Williamson County Animal Center changes stray-dog intake policy

The Williamson County Animal Center is encouraging residents who find stray dogs to report them to the center and keep them in their homes until an owner can be found. (Courtesy Williamson County Animal Shelter)

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By Wendy Sturges | 11:35 AM Nov 30, 2020 CST | Updated 4:50 PM Dec 4, 2020 CST

Beginning Nov. 30, the Williamson County Animal Center will only accept stray dogs and owner surrenders on an emergency basis, according to an announcement from the center.

The measure, which is expected to be temporary, is intended to limit the amount of people at the center and reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.

According to the WCAC, this change will not affect the center's adoption hours or operations.

Residents who find stray dogs are encouraged to report the animal to the shelter immediately and, if possible, keep the dog in their homes for a five-day "staycation." All found animals are required to complete a five-day hold to allow time for owners to be located before the animal can be put up for adoption. Supplies can be provided, and the finder will have the option of adopting at the end of the five-day hold.

Residents can also take dogs to veterinary offices to check if they are microchipped, according to the WCAC.

Stray cats will continue to be accepted through the WCAC intake department.

Owner surrenders will be accepted on an emergency basis and by appointment only.

The WCAC is located at 106 Claudia Yates Drive, Franklin, and adoptable animals can be found at www.adoptwcac.org.

By Wendy Sturges

A Houston native and graduate of St. Edward's University in Austin, Wendy Sturges has worked as a community journalist covering local government, health care, business and development since 2011. She has worked with Community Impact since 2015 as a reporter and editor and moved to Tennessee in 2019.

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