Knoxville-Knox County Council on Aging (Knox PAWS)

Funded from 2015 to 2019 and 2021

KnoxPAWS is a program of the Knoxville Knox County CAC/Office on Aging in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since 2004 KnoxPAWS has been matching eligible seniors with adoptable older pets. Companionship is crucial for older adults to help prevent isolation and depression.  Research indicates that pets improve seniors’ physical, emotional, and mental health.  The Knox PAWS does not house animals, but rather works with area animal shelters to match older pets with qualified senior citizens.

Funding from The Grey Muzzle Organization will allow KnoxPAWS to provide at least 12 new senior pet placements this year, completely covering the costs of the adoption and veterinary visits for our participants, including much needed dental work, laboratory diagnostics, and preventative care. The grant will also allow many of these senior pets to be professionally groomed several times throughout the year. Human senior participants will not have to worry about providing anything but love to their senior furry friends.