McKamey Animal Center Opens, Assumes Chattanooga Animal Control Services

Chattanooga's abandoned animals have a new home tonight.

The McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center officially opened its doors Tuesday.

Animal lovers say it will provide quality care for unwanted pets in Chattanooga neighborhoods....

Ten year old Katy Wright says, "I want her, want her, want her."

She's talking about Maggie, an eight month old Chihuahua mix, who's won more than a few hearts.

Maggie is just one of several animals who helped celebrate the opening of the McKamey Animal Center.

The 26,000 square foot facility can house up to 500 animals, including Clover the rabbit.

Clover's former owner 9 year old Emma Buckley says, "Knowing that she already has a new home, and that she's been adopted. It makes me happier that she's gonna be in a better environment."

The $6.5 Million center provides animal shelter, treatment and adoption services.

McKamey Media Coordinator Donna Deweese says, "Everything is centrally located, everything is networked together."

Plus, 10 McKamey Animal Control Officers are now serving Chattanooga.

Richard Beeland with the Chattanooga Mayor's Office says, "This is something that's been needed for a long time. This is a better use of tax payer money."

McKamey provides animal control and rescue services to Chattanooga only, but adoptions are open.

In just its first 5 hours of operation, the center accepted more than 30 animals.

Forty-eight hours after they come in, most animals will be ready to find someone to love.

Executive Director Dr. Amanda Wojtalik-Courter says, "There are so many families. I've never seem so many excited children come through and pet the dogs and the cats that we have up for adoption."

Meanwhile, Maggie already has a new owner. Bill Hatfield brought his granddaughters with him to take her home to Soddy Daisy, "I like her...she's pretty."

There is a $100 adoption fee for each animal.

It covers things like spay and neutering and shots.

Just a reminder...Nothing has changed on the services side of animal control. If you need help with an animal in Chattanooga, simply call 311.