As the holiday season and the new year approach, the spirit of giving fills the air. Yet amid the celebrations, one group often goes unnoticed: the stray and abandoned animals in our community. Dedicated to giving these animals a second chance, Friends of MACC, a local, volunteer-run nonprofit, partners with Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) to support the care of more than 4,000 homeless pets each year. Through their compassion and commitment, these volunteers remind us that kindness is the most meaningful gift of all.
“We are a volunteer-run organization, so we can always use more people who want to do good,” says Becky Carter, board chair. “Given that we are a young organization, we are working hard to build a solid foundation so that we can help for many years to come. We would love for more people to get involved, whether it be a local business, community group, or an individual, so we can reach more people and help more pets and their families.”
Friends of MACC works to expand the reach of MACC’s mission by providing awareness, resources, and additional support for three key focuses: the Foster Program, the Safety Net Program, and the Emergency Medical Fund. Together, these programs offer vital medical, financial, and emotional assistance to both the animals in need and the people who care for them.
“We really hope to focus on three things in 2026,” Becky adds. “We want to continue to raise funds and support our primary areas of support, which include our Emergency Medical Fund; Safety Net Program, which includes low to no-cost spay/neuter, microchips, and rabies vaccines; Animal Enrichment; and the Foster Program to help the pets while they wait to be adopted!”
With a mission as meaningful as theirs, it truly takes a village to make a lasting impact—and that’s exactly what Friends of MACC has built. Thanks to the dedication of passionate volunteers and countless community members who have participated in their programs, real change is happening every day. In 2025 alone, the organization is on track to help more than 2,000 families care, and provide for their pets’ needs to keep them home, and has provided funding for more than 100 emergency medical cases for homeless pets, giving both animals and their people a second chance.
As the year draws to a close, get involved and mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2 and Shelter Dog Yoga on Dec. 14. In the new year, the organization is keeping the momentum going—so save the date for their “I Love You a Brunch” fundraising event in partnership with Loveless Cafe on Feb. 15, 2026. They also plan to launch their own signature fundraising event, which will not only increase the organization’s visibility but also help raise the much-needed funds to sustain their impact. All are opportunities to give back, connect, and celebrate the difference compassion can make.
Friends of MACC continues to remind the community that one of the most impactful ways to make a difference is by choosing adoption. They encourage everyone to visit their local shelter and open their hearts and homes to animals in need, rather than purchasing from breeders. Each adoption not only gives a pet a second chance at life but also helps make room for another animal in need of care. In addition, they emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering pets—simple yet essential steps that help reduce overpopulation and ensure healthier, happier lives for animals across the community.
To stay up to date on upcoming events, current needs, and adoptable pets, be sure to follow Friends of MACC on social media. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, every bit of support helps further their goal to care for animals and strengthen the community that loves them. To learn more, visit their website or reach out via email to see how you can make a difference.
@friendsofmaccnashville
facebook.com/friendsofmaccnashville
info@friendsofmacc.org
friendsofmacc.org
Friends of MACC continues to remind the community that one of the most impactful ways to make a difference is by choosing adoption.