aggressive animals–things like that. We are really struggling with space issues right now so the biggest thing people can do is adopt. If you’re looking to add a new dog or cat to your household,” said Whitney Owen, director of animal services for the City of Jackson.
When you adopt from the Jackson Animal Care, you’re getting between $500 to $800 in medical care for their $40 or $80 adoption fee.
Adoption fees are reduced for some dogs, and for those unable to adopt right now, fostering is a great way to help save lives and comes at no cost.
“For those not looking to adopt but would still like to help can step in temporarily as a foster home and it’s usually a two to four week commitment with no financial obligation from the family at all. We provide everything that you might need from blankets, toys, crate, and food to eat while they are there. We cover all medical expenses that maybe occur or pop up while they’re in your care. So, it doesn’t cost you anything, but time and love,” said Owen.
The influx of dogs here in the Hub City, and around West Tennessee, has spiked in recent months and we need your help as a community to make a difference.
“We do euthanize for behavioral reasons if the dog is a danger to the community if it was to be turned back loose. But, we do not euthanize for space and we never have had to. We’re really hoping that the community and help us avoid that going forward. There is no way for a staff of people in one building to adequately care for the animals that come with the population of almost 70,000 people,” said Owen.
Jackson Animal Care is working with community members to expand available resources and provide more education on the needs of animals like the responsibility of owning a pet and the longtime ramifications.
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