The dog days certainly aren’t over for ChainFree Chattanooga — a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the environments of local outdoor dogs.
Modeled after ChainFree USA, which launched in Knoxville in 2021, the nonprofit, spearheaded by Elizabeth Longphre, works to eliminate the practice of tethering dogs while spreading awareness of the physical + mental impacts it can have.
President Katelyn Dix said that ChainFree is a judgment-free organization that wants to meet residents where they’re at and provide a resource that might not have been previously accessible.
Let’s break down some quick facts about who qualifies + the timeline.
- Fence builds are open to Hamilton County residents who continuously tether their dogs or have small enclosures.
- Each build can cost roughly over $1,200 for materials and additional supplies — funds are donation-based + services are free to the pet owners.
- ChainFree will accept one build every month to six weeks, this allows time to fundraise for each case.
- Projects are need-based — folks can either apply for services or you can nominate others by filling out an online form.
The organization doesn’t stop at building fenced areas. Part of each case also involves providing spaying + neutering services, with the help of ChattaNEUTER, and donating enrichment toys and dog shelters as needed, ensuring each dog has a well-balanced living space.
Looking to get involved? You can:
- Donate to current projects.
- Volunteer for a build day — you can help transport materials + deliver supplies or help build the modular fences (which take roughly 2-3 hours on a weekend).
- Spread the word — we recommend following along on Instagram to read about the dogs being helped + keep up with fundraising and builds.
“I think it’s a different way to be involved in animal rescue that’s more accessible,” said Secretary Molly Shirley. “Even if you’re not volunteering, just educating people can be so helpful.”
Bonus: ChainFree Chattanooga recently did its first official build-out, helping out doggos Rocky + Blue — get a look at the process.
