MemphisPixNews.com/pets

ANIMAL LAW · OCT. 19

Pet owner sues MLGW over dog shooting

(Oct. 19) Bryan McGarah filed suit Thursday against MLGW after a revenue-protection employee shot and killed his four-year-old dog, Snow, Sept. 10 outside his north Shelby County home, Action News 5 reported Friday. McGarah says Snow was friendly; MLGW says the dog charged the employee and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office concluded the shooting was justified.

The suit invokes Tennessee’s “T-Bo Law”, which permits up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages when another person unlawfully, intentionally or negligently causes a pet’s death. McGarah’s claim and MLGW’s defense remain to be decided.

SATURDAY REMINDER · OCT. 15

Shelby County announces free pet shots and microchips

Shelby County residents can get free rabies and parvovirus vaccinations, microchips and pet license tags at a drive-thru clinic Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 7 a.m. at 1826 Sycamore View Road, as revealed by the Shelby County Health Department’s Sept. 30 announcement. Memphis Animal Services and All 4s Rescue League will help provide the services.

The clinic will serve pets in arrival order while supplies last, with up to 450 vaccine doses. Bring ID proving Shelby County residency; vaccinations require pets at least 3 months old. Limit five pets per vehicle, secure them with leashes or carriers, and bring water. The clinic excludes breeders.

ONGOING LOCAL RESCUE APPEAL · OCT. 13

Rescue Seeks Help With Ana’s $12,000 Vet Bill

(Oct. 13) Dogs 2nd Chance continues promoting an appeal for Ana, whose pneumonia treatment included five days in intensive care at Memphis Veterinary Specialists and a bill exceeding $12,000, the rescue says. The fundraiser began June 29 and names her Anna. The organization lists donation options; this is an ongoing appeal, not a new hospitalization announcement.

Background video: WREG’s Live at 9 on Dogs 2nd Chance, shared by the rescue.

View Ana’s photo and appeal · Fundraiser

MEMPHIS ADOPTIONS · OCT. 13

Memphis Shelter Plans Halloween Adoption Push

(Oct. 13) Memphis Animal Services will hold its free Monster Mash Oct. 31, noon–3 p.m., at 2350 Appling City Cove. The shelter’s official notice invites families to wear costumes, trick-or-treat with local businesses and meet adoptable dogs and cats.

MEMPHIS RESCUE FUNDRAISER · OCT. 13

Howloween Fundraiser Supports Local Dogs

(Oct. 13) All 4s Rescue League will hold Howloween for the Hounds Oct. 24, 6–10 p.m., at Memphis Heritage’s Howard Hall, 2282 Madison Ave. The fundraiser supports its work helping dogs and their owners across the Mid-South. Entry costs $50 per person or $90 per couple, including food and two drinks per guest; a DJ and silent auction are planned, according to the organizer.

View the organizer’s event pictures · Tickets and details

CHEETAH CUBS · OCT. 13

Cheetah Cubs on Camera

(Oct. 13 BenQQ) Five healthy cheetah cubs were born Oct. 5 to first-time mother Zura at the Smithsonian’s conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia, Smithsonian reported Friday. Keepers say the 5-year-old mother is attentive and the cubs are active and nursing frequently.

Readers can watch the family on Smithsonian’s live Cheetah Cub Cam.

Watch live: Zura and her five cubs →

ANIMAL RESCUE · OCT. 13

Hunter Charged After Rescue Donkey Is Killed

(Oct. 13 BenQQ) A hunter faces charges of negligent use of a firearm and hunting within 300 yards of a residence after Angelique, a donkey at Hasty’s Haven in Belton, S.C., was shot and killed Sunday, PEOPLE reported today. The hunter said he had aimed at a deer. State wildlife authorities urged hunters to identify their targets and check what lies beyond them.

CONSERVATION · OCT. 13

Paraguay Builds a Plan to Protect Tapirs

(Oct. 13 BenQQ) Smithsonian scientists helped Paraguay develop a national plan to protect lowland tapirs, large plant-eating mammals that spread seeds and help forests regenerate, Smithsonian reported today. The plan outlines 105 conservation actions addressing habitat loss, hunting, road deaths and other threats.

ZOO TRANSFER · OCT. 11

Young giraffe moves from Memphis Zoo to Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg Zoo says Rhaisi, a young male reticulated giraffe, arrived there Wednesday, Oct. 7, after transferring from Memphis Zoo. WDAM reported Oct. 8 that the nearly 11-month-old giraffe is about 10 feet tall, weighs about 730 pounds and joins females Alberta, known as Bertie, and Grace.

The zoo says the transfer is part of the Species Survival Plan, which coordinates participating facilities to maintain a healthy giraffe population. Hattiesburg Zoo has temporarily paused giraffe feedings and barn experiences while Rhaisi settles in.

RESCUE FUNDING · OCT. 10

Dogs 2nd Chance warns it faces closure

Dogs 2nd Chance, an all-volunteer rescue serving Memphis and the Mid-South, says it faces closure. The organization says it has no shelter facility or paid staff and depends entirely on donations and volunteers to move dogs from high-risk shelters and the streets into foster and adoptive homes.

The rescue identifies today’s Mutt Strut 5K at Overton Park as its primary annual fundraiser. Its official website lists ways to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate; the Mutt Strut listing says the 10th-anniversary event begins at 9 a.m. at Rainbow Lake Pavilion.

CAT FUNDRAISER · OCT. 9

Humane Society lists Nov. 8 cat café

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County will hold Fall for Felines: An Autumn Harvest Cat Café from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at 935 Farm Road. The all-ages event includes coffee and hot chocolate, autumn crafts and games, time with adoptable cats, local vendors and giveaways.

Admission costs $15, including entry and a beverage. Tickets are limited and proceeds benefit shelter cats. Guests may also bring cardboard scratchers, baby blankets, cat cave beds or pâté cat and kitten food, according to the Humane Society’s official event listing.

CAT FUNDRAISER · OCT. 7

Halloween kitten yoga set for Oct. 23

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County will hold Snuggles & Stretches: Halloween Edition from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at 935 Farm Road. Adoptable kittens will roam during a gentle yoga class; no yoga experience is required. Participants should bring water and a mat.

Tickets cost $25 and benefit the Humane Society. Advance registration is required because space is limited; a virtual-support option is also available, according to the organization’s official event listing.

FOSTERING · OCT. 6

Humane Society plans foster dog event at Petco

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County will introduce dogs needing temporary homes Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 3 p.m. at Petco, 3468 Poplar Ave., as revealed by its Oct. 3 announcement. Visitors can meet its foster manager and ask about fostering. Placements will be handled in arrival order; households without resident animals may complete a placement there. Those with a resident dog must schedule a shelter meet-and-greet.

The Society provides supplies and veterinary care for foster pets. Its foster guidelines require an application, permission to keep pets at home, and resident pets’ current vaccinations and spay/neuter records. Caregivers must provide transport for veterinary appointments, at least two hours of daily attention and space separate from their own animals. The event notice does not list an admission fee.

LOCAL WILDLIFE · OCT. 3

Zoo cameras track wildlife across Memphis

Memphis Zoo and community partners have deployed more than 30 cameras across the city to study how wildlife uses urban green spaces, as revealed by the Wolf River Conservancy’s description of the research. The project joins the national Urban Wildlife Information Network and aims to help people and animals coexist.

The Conservancy’s Sept. 29 update highlights the zoo’s research as part of its work connecting residents with local wildlife and shared green spaces.

ZOO DEVELOPMENT · OCT. 3

Memphis Zoo plans permanent stingray habitat for 2027

Memphis Zoo plans to open Stingrays at Mangrove Cove in 2027, bringing back its formerly seasonal stingray experience as a permanent exhibit. The zoo says visitors will be able to touch stingrays and observe sharks and other aquatic species.

The habitat will explain how mangrove ecosystems shelter marine life. The zoo lists the exhibit as included with regular admission, with stingray feeding available for an additional fee; it has not posted an exact opening date on the exhibit page.

CONSERVATION · OCT. 3

Zoo elephants paint for conservation Saturday

Gina will paint at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, as the Memphis Zoo’s Art for Elephants combines animal artwork with conservation activities. Visitors can meet Elephants for Africa founder Dr. Kate Evans and celebrate Daisy and Bambi’s 50th birthdays at 2 p.m.

The 9 a.m.–4 p.m. program at 2000 Prentiss Place comes with regular Zoo admission. Purchases support elephant conservation through Elephants for Africa. The 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Picnic for Pachyderms requires a separate ticket.

COMING UP · OCT. 3

Humane Society lists October vaccine clinic

The Humane Society lists a low-cost drive-thru vaccine clinic for Saturday, Oct. 3, at 935 Farm Road. Check its announcement for registration, eligibility, hours and fees before attending.

Humane Society event calendar

For care between clinics, the organization also offers low-cost vaccination appointments to Shelby County residents receiving government assistance, as resources allow.

SHELTERS · BACKGROUND

Animal services extends beyond dogs and cats

MAS says it serves pigs, goats, horses and chickens as well as dogs and cats. Its 2025 impact report lists 7,813 animals admitted and 5,210 pets placed in new homes. Those are annual totals, not current shelter counts.

The shelter’s adoption listings provide a starting point for families seeking an animal. Check directly for current availability and care requirements.

ANIMAL WELFARE · RESOURCES

Help with food can keep a pet at home

MAS offers a Pet Resource request form and donated pet food when available. The Humane Society’s resource page also lists a pet food pantry. Availability and eligibility differ; contact the organizations before making a trip.

FALL ALLERGIES · OCT. 1

Fall itching? Memphis vet points to ragweed and mold

Ragweed pollen and mold from damp leaves can trigger fall flare-ups, Southern Crossing advises in its Sept. 9 pet-care report. Paw chewing, persistent scratching, irritated ears and excessive grooming deserve attention; fleas and infections can produce similar signs.

The Memphis clinic suggests wiping paws and coats after walks and washing bedding regularly. Persistent itching, sores or repeated ear trouble call for a veterinary exam. Southern Crossing treats pets at 614 Minor St.

GROOMING · OCT. 1

Keep fall coats brushed; tailor grooming to the dog

Memphis groomer Dawg Team advises regular brushing to lift loose fur and dirt and prevent mats. Its care guide says grooming frequency depends on coat type: long or curly coats may need more attention than short coats.

For owners who need care at home, Bark & Mane, formerly Aussie Pet Mobile, lists mobile dog and cat grooming across Memphis and nearby suburbs. Ask the groomer about coat needs, handling and current pricing.

DOG WALKING · OCT. 1

A midday walk can fill the school-day gap

For families balancing school and work this fall, 901Petsitting lists recurring midday dog walks and drop-in care in Arlington, Lakeland, Bartlett and other Memphis-area communities. The company says each walk includes fresh water and a photo update.

It also lists Adventure Hikes and Sniffaris. Before arranging care, confirm neighborhood coverage, the visit length, your dog’s exercise needs and current fees directly with the provider.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY · OCT. 1

Keep Halloween candy and open doors away from pets

Chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol and swallowed wrappers can turn Halloween into an emergency, AAHA warns. Keep treats out of reach, give pets a quiet room away from the front door and use costumes only if they allow easy breathing, movement and vision.

If a pet may have eaten something poisonous, seek veterinary advice immediately. MVS lists 24-hour emergency care at 555 Trinity Creek Cove in Cordova; call 901-624-9002 for triage.

AFFORDABLE CARE

Two local spay and neuter options

The Humane Society lists surgery at $65 for dogs and $50 for cats for qualifying owners receiving government assistance. Proof of assistance and age requirements apply.

SPAY Memphis lists $100 for dogs and $60 for domestic cats, with a $10 deposit applied to the cost. Its limited appointments are for owners unable to afford a full-service clinic. Confirm eligibility, current prices and any additional charges.

IDENTIFICATION

$5 microchips at MAS

MAS lists $5 microchips with registration during public hours, without an appointment. A chip identifies an animal when scanned; it does not track its location. Keep the registered phone number and address current.

WILDLIFE

Found a wild animal? Get species-specific help

A young animal alone may still be cared for by its mother. TWRA’s licensed rehabilitator directory matches help by species and lists Shelby County providers, including Out of the Woods and the Mid-South Raptor Center. Call before transporting an animal.

For deer, TWRA’s guidance is to leave fawns where found; its directory says deer must not be transported or relocated. Ask TWRA for guidance on an injured deer.

CHAINED DOGS

Taking Memphis Dogs Off Chains

All 4s Rescue League works directly with owners of chained and neglected dogs, providing doghouses, food, veterinary help and free spay/neuter care while helping families comply with local animal-care laws.

COMMUNITY ADVOCACY

Unity Organizes Around Animal Impact

Unity for Animals says it helps organize campaigns around animal impact in greater Memphis while educating residents about surrender alternatives, affordable spay/neuter, vaccines and responsible pet ownership.

HUMANE ADVOCACY

Memphis Group Pushes Humane Education

Animal World USA works through advocacy, humane education and community campaigns, including adoption events and programs involving schools, shelters, public officials and animal-welfare organizations.

WILDLIFE HABITAT

767 More Acres Protected

Wolf River Conservancy announced this summer that 767 acres of ecologically valuable land it acquired and protected were transferred to Tennessee for long-term public conservation and wildlife habitat.

LOCAL WILDLIFE

Wolf River Supports 250+ Bird Species

Wolf River Conservancy says the watershed supports more than 250 breeding and migrating bird species along with foxes, bobcats, beavers, bats, amphibians and other Mid-South wildlife.

WETLANDS

Major Conservation Group Calls Memphis Home

Ducks Unlimited, headquartered at One Waterfowl Way in Memphis, says it has conserved more than 20 million acres of wetlands and waterfowl habitat across North America.

ANIMAL ADVOCATES

Team Memphis Builds a Rescue Network

Team Memphis Rescue & Support says its all-volunteer work combines dog rescue with collaboration among animal advocates, foster caregivers, trainers, veterinarians and donors across the Mid-South.