Love, Care, Second Chances: The Heart of Our Mission
Together, with every adoption, foster, and act of kindness, we’re rewriting the stories of shelter pets-turning uncertainty into love, loneliness into belonging, and bringing hope and healing to pets and the people who love them.
Our Mission
To keep shelters under capacity through adoption, fostering, and sponsorship, while serving as a resource for pet owners in need.
We believe in creating a compassionate community where every pet has a chance to thrive. Our efforts focus on connecting animals with loving families and providing resources to keep them safe and healthy.
Through collaboration and community engagement, we aim to transform the lives of shelter animals and the people who care for them. Together, we can build a future where every pet finds its forever home.
Our Story
The Journey of Max's Furrever Friends Project
Max’s Furrever Friends Project was born from seeing the immense challenges faced by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control. Time and again, we witnessed the shelter stretched beyond its limits-kennels overflowing, urgent pleas for fosters and adopters, and heartbreaking decisions made simply because there wasn’t enough space or resources. In some weeks, over a hundred dogs arrived at once, putting incredible strain on staff and leaving too many pets at risk.
We saw firsthand how limited resources and increasing numbers of homeless pets put immense pressure on local shelters and animal care teams. It became clear that shelter overcrowding isn’t just a numbers problem-it’s a community challenge that needs a community solution
That’s why we formed Max’s Furrever Friends Project: to stand alongside Animal Care and Control, offering hands-on help through adoption, fostering, and sponsorship, and to support pet owners so fewer animals end up in crisis. Our mission is to bridge the gaps in care and compassion, making sure no pet is left behind and every family feels supported.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our team is the heart of Max’s Furrever Friends Project, working tirelessly to ensure every pet finds a loving home.
Max Knutson
Founder & Director
Our Vision for the Future
A nurturing sanctuary where shelter pets of all kinds receive loving care, socialization, and training-supported by a dedicated community-to help them thrive and find forever homes.
Holistic Acclimatization Center: The Heart of the Vision
The Holistic Acclimatization Center, to be built in partnership with Nigro Group Renovations, will provide every shelter pet-dogs, cats, and small animals-with a private, home-like room designed to reduce stress and promote well-being. The facility will also feature an expansive Play Haven, offering secure outdoor and indoor spaces for exercise, exploration, and socialization.
How Programs and Initiatives Integrate with the Facility
Community and Veteran Volunteer Program
Volunteers from the local community and retired veterans will be essential to the daily life of the Acclimatization Center. These volunteers will provide individualized attention, companionship, and gentle socialization for each pet. By spending time with animals in their rooms and in the Play Haven, volunteers help pets acclimate to a home-like environment, build trust, and develop positive behaviors-key factors in preparing them for adoption.
Certified Readiness with Basic Training
All shelter pets will participate in a structured training and enrichment program tailored to their species and needs. For dogs and cats, this includes basic manners, socialization, and confidence-building exercises, conducted both in their private rooms and in the Play Haven. The program, supported by volunteers and trainers, ensures each animal leaves the center with essential skills and a “Certified Ready” designation, increasing their chances for successful placement in a permanent home
Expansive Play Haven
The Play Haven is an integral part of the acclimatization process. Here, pets can safely interact, play, and exercise-crucial for their physical health and emotional well-being. Structured play sessions, enrichment activities, and positive socialization experiences are all facilitated by staff and volunteers, helping pets adjust to group settings and new environments before adoption.
Unified Approach
By integrating these programs within the thoughtfully designed facility, the Holistic Acclimatization Center will offer a seamless transition for shelter pets-from intake, through acclimatization and training, to adoption. The combination of a nurturing environment, dedicated volunteer support, and readiness programs ensures that every animal receives the care, enrichment, and preparation needed for a successful future in a loving home56.
This unified approach not only enhances the quality of life for shelter pets but also sets a new standard for community engagement and animal welfare.