CAIT (Companion Animal Initiative of TN)

04/08/2026

Shelter Medicine & CAIT would like to congratulate Anja Shull, our undergraduate Chancellor’s Honor student!

Anja’s passion for the plight of community cats lead her to the creation of a national survey to better understand the struggles, limitations, and demographics of cat trappers for TNR. The survey is complete and 721 respondents are in! Anja will present data in a research poster (pictured here) and we look forward to sharing the wealth of new and important information about these dedicated feline superheroes. Special thanks to Kara, Robin, Deb, and Bette for their valuable assistance in sharing thoughts and experiences prior to survey design.

We are proud of your work Anja, congratulations! 🤩

03/31/2026

Another awesome day installing cat portals! 🐾

We love seeing all the positive changes happening at the Unicoi County Animal Shelter. Every upgrade makes a difference in the lives of these cats. Grateful to be a part of it! 💙

03/05/2026

Yesterday our students had the opportunity to spay and neuter animals from The Animal Shelter of Sullivan County. Experiences like this give them valuable hands-on learning while also helping reduce pet overpopulation and improve the health and lives of shelter animals.

We’re proud of the compassion, professionalism, and skills our students continue to show.

The cute pups below are looking for their forever home. Please reach out to The Animal Shelter of Sullivan County for adoption information.

💙 Chaco is a 1-2 year old shepherd mix that's super sweet and polite. He also already knows how to sit.

🤎 Austin is a 1 year old curious hound with the softest ears.

03/03/2026

✨ Puppy Love Alert! ✨

Here are THREE adorable 9-week-old puppies ready to find their forever homes!

🐾 Nova – Super soft and fluffy!
🐾 Nash – Sleek and sweet!
🐾 Nicco – Happy and cuddly!
Not pictured - Nathan, Nigel & Nolan

These precious pups are full of love, curiosity, and tail wags! They’re the perfect age to start bonding with their new families and learning new things.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry best friend to your life, this is your sign!

Please reach out to the Grainger County Humane Society for adoption info.

11/05/2025

It's Big Orange Give time! 🧡 We would love your support to help us save lives! The CVM Advisory Board will match gifts to the College of Veterinary Medicine dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift, until a total of $21,500 has been reached. You'll have the option to select an area of support within the College of Veterinary Medicine and then you can pick CAIT Community Outreach Gift Fund or the Shelter Medicine Fund. 😺https://bigorangegive.utk.edu/vet-med

11/04/2025

Big Orange Give is happening November 5! Mark your calendars, Vols, and get ready to show your support for our university. This year, your gift can help CAIT and Shelter Medicine continue their amazing work improving the lives of animals and advancing hands-on learning for our students. 🐶🐱 Every gift makes a difference! 🍊

11/03/2025

🌸 Meet Cotton! 🌸

This sweet girl is Cotton, a 1–2-year-old, 35 lb spayed female who’s ready to find her forever home! 🐾

Cotton LOVES people. She’s happiest being petted, cuddled, and sitting right in your lap. 💕 She’s got the cutest natural “eyeliner,” big adorable ears, and the sweetest personality to match!

Please reach out to the Grainger County Humane Society for adoption information on Cotton!!

10/21/2025

Another awesome day helping Sevier County Animal Shelter!

09/12/2025

🐾 Meet Hollar! 🐾

This little gentleman is rocking the purr-fect mustache and is ready to steal hearts 💕 At just 8–10 weeks old, Hollar is already neutered, has his first round of vaccines, and is all set for his forever home!

He's currently charming everyone at the , but what he really wants is a family to call his own!

08/08/2025

🐶 Meet Gail – The Smiliest Pup You’ll Ever Meet! 😄

Ever wanted a dog who literally grins at you? Gail’s your girl! This sweet 10-week-old pupper has a heart full of love and a smile that’ll melt yours. 💕

Gail is friendly, affectionate, and ready to bring joy into your life. Whether you're looking for a cuddle buddy or a playful companion, she’d love to come home with you and be part of your family. 🏡🐾

📍 Located at Campbell County TN Animal Center

Let’s help Gail find the happy home she deserves! Please share!

07/07/2025

Coping with the death of a pet can be a stressful experience. Veterinary Social Work Service at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, offers the virtual Pet Loss Support Group to help those experiencing the grief process no matter the species of pet or how much time has passed since the loss.

Coping with the death of a pet can be a stressful experience. Veterinary Social Work Service at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, ...