Williamson County residents facing domestic abuse or mental health emergencies can place their pets with foster families for up to 90 days at no cost.

The Williamson County Animal Center runs the crisis sheltering program, which pairs pet owners with vetted foster homes while the owners seek safety or treatment. The program was first reported by NewsChannel 5.

Scott Pieper, assistant director of the Williamson County Animal Center, told NewsChannel 5 that many people in crisis view their pets as family and will not leave them behind to get help.

"They truly feel like they would be abandoning a family member," Pieper said.

The center covers all costs during the placement so that expense does not stand between a person in danger and the help they need, Pieper said. Residents dealing with domestic violence, mental health crises or substance abuse are eligible, according to the center's website.

Confidentiality is central to the program. The names of pet owners and foster families are not shared with each other or made public, a safeguard the center says protects everyone involved.

Foster families and pet owners who have participated shared written testimonials with the center. One foster described the experience as rewarding, writing about the joy of seeing a pet reunited with its owner. Pet owners have also expressed gratitude, with one writing that they could not thank the center enough.

Pieper told NewsChannel 5 that reunions between owners and their animals often bring tears. He called those moments all the feedback the program needs.

The Animal Center also runs a Paw Pantry that distributes free pet food to Williamson County residents on the first Saturday and third Friday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon, according to the center's website. Dates and times are subject to change.

Residents interested in the crisis sheltering program can contact the center through its website at adoptwcac.org.

Upcoming community events:

  • Sunday, Oct. 18 — Paw Pantry pet food distribution resumes on its regular schedule at the Williamson County Animal Center.
  • Monday, Oct. 26 — Four Franklin authors headline free Porch Talks event.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 28 — The Factory at Franklin hosts a free trick-or-treat trail.
  • Thursday, Nov. 12 — Franklin men's health event on pain management.