ChainFree USA

Who We Are

We are five students at the University of Tennessee who are working to raise awareness and funds for ChainFree USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps dogs who are continuously chained. We have chosen to support ChainFree USA because we are passionate about animal welfare and believe that every dog should have a safe and humane living environment. We feel that their work coincides with our values. Our GoFundMe campaign aims to help further their mission and expand their efforts.

ChainFree USA specializes in improving the lives of dogs that are chained outside. It is a stressful experience for dogs to be tethered for long periods, as it can cause anxiety, aggression, and great discomfort. To this end, ChainFree USA was established to put an end to the practice of chaining up dogs by building secure, fenced-in enclosures that allow dogs to have free range in their yard and a safe environment.

What We Need

We are working to raise $1,500, which will go towards fencing supplies and a doghouse for Winston, who is pictured below. All fences are a minimum of 800 square feet in size 6 x10’ panels. Within these enclosures is a canopy to keep the dogs shaded and provide protection from the weather. We will use these donations to help Winston begin his new life with new, comfortable housing.

Being a nonprofit organization, ChainFree USA has limited funding and needs the help of people like you to succeed at its mission. ChainFree USA has built over 200 fences for dogs in the Knoxville area, and each project requires careful planning, hours of labor, and the generosity of donors and volunteers to make it happen. When completed, these fences are more than just barriers—they are a lifeline, transforming a dog’s world from confinement and isolation to freedom and safety.

How It Helps

The problem with chained dogs is that it is both dangerous for the animal and the community as a whole. What ChainFree USA is building towards are safer communities with dogs in enclosed, spacious yards with sturdy fences so that dogs can’t bite, chase, or spread diseases in a small town. According to a study done by the CDC, chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to attack compared to a dog who is chain less.

Furthermore, chained dogs sometimes result in neck injury and can leave a dog defenseless when faced with wildlife like coyotes. These fences also help lower-income homes create a safer and fun environment for not just their dog but for themselves and their families as well. Dogs on chains are not just an issue for the dogs and the owners but a holistic problem that needs to be addressed by the community.

How Else You Can Help

If you are unable to donate today, there are still many ways you can support ChainFree USA and help us make a difference! Sharing our campaign with friends, family, and social media networks helps spread awareness and reach more people who may be able to contribute. You can also volunteer your time to assist with projects or outreach efforts. Following their Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok accounts on social media, along with engaging with their posts, helps boost visibility and keeps you informed about their work.

Donating supplies, such as dog houses, fencing materials, or pet food, can directly support dogs in need. Lastly, keeping up with their website ensures you stay updated on their progress, upcoming opportunities, and ways to get involved. Every effort, big or small, brings us closer to giving dogs in Knoxville the safe, chain-free lives they deserve!