Furry Fall Festival Fun For Animals And Owners

An annual event featuring activities for pet owners and their animals as well as animal lovers of all ages is bigger than ever this year. It also features a message for the entire community.
Responsible pet ownership is the theme for this year’s Furry Fall Festival. The event is Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville. The festival is free and open to the public.
“Furry Fall Festival is a great way to get people and pets together for a day of fun,” said Tim Adams, executive director for Young-Williams Animal Center. “This year we’re also sharing resources and activities that encourage everyone to be responsible pet owners.”
Activities this year will include:
A program on preventing dog bites presented by the UT school of Veterinary Medicine
A rabies clinic by the Knox County Health Department
Animal CPR and first aid from the American Red Cross
Small mammal education and advice
“Ask the Trainer” seminars – advice on training and pet behavior from Pet Safe
“How-to” clinic on animal care
Think your dog deserves some special recognition for good behavior? How about a Canine Good Citizen certificate from the American Kennel Club? Certified trainers from Pet Safe will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to test dogs that may be ready for this honor. “This program is a first step in more advanced training and is also a way for owners to see if there are some behaviors they can improve on with their dogs,” said Adams. The testing is $5, and preregistration is required by calling 215-6662.
Staff members will also be doing microchipping of animals for $10, half the normal price. Microchips are small devices inserted under the pet’s skin. They contain contact information for the pet’s owner in case the animal gets lost.
Local animal rescue organizations will be participating and bringing adoptable animals. Representatives from HALT: Humans & Animals Learning Together and HABIT: Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee will be present to answer questions about their programs.
The Young-Williams Animal Center is the official animal shelter for Knox County and the city of Knoxville. The center is a nonprofit organization that turns no animal away and is dedicated to the sheltering and placement of animals, general animal welfare, and public education of companion animal issues.
The Young-Williams Animal Center is conveniently located just off Sutherland Avenue at the entrance to John Tarleton Park at 3201 Division St. in Knoxville. and offers animals for adoption Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
For more information s call 865-215-6599.