Knoxville Named Most Dog Friendly City in Southeast

KNOXVILLE -- Knoxville has racked up another honor! On Wednesday, August 3, 2011 Dog Fancy Magazine named Knoxville, Tennessee as the most dog friendly city in the Southeast.

Several factors played a role in achieving this honor. An organization called Knoxville's Most Pet Friendly Community Committee has contributed highly in making Knoxville one of the best areas for pets. The group is made up of Young-Williams Animal Center, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, PetSafe, and numerous patrons of animal welfare.

Knoxville also has a large number of breed rescue groups, shelters and spay/neuter clinics and we are on the cutting edge of veterinary and pet friendly practices. Home to one of the most prestigious veterinary programs in the nation, the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine is at the forefront of veterinary science and has created education classes for the public to ensure proper care for pets.

Knoxville hosts many pet friendly events including Mardi Growl, Bark in the Park, Doggie Date Night and Yappy Hour. More and more of our restaurants welcome pets on their patios since a city ordinance was changed to allow dogs on restaurant patios in Knoxville.

Young-Williams Animal Village, an adoption and spay and neuter center, has more than doubled the number spay/neuter procedures able to be performed in Knoxville. The facility also features a PetSafe Doggie Day Camp and Invisible Fence dealership.

The City of Knoxville and Knox County currently has four off-leash dog parks open and two more are in development through a $500,000 donation from PetSafe.

The first ever Morris Animal Foundation K-9 Cancer Walk in Knoxville, sponsored by PetSafe, will be held at noon on Sunday, September 18th at Concord Park.

Source: PetSafe

Published August 4, 2011, 8:57 a.m.