CCAC seeks 50 volunteers for ‘Operation Silent Night’ holiday shelter push

Cheatham County Animal Control is once again aiming to “clear the shelter” this holiday season with its second annual Operation Silent Night, running Dec. 20 through Jan. 4.

To match last year’s success — when the initiative resulted in 53 adoptions and 42 animals spending Christmas in foster homes — the shelter hopes to recruit roughly 50 volunteers willing to adopt or provide temporary foster care.

“Operation Silent Night is a push to get as many animals into adoptive or foster homes by Christmas,” said Natalie Harzman, the event lead for CCAC. “Even short foster breaks give us valuable information on how they do in a home setting, which helps them get adopted more quickly once they return.”

This year, CCAC has 15 dogs and 40 cats available at the shelter that need a home this holiday season. Adoption fees have been reduced to $15 or less through a Secret Santa grab-bag promotion.

Foster pickup and return dates are flexible within the Dec. 20–Jan. 4 window. CCAC provides all needed supplies and offers volunteer support for any questions.

Harzman said the shelter is counting on community engagement once more. “We had huge support from the community last year with many foster families and lots of December adoptions. We hope the community will step in to help with the initiative again this year.”