PAWS Stories
Mr. C told his case manager that the day he brought Chloe home from the animal center was "The first night I have not been lonesome in a very long time."
Knox PAWS (Placing Animals With Seniors)
Knox PAWS matches eligible seniors with adoptable pets. Research indicates that pets improve seniors' physical, emotional, and mental health. The Knox PAWS program started in late 2004 when the Office on Aging partnered with the Young-Williams Animal Center to match senior pets with senior citizens.
Office on Aging's Project LIVE staff match income-eligible seniors with adoptable older pets identified by animal center staff. The Dorothy Kidd Memorial Fund finances this project, along with donations from the community.
Program participants must be 60 years of age or older, a resident of Knox County, income-eligible, and live independently in a pet-friendly environment. If participants cannot afford pet food, it is provided through the Feed A Pet Project (a partnership of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and RSVP). Pets adopted by Knox PAWS participants are given an initial medical exam, vaccinated, given a microchip, are spayed or neutered and are provided with six months of heartworm and flea prevention medication.
Number of people served
- 8 seniors received pets
Accomplishments/Achievements for the year
- The program partnered with three more veterinarians in the community to provide discounted services for PAWS clients. One of the vets also agreed to do home visits for PAWS clients who are unable to take their pets into the clinic.
- Seniors receiving pets reaped an untold health reward. Pet ownership has many demonstrated health benefits.
- 8 older animals found loving homes instead of being euthanized as “unadoptable.”
Contact PAWS
Phone: (865) 524-2786
Email: knoxooa@knoxcac.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 51650
Knoxville, TN 37950-1650
Street Address:
2247 Western Avenue
