About Us, We work in partnership with the community to create a safe, healthy and caring environment for both our citizens and animals through education, adoption and courteous, effective enforcement of the laws relating to animals within the Tennessee Code Annotated. View our Shelter Statistics, Our Staff, Coordinators and Supervisors, Michael Gregory, Director, , , , , , , ,
Type: PAWS
Shelter Statistics, Sorted by year:, 2015 Reports 2016 Reports 2017 Reports 2018 Reports 2019 Reports 2020 Reports 2021 Reports 2022 Reports
Type: PAWS
Contact Us, Paws is located at: 285 John R Rice Boulevard Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Phone: *(615) 898-7740 Fax: (615) 898-7994 Pet Help Desk: (615) 907-DOGS (3647) Email: [email protected], *, Note:, PAWS receives a high volume of calls. If prompted, please leave your name and number and your call will be returned ASAP. Calls received before normal business hours are also returned ASAP, including before operation hours. (For emergencies only, please contact your local law enforcement office). Type: PAWS
Adoption Policy, Dogs, Adoption fees for puppies and dogs range depending on the age, how long the animal has been available at the shelter, services offered by PAWS and other factors. Fees for already available pets are listed with the animal's information. This fee includes the following: first distemper combination shot, first deworming, rabies shot, heartworm test for dogs (if old enough) and a spay or neuter. PAWS…, Cats, Cats are currently a 'name your own price' option to help with the large intake of cats and kittens. , To adopt a pet from PAWS:, You must be 18 years of age to adopt a pet and provide a current driver’s license or state ID. If you live in a rental property, apartment, etc.: Proof of pet deposit, accepted breed/weight information, etc. must be presented prior to adoption. Proof of current rabies vaccinations for any currently owned pets and , all, , pets, living, on, property, is required. If you own a dog, please also prepare to bring the dog(s) to meet with available shelter dogs you may be interested in taking home. Staff will assist with the "meet & greet" process. Please prepare to bring all children in the home that are under 18 years of age. We also, highly recommend, all members of the household be present to visit with potential pets coming home as well. If your application is approved, you may be able to take your new pet home the same day. We accept cash, checks and now *credit/debit cards. If you pay with a check, it must have your current address and match your driver's license, and credit/debit cards will be charged a $2.00 convenience fee (we cannot…, Adoption applications/interviews are conducted at the PAWS shelter. Applications unfortunately cannot be accepted online. Please note, to ensure proper time spent with pets and allow enough time for adoption processing, please arrive , prior, to 30 minutes before closing time to ensure time to complete adoptions., Click here to View our Adoptable Pets
Type: PAWS
Abuse Investigation, Don't be afraid to report a case of possible animal cruelty or abuse, and speak for those who can't speak for themselves. There is certain information needed to investigate an animal abuse/neglect case. A direct witness is required; the complaint cannot be based on hearsay. Complainant information: name, address, telephone Exact location or address of the animal(s) Any information on the owner of…, If you suspect abuse, please contact us at (615) 898-7740, . If you do not want your name mentioned, please understand that we need specific information from a complainant (name, address, phone number) for the purpose of obtaining a search warrant, if needed., For livestock neglect/abuse reports: , Please direct livestock animal concerns to the TN Department of Agriculture - [click here to file a livestock welfare complaint] ., Possible Signs of Animal Cruelty, Physical Signs, Collar so tight it has caused a neck wound Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, skin, bumps or rashes Extreme thinness or emaciation (bones may be visible) Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat…, Environmental Signs, Click here for set of rules & regulations pertaining to animal control in Rutherford County, TN. Pets tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary. Pets kept…
Type: PAWS
Lost and Found Pets, For stray pets that you would like to care for while searching for an owner, please complete the PAWS Found Pet Form below & follow instructions, or call or email the shelter directly. The shelter can receive approximately 20 to 60 animals a day, so we strongly encourage you to visit the shelter if your pet is missing, in addition to checking the stray animals page of our website, as often…, View Stray Pets at PAWS, * PAWS Found Pet Report Form :, *If you are unable to fax or email the PDF form, you may send responses to requested info above to [email protected] , or visit the shelter during business hours. Please include a photo of pet!, Other Helpful Websites & Instructions, TN.gov Pet Rabies Tag List, : Found a pet with a rabies tag on? View the TN rabies tag list above to begin steps in reuniting the pet with its owner! Type: PAWS
Microchipping, , *, NOTE:, Rabies vaccinations, microchipping and current, free dog/cat vaccines are unavailable, Thursday, May 26.*, Microchipping is available at PAWS for $15, and includes a lifetime registration! Currently, rabies vaccines are given Monday-Thursday 12-1:30 p.m.& 2-4 p.m., as well as Friday 12-1:30 p.m. when a veterinarian is available. No appointment is necessary - walk-ins only - first-come, first-come. *, Please note, in the event of high volumes of guests during walk-in hours, PAWS may be unable to provide this service to every guest before walk-in closing time.*, As an animal control department, emergencies can often occur. Please note the veterinarian may not be available in the event of an emergency. , For additional options, a list of other local vets is available below. Microchipping is an excellent way to ensure your pet's return if they become lost. Based on the animal's behavior, strays or found pets brought to PAWS are checked for a microchip , and often found pets are taken to nearby vets who check for a microchip as well. It is also important to keep your information up to date. If you…, Click here for Local Vets List., -
Type: PAWS
Vaccinations, Every dog and cat over three months of age must have a current vaccination against rabies in Rutherford County, TN. , *, NOTE:, Rabies vaccinations, microchipping and current, free dog/cat vaccines are unavailable, Thursday, May 26.*, Rabies vaccines are available at PAWS for $15, and includes the license. Currently, rabies vaccines are given Monday-Thursday 12-1:30 p.m.& 2-4 p.m., as well as Friday 12-1:30 p.m. when a veterinarian is available. No appointment is necessary - walk-ins only -first-come, first-serve. *, Please note, in the event of high volumes of guests during walk-in hours, PAWS may be unable to provide this service to every guest before walk-in closing time., As an animal control department, emergencies can often occur. Please note the veterinarian may not be available in the event of an emergency. , For additional options, a list of other local vets is below:, -Click here for Local Vets List-, , Why is this Necessary?, Rabies is transmitted by the saliva of infected mammals, primarily dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons, and bats. There have been isolated cases of rabid cows and horses. If untreated, it is FATAL to humans. The treatment for a bite by a rabid animal is long and painful. An unvaccinated animal that is bitten by a rabid animal should be euthanized. An unvaccinated animal that bites a human may be…, If you see a skunk out in the daytime, please leave it alone and contact PAWS at 615-898-7740 as skunks can carry the rabies virus., Raccoons are beginning to show up in Eastern Tennessee with a new strain of rabies that may lead to increased cases of rabies among cows and horses. At least once a year the Rutherford County Veterinarians offer rabies shots for a discounted rate during the "Rabies Clinic Week." Call your local veterinarian for a schedule.
Type: PAWS
Spay and Neuter, PAWS is proud to offer, free, spay and neuter for cats and dogs of residents of Rutherford County, TN (if you're not a county resident, see other resources at bottom of page)! Thanks to grants and additional funding, we can now provide this service, including a, free, rabies vaccination for pets 3 months of age or older, if the pet is not current. It is important to spay and neuter your pets. Not only is it good for population control, but it is also good for their health. Certain cancers can be prevented by simply spaying or neutering your pet., Current Program Details :, PAWS recommends residents apply within Monday-Friday 12-6 p.m., When available, , appointment scheduling is offered in-person during the week. , Residents interested in applying may also visit the shelter during weekend business hours or submit applications via fax or email (see details below) and all other required documents, to receive a call to be scheduled ASAP., Please advise:, Appointments are scheduled first-come, first-serve. Due to high demand, appointments may be scheduled out several weeks or more from time of application turn in, depending on application volume and appointment availability at that time. Please expect possible delays in receiving a call to be scheduled. Due to staffing, calls to schedule spay/neuter surgeries are typically made on Fridays. …, How To Apply :, * You must be scheduled for an appointment by the vet office to receive the spay/neuter service. PAWS will not accept guests without an appointment.*, To apply:, You must complete the Free Spay/Neuter Form for each pet receiving the service and provide your current/non-expired driver's license or other form of government-issued, photo I.D. (i.e., passport, gun permit, etc.). If your driver's license does not reflect your current address, you must provide proof of your current Rutherford County, TN residency (i.e., water/electric bill, lease, etc.).…, It is recommended, to visit PAWS Monday-Friday 12-6 p.m. to apply within. However, applications may also be printed and submitted with all required documentation via the following methods: , Fax to:, 615-898-7994 (please call or email the address below to confirm your fax was received), OR, Email to:, [email protected] . Questions? Please call us at 615-898-7740 (option 5) and leave a message and call back number if we are unable to take your call at that time. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!, Free Spay/Neuter Form , *(updated 7/23/21)*, Learn about Spay/Neuter myths, Preparing Your Pet For Surgery, Things to Watch For At Home (After Care Info), , Not a Rutherford County, TN resident? View these additional resources for low cost Spay/Neuter:, www.spaytennessee.org , PetSmart Charities S/N Locator , Other Local Low Cost Programs/Services Type: PAWS
Things to Consider Before Adopting, It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it’s a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tails seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you’re walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket. If you’re like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder!…, Why do you want a pet?, It’s amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it’s “the thing to do” or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don’t forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years., Do you have time for a pet?, Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you’re tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn’t realize how much time it took to care for them., Can you afford a pet?, The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly., Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?, Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren’t yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership., Can you have a pet where you live?, Many rental communities don’t allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home., Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?, If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you’re a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise., Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?, Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you’ll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into…, Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation?, You’ll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service., Will you be a responsible pet owner?, Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials., Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?, When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime., Get an Animal for Life, Sure, it’s a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important. Many of the shelter’s homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of people who irresponsibly allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were…
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