HSDC urges you (and everyone!) to adopt your pet from a shelter, rather than purchasing a pet from a pet store or breeder. You will find puppies and kittens at our shelter as well as mature animals. We estimate that approximately 25% of shelter animals are purebred.

Nationwide, animal shelters care for between 6–8 million dogs and cats every year, of whom 3–4 million are euthanized. The tragic fact is that there are simply not enough responsible homes for all of these wonderful, innocent animals. Save a life — adopt today!

Why adopt from HSDC?
Adoption will change two lives forever — yours and your new companion's. When you adopt from HSDC, you save a life and gain a friend. Our shelter offers an enormous variety of animals — purebreds, mix breeds, all ages and personalities — and we'll help you find the one that is just right for you. Search for your new dog or cat today!

What if I live outside the Tennessee area?
Out-of-state adoptions are encouraged. Please call the shelter at 615-446-PETS (7387) for more details.

Are dogs and cats in shelters healthy and well adjusted?
We screen animals for serious health and behavior problems. Even with the best-behaved animal, however, you should expect to go through a period of adjustment as your pet becomes used to a new home, family, and routine. No animal, no matter where it comes from, is problem-free or comes with a health and behavior guarantee, but if you're prepared to provide your new family pet with some time, training, and patience, your reward will be a loving companion. If you are considering purchasing a pet, please read the facts at www.StopPuppyMills.org

How do pets end up in a shelter?
People relinquish pets to shelters for many reasons, including allergies to animals, moves to new cities, new babies in their families, owner death, pet behavior or health issues, pets unexpectedly giving birth and busy lifestyles. Unspayed and unneutered stray and outdoor animals also contribute to the pet overpopulation cycle. Consequently, 6 million to 8 million cats and dogs, both stray and owned, are cared for in animal shelters each year. And so many animals are purposely bred for sale through pet stores, newspaper ads and the Internet that there aren't enough adopters for all of the shelter animals.

Do shelters really have purebred animals for adoption?
It is estimated that about 25% of the animals in shelters nationwide are purebred. If you are interested in a specific breed, ask to have your contact information placed on our waiting list of people interested in purebred animals. Or come by the shelter, you may be able to find an animal that has traits that are similar to those of the breed you have in mind.

Aren't all shelter animals just "secondhand" pets?
Many of our shelter animals are puppies and kittens that will be starting their lives as companions. Older dogs and cats may have had previous owners. You may have to re-educate these animals to some degree. On the other hand, they may have already been exposed to house-breaking and obedience training. Remember, too, that companion animals are remarkably adaptable and have a boundless capacity for love. Just because they lived with someone else first, doesn't mean they wouldn't make a wonderful companion for you!

We extend credit and thank the HSUS and NASL for content above.

Our Stats