11 Best Dog Rescues In Tennessee (Updated 2023 Guide)

Tennesse is known for a lot of things…

You have Elvis, hot fried chicken, barbecue, and of course, Moon Pies!

But there’s another moon pie you don’t know about. 

I am referring to the cute pooches found in Tennessee dog rescues. 

Want to meet them? 

I got you…

Keep reading to discover:

• How to donate to dog shelters. 
• 11 best dog rescues in Tennesse.
• Live release rates of dog rescues.
• And much, much, more…

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11 best dog rescues in Tennessee

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#1: Young-Williams Animal Center

The mission of Young-Willimas Animal Center includes ending pet homelessness. 

That’s why they make it a goal to find homes for every pet. 

Last year, they were able to rehome 6,198 pets. 

When adopting, they encourage adopters to get to know the dogs well. 

And not just choose based on looks but rather based on personality. 

Adoption applications for pooches in the shelter should be in person. 

For those in foster homes, you can apply here.

Website	https://www.young-williams.org/
Address	3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone	865 215 6599
Office Hours	Everyday: 10 AM- 6 PM Break time: 1 PM – 2 PM
Social Media Accounts	Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

#2: McKamey Animal Center

This rescue takes care of the homeless, abandoned, and neglected animals. 

At MAC, they admit animals regardless of breed, health, age, or temperament.

They give all animals a chance to have a loving home. 

A testament to their dedication is their 89% live release rate. 

Aside from rehoming, MAC also offers low-cost spay and neuter services. 

Click here to know more about this program.

Other services:

• Animal Protection.
• Vaccine & Microchip Clinic.

Editor’s Pick: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days

Website	https://www.mckameyanimalcenter.org/
Address	4500 North Access Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37415
Phone	(423) 305-6514
Office Hours	Tuesday – Friday: 12 PM- 6 PM Saturday- Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM Monday: Closed
Social Media Accounts	Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram

#3: Memphis Animal Services

MAS acts as the animal control and animal shelter of Memphis City. 

They take care of lost and homeless animals. 

Helping them be reunited with their family or find a new loving home. 

They also conduct animal cruelty investigations, spay/neuter services, and many more. 

One thing to note is their very helpful and patient staff. 

They’re always ready to assist the adopters during the whole adoption process. 

So are you ready to meet your new furry friend from this rescue?

Website	http://www.memphisanimalservices.com/
Address	2350 Appling City Cove, Memphis, TN 38133
Phone	+1 901-636-1416
Office Hours	Everyday: 12 PM – 4 PM
Social Media Accounts	Twitter, Facebook

#4: Washington County Johnson City Animal Center

This rescue believes that all animals deserve a chance to have a loving family of their own. 

That’s why they save those who are abandoned, neglected, and mistreated. 

To rehabilitate them and find them a forever home. 

If you want to adopt from this shelter, you must file an application first. 

However, some of the pooches might still be on stray hold. 

Take a look at their adoptable dogs on this page. 

Website	https://wcjcanimalshelter.org/
Address	3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601
Phone	(423) 926-8769
Office Hours	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 1 PM – 6 PM Wednesday, Sunday: Closed
Social Media Accounts	Facebook, Instagram

#5: Nashville Humane Association

Nashville Humane’s track record can speak for the good work it has been doing. 

It has been voted the “Best Shelter” and “Favorite Not-For-Profit” every year. 

More importantly, it has a save rate of 99%. 

They’re committed to finding homes for pets. 

And promote the humane treatment of animals. 

Each year, NHA was able to match 4020 animals in their forever-loving homes. 

You can increase that number by adopting or fostering one of their lovely pooches. 

Or you can also show your support by volunteering or donating to the shelter. 

Website	https://nashvillehumane.org/
Address	213 Oceola Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
Phone	(615) 352-1010
Office Hours	Tuesday- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM Monday: Closed
Social Media Accounts	Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram

#6: Humane Society Of The Tennessee Valley

It is the longest-standing animal shelter in the whole of Tennesse.

In their long years of service, the shelter was able to find homes for over 22,000 animals. 

They’ve also developed programs that greatly help fur families. 

If you want to show your support, you can give some donations or volunteer.

If you want to change a life, take a look at some of these adorable pets.

Read Next: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog

Website	https://humanesocietytennessee.org/
Address	6717 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone	865-573-9675
Office Hours	Wednesday, Thursday: 1 PM – 6 PM Friday – Sunday: 11 AM- 6 PM
Social Media Accounts	Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram

#7: Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County

“Reducing intake and improving outcomes”

This is HSCMC’s philosophy when it comes to rescuing. 

And they do this by promoting spay/neuter programs and effective adoption services. 

HSCMC conducts a thorough screening of those who are interested to adopt. 

Because they want to have a perfect match for their animals. 

They encourage you to take a look at their adoptable pets first before you apply for adoption.

Other services: 

• Pet Food Bank.
• Spay/Neuter Service.

Website	http://clarksvillehumanesociety.org/
Address	940 Tennessee Ave, Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone	(931) 648-8042
Office Hours	Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 2 PM
Social Media Accounts	Facebook

#8: Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County

The rescue rehabilitates injured, abandoned, and abused animals. 

To change their bleak future into a bright one. 

Aside from tending to their physical needs. 

They provide emotional support and training to the animals under their care

This way, they’ll have more chances of being adopted quickly. 

Here’s how you can change your life and the life of one Fido in their care. 

If you can’t adopt, you can still help through donating or volunteering. 

Website	https://memphishumane.org/
Address	935 Farm Road, Memphis TN, 38134
Phone	901 937 3900
Office Hours	Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Social Media Accounts	Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram

#9: Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

This rescue is unique because they focus their efforts on senior dogs. 

How old is a senior dog?

OFSDS classifies a senior dog as any Fido who is 8 years old and above. 

Due to the ages of the dogs they have, they have a different “adoption” method. 

Rather than forever homes, some of their dogs are placed in forever fosters. 

This means that a dog can spend his/her entire life with a foster family. 

But the ownership is still with the OFSDS. 

If you’re interested to take care of an old friend, you can apply here.

There are also other ways that you can help. 

You can volunteer and donate. 

Or play their mobile game. 

It’s a 2 for 1 deal.  You get to enjoy the game and help the rescue. 

Website	https://ofsds.org/
Address	765 Nonaville Road, Mount Juliet, TN 37122
Phone	615-314-5565
Office Hours	N/A
Social Media Accounts:	Twitter, Youtube, Facebook

#10: Safe Place for Animals

As their name implies, this rescue provides a safe space for animals. 

They take in and provide veterinary services to the homeless and abandoned pets. 

They also offer low-cost spay-neuter and grooming services to the public. 

They want to ensure a perfect match for their pets and their potential homes. 

That’s why they don’t do same-day adoptions. 

And they don’t follow the first, first-served when adopting.

If you want to know more about their adoption process, click here. 

Other services: 

• Veterinary clinic.
• Grooming Salon.
• Online Pharmacy.

Reading Tip: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog

Website	https://safeplaceforanimals.com/
Address	905 Mallard Dr. Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone	615-451-7342
Office Hours	Monday – Saturday: 1 PM – 4 PM
Social Media Accounts	Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

#11: SPCA of Bradley County TN

This no-kill rescue was able to achieve a 97% live release rate. 

They’re working hard to provide a safe and healthy environment to the animals under their care. 

As of now, their shelter is not that big. 

They’re planning to build a larger facility that would be more suitable for animal care. 

You can help them with your donation. 

But more than financial help, the rescue is also in need of more volunteers and foster homes. 

If you have time and the capacity, you can join their team.

Website	https://www.spcabctn.org/
Address	1570 Johnson Blvd., Cleveland, TN. 37311
Phone	(423) 790-1915
Office Hours	Tuesday – Saturday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Social Media Accounts	Facebook, Instagram