MemphisPixNews.com/pets

PET HEALTH · OCT. 3

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.

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.