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Blount County Animal Center has reached its Phase II campaign goal thanks to a $250,000 donation from PetSafe.

The $490,000 "Campaign for Compassion" officially launched Sept. 1 with a $50,000 donation from longtime Blount County residents Don and Carol Story in honor of their current and past pets. The Charles and Sue Fouche Charitable Trust donated $200,000 to the campaign in January, raising the reserve to over the halfway mark.

The PetSafe donation is to be announced at a press conference at 10 a.m. today at the Blount County Animal Center, 233 Curie Ave., Maryville.

PetSafe, headquartered in Knoxville, has always made pet safety a corporate goal.

Robin Hawn, brand manager for PetSafe, said late Monday afternoon, “At Pet Safe we very committed to making a contribution to the community, particularly where pets are involved.

“We recognized an opportunity to support Blount County in their mission for animal response," Hawn said. "We are very excited to support their mission.”

PetSafe has about 200 employees that work at the Knoxville headquarters, several of whom live in Blount County.

The Phase II estimated cost of $490,000 includes the Adoption Center portion of the Blount County Animal Shelter comprised of the public lobby, surgery center, adoption rooms, featured pet rooms, educational area, director office, kitchen and bathing/grooming room.

Chris Protzman, president of Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation said “we are extremely proud to reach the goal of Phase II.”

He pointed out the symbolism of announcing the donation on Feb. 23, which is National Spay Day. Protzman said it is a perfect marriage of providing an animal center for pet adoption and a spay/neuter program to cut down on the homeless pet population in Blount County.