The East Ridge Animal Shelter is sounding an urgent alarm: it has reached its limit. Every kennel and cat cage is full, and more animals are arriving every day.
“Our shelter is overflowing with amazing dogs and cats, and we need the community’s help showing them that they matter,” says Jennie Van Ausdal, animal services supervisor for the shelter. “In these times, we all need some extra love in our lives. These incredible companion cats and dogs are just waiting for you to come and change not just their lives but yours as well.”
For the small, city-run shelter, each pet that finds a home frees up space for another animal in need of safety and care. But as intake numbers surge, the shelter is struggling to keep up.
Van Ausdal says many residents want to help but aren’t sure how. Beyond adoption, she outlined several ways anyone can make a lifesaving difference.
Low-cost spay, neuter program
A recent grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is allowing the shelter to offer free or low-cost spay and neuter services for low-income East Ridge residents through December.
The service, which can otherwise cost $100 or more, is designed to curb overpopulation and prevent future overcrowding at shelters like East Ridge. Van Ausdal encourages qualifying residents to take advantage of the opportunity while funding remains available.
Fostering saves lives
For those who can’t commit to permanent adoption, fostering offers a flexible and rewarding way to help. Foster parents give animals a chance to decompress from the shelter environment, offering care, socialization and love that help prepare them for adoption.
Foster homes are especially critical for animals recovering from illness or injury, young kittens and puppies that need extra care, or long-term residents who need a break from the stress of shelter life.
Volunteers needed
Even a few hours of volunteer work can make a difference, Van Ausdal says.
The shelter relies on volunteers to walk dogs, photograph adoptable pets, do laundry and help with basic cleaning and maintenance. Volunteers also help animals learn to trust people again – and sometimes, the emotional benefit works both ways.
Spending time with animals has been shown to lower stress and blood pressure while boosting serotonin and dopamine levels, which can promote relaxation and happiness.
Donations and community support
Financial contributions are another critical lifeline for the shelter, helping sustain daily operations and improve conditions for animals awaiting homes.
Donations of food, bedding, toys and cleaning supplies are also welcome. And for those unable to give money or time, simply sharing adoptable pet profiles on social media can expand the shelter’s reach and help more animals find homes.
How to help
The East Ridge Animal Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Potential adopters can visit the shelter at 5302 Stone St., call 423 468-1432, or view available pets at www.eastridgeanimalservices.com.
The shelter also posts updates and adoptable animals on Facebook and Instagram at @EastRidgeAnimalServices.