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
Nationwide, animal shelters care for between 6–8 million
dogs and cats every year, of whom 3–4 million are euthanized.
Our statistics in Dickson County mirror the nation at
large. There are simply not enough responsible homes
for all of these wonderful, innocent animals.
HSDC Total Incoming Animals in 2006: 3,007
Dogs/Puppies:
1,589
Cats/Kittens:
1,418
Total Adopted Animals: 724
(Help us raise this number
by fostering a pet!)
Dogs/Puppies:
327
Cats/Kittens:
397
Total Euthanized Animals: 1,367
(Click here to read more
about our "Open Door" status)
Dogs/Puppies:
747
Cats/Kittens:
620
Total Private Placement: 943
Dogs/Puppies:
528
Cats/Kittens:
415
Total Returned to Owner: 20
Dogs/Puppies:
17
Cats/Kittens:
3
Save a life — ADOPT TODAY! Also, please
spay and neuter your pets to help us reduce the pet
overpopulation problem and put an end to the euthanasia
of healthy animals!