An average of 16,000 animals pass through the Young Williams Animal Center every year.

Their open in take facility allows for the adoption of a variety of animals ranging from cats and dogs to rabbits and hamsters.

"We take anything that comes to the door and turn no animal awayWe take anything that comes to the door and turn no animal away. Tim Adams, Young William's Outreach Director," said Young William's Outreach Director Tim Adams.

Young Williams Animal Center opened in 2004 through donations from the center's founders, Linsey Young and Mark Williams, and funds from the city of Knoxville and Knox County.

The city uses the facility as a drop off point for stray cats and dogs.

"It has been done as a public and private partnership and has been pretty successful," said Adams.

Young Williams requires some information before any animal can be seen as a part of their plan to pair animal lovers with the right pet.

"I think Young Williams is a great facility that not only offers the chance to realize there are animals in need of help but allows you to help animals in general," said Ashley Lott, a pet owner and University of Tennessee student.

Young Williams also accepts donations that lower or eliminate the adoption fee to encourage people to adopt a pet.

Adams says the hardest animals to adopt out are the older cats and dogs, but the puppies and kittens tend to go quickly.

"I adopted my dog Pooka from Young Williams and it made me feel good to save her life," said Christine Beard, a local animal lover.

Young Williams is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.