New program in Sullivan Co. covers adoption, medical costs for adopted senior pets

Katherine Simpson
·2 min read

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Sullivan County Humane Society launched a new program aimed at incentivizing the adoption of senior pets.

Funded by an anonymous donor, the Silver Whiskers Program (SWIP), will cover adoption fees and up to $1,000 per year in non-routine veterinary expenses at Kingsport’s Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital.

Petworks Executive Director Michelle Watts said targeting older pets will help alleviate the difficulties they face in the chaotic environment of the animal shelter.

“Obviously, it’s really hard on them mentally being here and physically,” Watts said.

Watts said it’s harder to get older pets placed in homes or fosters, with older dogs staying at the shelter for five months on average.

“People are really hesitant to adopt seniors,” Watts said. “Just because they’re (senior pets) not going to live as long, they’re not going to have that pet as long, so it’s hard for them emotionally. Then financially, it’s hard because, again, seniors have more health issues than younger pets do.”

Sullivan County Humane Society Secretary Lydia Atchley said the effort to start SWIP began in the summer of 2023.

“We had a very generous donor contact the Sullivan County Humane Society and say that he had a soft spot in his heart for senior pets,” Atchley said. “Through that conversation, we developed the Silver Whiskers Program.”

The program will cover adoption costs and up to $1,000 in non-routine medical bills at Kingsport’s Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital for senior pets adopted from Petworks or the Sullivan County Animal Shelter in Blountville.

“We are really hopeful that this program makes an impact for that, for the two shelters, and so that they don’t have to have as many cages for the older animals,” Atchley said.

In the few days since the program launched, shelter leaders say two senior cats have already found new homes.

“It’s just great that it’s really getting the word out there about these seniors that need good homes,” Watts said.

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