MARC

Marion Animal Resource Connection

Making a difference one animal at a time.

Providing affordable spay/neuter services and educating our community to create a kinder world for animals.

About Us

Empowering Communities, Saving Lives

MARC is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of animals and people in Marion County, Tennessee. We strive to create a kinder world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect.

Our Mission:

  • Educate: Empowering individuals with knowledge about humane animal care.
  • Spay/Neuter: Reducing pet overpopulation through affordable, accessible services.
  • Rescue and Rehome: Providing shelter and finding loving homes for animals in need.
  • Community Partnership: Collaborating with local governments and organizations to create a stronger, more compassionate community.

Your Impact:

By supporting MARC, you’re directly contributing to a better future for animals.

Your donations help us provide vital services, including:

Spay & Neuter Program

  • Help control the animal population.

Veterinary Care

  •  Essential medical treatments and surgeries.

Shelter and Food

  • Safe havens and nutritious meals for rescued animals.

Adoption Programs

  • Finding loving homes for animals in our care.

The cost of caring for these innocent animals is significant, and we rely on the generosity of individuals and donations to continue our life-saving work. By investing in spay/neuter programs and responsible pet ownership, we can reduce the burden on our communities and prevent unnecessary suffering.

The consequences of neglecting animal welfare are far-reaching. Uncontrolled pet populations can lead to increased health risks, environmental issues, and social problems. By supporting MARC, you’re helping to create a more compassionate and sustainable future for both animals and people.

Join us in making a difference. Together, we can build a kinder world for all.

MARC Animal Resource Center

Our hours for animal evaluation are listed below. We request you make an appointment before coming to the center. All animals should be on a leash or in a carrier. Animals must return home with their owners after evaluation.

Hours:

Monday: 11 AM – 2 PM

Tuesday: 11 AM – 2 PM

Wednesday: 11 AM – 2 PM

Saturday: 11 AM – 2 PM

2024

MARC served 2095 animals.

Total intakes 

  • Canine intakes 1018
  • Feline intakes 259

1937 Total number of animals spayed/neutered through MARC

  • Pets of low-income people 818
  • Pets rescued & adopted 1119

*Spays & neuters were free to low-income people’s pet

2023

MARC served 2859 animals.

Total intakes 1614

  • Canine intakes 1326
  • Feline intakes 255

2267 Total number of animals spayed/neutered through MARC

  • Pets of low-income people 1245
  • Pets rescued & adopted 1022

*Spays & neuters were free to low-income people’s pet

2022

MARC served 2748 animals.

Total intakes 1643

  • Canine intakes 1302
  • Feline intakes 323

1997 Total number of animals spayed/neutered through MARC

  • Pets of low-income people 1105
  • Pets rescued & adopted 892

*Spays & neuters were free to low-income people’s pet

2021

MARC served 2108 animals.

Total intakes 1597

  • Canine intakes 1287
  • Feline intakes 310

1659 Total number of animals spayed/neutered through MARC 

  • Pets of low-income people 511
  • Pets rescued & adopted 1148

*Spays & neuters were free to low-income people’s pet

2020

MARC served 2349 animals.

Total intakes 1444

  • Canine intakes 1116
  • Feline intakes 328

1836 Total number of animals spayed/neutered through MARC 

  • Pets of low-income people 905
  • Pets rescued & adopted 931

*Spays & neuters were free to low-income people’s pets

2019

MARC served 2,113 animals.

Total intakes 1057

  • Canine intakes 912
  • Feline intakes 145

1819 Total number of animals spayed/neutered through MARC 

  • Pets of low-income people 855
  • Pets rescued & adopted 964

*Spays & neuters were free to low income people’s pet

Our Board of Advisors

Our Board of Advisors is a dedicated group of individuals who share our passion for animal welfare. They bring a wealth of expertise and experience to our organization, guiding us in our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. Their invaluable insights and support help us make a positive impact on the lives of countless animals.

MARC Board of Directors August 2024

  • April Bowden, Director & Founder
  • Steve Strain, President, Assistant DA, 12th Judicial District, TN
  • Lorie Heller, Secretary, Tower Bank
  • Laura Allen, Treasurer, Century 21
  • Shannon Pickering, Campaign Consultant
  • Pam Maloof, Assembly Monteagle, TN
  • Jody Clement, Jasper Highlands

MARC Team

April Bowden, Director & Founder

Sue Scruggs, Executive Director

Focus Areas

Spaying and Neutering

Every day, countless unwanted dogs and cats are born and abandoned. These innocent animals often face harsh conditions, left to fend for themselves or suffer neglect. To break this cycle, MARC is committed to providing education and affordable spay/neuter services to reduce pet overpopulation. By preventing unwanted litters, we can help ensure that every animal has a chance at a loving home.

Saving the Animal Population

Marion County, Tennessee, a rural area west of Chattanooga, lacks a comprehensive animal welfare system. The county’s limited animal control resources and small, underfunded pounds often leave animals vulnerable.

MARC is actively working with local authorities to increase awareness of these animals and extend their stay in shelters, giving them a better chance at finding loving homes. By collaborating with the community, we aim to create a more compassionate and humane environment for all animals.

Rehoming Animals

MARC collaborates with animal rescue organizations in the northern United States to find loving homes for animals in need. Our dedicated volunteers foster animals rescued from local shelters, providing them with care and love until they can be matched with their forever families. By working together with our northern partners, we can help reduce pet overpopulation and ensure that every animal has a chance at a happy life.

In addition, we assist Marion County residents who find themselves overwhelmed with unwanted litters. By providing resources and support, we help them find responsible homes for these animals.

If you have questions about our privacy policies or terms of use those can be reviewed through the following links.