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
Tour our Facility, The kennel area houses our adoptable dogs. There is a backyard area where you can take a dog outside to get to know them. You will often see volunteers giving dogs some outdoor and fun play time there. The kennel area houses our adoptable dogs. There is a backyard area where you can take a dog outside to get to know them. You will often see volunteers giving dogs some outdoor and fun play time…
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
Animal Surrender, Surrendering A Pet, PAWS accepts animal intakes by appointment only by calling the PAWS Resource Desk Line at 615-907-DOGS (3647)., You may also contact the shelter's main line at 615-898-7740 (option 5) to receive additional guidance regarding strays or other pet intake services., , Active February 1, 2018, PAWS accepts animal intakes by appointment only ., Sick, injured and biter animals ("unowned"), will be accepted, ASAP, , without an appointment ., Note this area is closed on Sundays and holidays. [, Learn more., ] This transition is in an effort to better serve the citizens and animals of Rutherford County, by providing a better customer service experience by reducing wait times for those bringing in stray animals and provide owners that are surrendering their pet with pertinent information and resources, so that they can make the most informed decision. This will not change the what animals we take,…, Is there Any Way to Keep Him or Her?, Below are many of the reasons that people choose to give up their pet. Many of these do have solutions and we encourage you to do everything possible to accommodate your pet or the stray into your household. If you need advice from us, please call us before you are to the point of total frustration. , Rental problems, Find a situation that allows pets. There are plenty of landlords who do allow pets. Take the time to find them - below are very helpful tools to find a place that will accept your animal, as well as other ways to keep your pet in your home. And if you're worried about a pet deposit, just think of this: what's worth more to you, a few fast-food meals or the life of a loyal friend…, Allergies, Visit your doctor to find out if your allergies can be controlled through medication and/or diet. If medications do not help you entirely, then try these solutions: Allerpet/D, available in many pet stores and by mail order. Apply to pet's fur using washcloth once a week. It neutralizes the dander. Nature's Miracle works in a similar manner. Cats can be bathed in distilled water to remove their…, Unruly behavior, In most cases, the problems are quite solvable if you make a little effort. An animal is like a child. Set no boundaries, ignore him, give her nothing to do, teach him nothing...the child will not be well-adjusted and will not learn to behave. It is up to you to teach your animal kindly and consistently what is expected of him or her. Take obedience classes (contact local adult education centers…, Destructive behavior/house soiling/barking, Does your dog destroy things when you leave? Does your dog pee/poop in the house? Use a crate when you leave the dog alone. Crates have been proven over and over to be effective. A crate is worth every penny. Some people believe them to be cruel, but it is a naturally tendency for your dog to have a small sleeping area, a den. It is kinder than sending your dog away. If your dog is barking…, Shows Aggression, You need obedience training and assistance. Remember: cats and dogs, like children, learn what they are taught. What caused the behavior? Does someone in your home rough-house with the animal? Play tug-of-war? Yell at the animal? Yell at other people or act violent? Does a child poke, tease or torment the animal? Or do you basically ignore the animal unless you're scolding or punishing him? Try…, Litter Box accidents , How often do you clean out the box? Is the box in a high traffic area? Have you added additional cats without adding additional boxes? Have you changed brands of litter? All of these might cause litterbox accidents. If there have been no household changes to trigger this behavior, a trip to the vet is in order. Your cat may have feline lower urinary tract disease (cystitis) and needs treatment…, Claws Furniture, Have you provided your cat with appropriate surfaces (cardboard, sisal or carpeted cat scratching boards, trees)? Do you trim your cat's claws on a regular basis? The key is to make the scratching post more interesting than furniture - invest in good quality posts and treat the post with catnip. Cover furniture with throws to protect them during the training period. Use double-faced tape on edges…, Your Decision, Before you make your decision--and it is your decision; your animal has no say--think one last time what you can do to maintain your friend, companion animal in your home., Still thinking of giving up your pet?, If you believe you must find a new home for your companion animal or the stray you found, then you must be prepared to spend time and effort to do right by your friend. You once made a commitment to care for this living, breathing, feeling animal. It is worth every hour you spend to find him or her a decent home. Do not offer "free" pets; charge a small adoption to ensure they go to a good home.…
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
