Young-Williams Animal Center - Knoxville, Tennessee

Mike M.

PLEASE ASK SPECIFIC MEDICAL QUESTIONS BEFORE ADOPTING AN ANIMAL FROM YOUNG WILLIAMS!

We decided to adopt an animal for the first time, and fell in love with a 2yr old Siberian husky named Clarence. We mentioned in our adoption sheet that we did not want a special needs dog. We both work 9-5 and multiple days a week will leave our animals for 8 hours. The adoption person told us how great of a dog Clarence was and that he was great with other animals. IT WAS NOT disclosed to us about Clarence having seizures until after we agreed to adopt him. They then looked at us and said “do you still want him?” How can you do that to someone after agreeing to adopt an animal. They went over the adoption information with us before meeting him, and just happened to skip over his medical records/needs? Additionally, Clarence was supposed to have a follow up vet visit and we were told that it was not necessary. Also, they told us that his seizure medication was not necessary. Fast forward 36 hours later and our sweet boy had a cluster of seizures and had to be taken to an emergency vet to make sure that he was not suffering a major medical event. While on the way to the emergency vet Young Williams offered us the seizure medication. IT WAS A LITTLE TOO LATE. We are so scarred by this experience. we will never adopt or recommend young Williams to anyone. We tried to talk with them about this experience and all they have told us it is not their responsibility. How is that fair to anyone rescuing an animal!?

Seth G.

It is a tough time in this economy to care for ourselves. Taking on a pet is a huge responsibility, and I can only hope anyone adopting does so with commitment in mind. Nearly every dog was a pit or pit mix, and the shelter is at or near capacity. I miss Bob Barker reminding us to spay and neuter our pets after The Price is Right. We have to do better so animals can be cared for. Seeing so many dogs and cats who need love is hard. The shelter didn't smell like bleach and feces, which a lot I have visited do. The facility is nice.

lisa N.

The young lady working in intake was wonderful. I believe she stated her name as Morgan. Great employee and worked with me to get my boy back home. My experience with Morgan was very pleasant. She’s very professional and quick to get me reunited with Malachi. If you see this Morgan, thank you!

Sarah S.

I have never experienced anything like it.

Heartless, irresponsible, and rude. They also lie.

Convinced my autistic adult son who can barely take care of themselves to adopt a dog telling them that if they ever had any problems they could bring her back. Obviously… it did not work out. We went to return her and they said we needed to find her a new home. I explained the situation and told them that I had to leave town to be with my mom for open heart surgery. They rolled their eyes and told me that they can’t help.

Jordan G.

We went in on Saturday to potentially adopt a cat. The process was confusing and not explained to us by anyone working; after viewing several cats we asked if we could meet with one of them in the room set aside and was told by a volunteer to go up to the front desk and ask. There were several people waiting, the first two seemed to be dog adoptions. It took half an hour to complete those adoptions, during which we waited in line. The person in front of us finally got to come up to the desk to also ask about a cat and was told by the person working she’d have to fill out an interest sheet first. So we had to get out of the line we’d been in for half an hour, fill out a sheet that we didn’t know we needed in order to meet the cat. Okay. Did that, got back in line. Waited another 15 minutes. We ended up giving up and leaving because we weren’t even sure we were going to connect with the cat we wanted to meet with and our son was getting grumpy. Overall spent most of the time in the shelter just waiting in line. There is no reason that just the beginning of the process should take that long. We didn’t even get to speak to anyone about the cat in question. There were dozens of volunteers walking around. We ended up driving to Chattanooga and adopting from there. Do better.

Michael F.

5/3/24 - Today was supposed to be my adoption day for Onyx, a spicy middle-aged tabby I fell in love with when my co-worker introduced me. I think Young-Willams used to have a pet hold option, but with how busy this place is like a Starbucks, I can see why it didn't turn out. Which also explains why they can't answer their phone most of the time. But they do return calls after a day or two.

But the good thing is the staff are very kind and loving of every bit of life that walks in and out the door. They keep the place amazingly clean, with all the... matter that is around.

You must sign a waiver with some visits for dumb people flashing SLAPP suits everywhere nowadays.

They have their own animal rescue & enforcement team, but I think they are Knoxville county only. They have been registered as a no-kill shelter since 2019... but that doesn't mean they won't transport them to other shelters to do the deed. There's always a loophole.

Ash W.

I love this place. Here I found beautiful senior boy dog needing a golden retirement home. I adopted him and he has been a perfect angel pup!

David

Adopted two kittens from the same litter. They are curious and full of energy (decided I need to be up on my day off at 6am). The adoption process was simple and uncomplicated. You have the opportunity to "visit" with your possible new addition before adopting to see if the new addition approves of the arrangement. Please consider a rescue next time you are looking to add an addition to your family...you'll never find any more loyal.