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The Best Tennessee Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Tennessee. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

    Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue
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    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    I have had 6 dogs from this rescue. 5 remaining. Am fostering now. Proverbs 12:10 workers are the most dedicated pet rescue I have ever seen. Saving animals in the middle of the night. On holidays etc. even reaching out when they have no fosters available. They make sure their potential adopters are qualified to adopt their pets knowing these animals have already been in precarious situations. The founder of the organization is an amazing selfless person who makes every effort to help these most vulnerable fur babies.
  • Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue Logo

    Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue

    #18 in United States, #1 in Tennessee, #1 in Nashville

    Nashville

    Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, a 501c3 charitable organization based in Middle Tennessee, is run primarily by volunteers. Proverbs is totally dedicated to all animals they rescue. All medical care, regardless of cost, is provided as is training when necessary. A cradle to grave dedication is established by the care provided to neonates all the way to seniors who may need hospice care. Every animal rescued is cared for like a cherished family pet. Funds for medical care and food are raised by a variety of events, such as bake sales, golf scrambles, and participation in large media campaigns such as The Big Payback or through regular donations on our website.

    "I have had 6 dogs from this rescue. 5 remaining. Am fostering now. Proverbs 12:10 workers are the most dedicated..."

    nancy g.

    Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

    "We discovered Proverbs 12:10 Animal rescue after we moved to the Nashville area and lost a beloved pup to cancer...."

    alan t.

    Adoptee


  • Lucky Farms Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1072/56799fa89277-IMG_5621.jpeg
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great DaneEnglish Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great Dane
    We were first time fosters with a dog that had issues we hadn't dealt with before. All the advice and help we received was amazing. They showed much needed patience with us so we could try and improve the dogs life. It was a great experience.
  • Lucky Farms Animal Rescue Logo

    Lucky Farms Animal Rescue

    English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great Dane

    Nashville

    Lucky Farms Animal Rescue is a nonprofit dog rescue focusing on Giant breeds such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards. Giant breeds have a hard time in a shelter environment and are much harder to adopt out. We also have a squishy face division focusing on English bulldogs and French Bulldogs. We rescue, rehab and find amazing homes for these deserving dogs

    "We were first time fosters with a dog that had issues we hadn't dealt with before. All the advice and..."

    cyndi m.

    Volunteer / foster

    "This is the very best animal rescue! Large breed dogs really suffer when not cared for properly, and they..."

    kimberly r.

    Adoptee, Supporter, Fan


  • McKamey Animal Center
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1071/a7f0e46f656a-MAC_Logo___Transparent_Background.png
    4500 North Access Road Chattanooga, TN 37415
    chattanoogaTennesseeUS
    McKamey has the most phenomenal volunteer program with great resources and continuing education. The animals are treated so well, and it's clear that the needs of the animals come first.
  • McKamey Animal Center Logo

    McKamey Animal Center

    #37 in United States, #3 in Tennessee, #1 in Chattanooga

    Chattanooga

    McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC's vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals.

    "McKamey has the most phenomenal volunteer program with great resources and continuing education. The animals are treated so well, and..."

    zoe s.

    Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

    "Wonderful caring environment for the animals and staff."

    cindy s.

    Fan


  • East TN Pit Bull Rescue
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    N/A
    knoxvilleTennesseeUS
    Pit BullPit Bull
    This rescue has been close to my heart for over a decade. After the beloved founder and Director unexpectedly passed, the rescue has grown and thrived and has developed a facility to care for even more of this misunderstood and loving breed. I admire every person involved!
  • East TN Pit Bull Rescue Logo

    East TN Pit Bull Rescue

    #96 in United States, #4 in Tennessee, #1 in Knoxville
    #13 in pit Bull

    Pit Bull

    Knoxville

    East TN Pit Bull Rescue was started by our dear founder Wendy Martin Jackson. Wendy loved this breed and fought hard against BSL, misinformation, and ignorance about this breed. Since Wendy's passing, we are continuing her mission and legacy to stand up and fight for this breed.

    "This rescue has been close to my heart for over a decade. After the beloved founder and Director unexpectedly..."

    teari h.

    Supporter

    "Terri with ETPBR is amazing. Being the south, folks do not spay & neuter, and love their pit bulls, so..."

    david b.

    Adoptee


  • Big Fluffy Dog Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1074/2e7a97d29a19-Capture.PNG
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    I've been a volunteer at the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Me for many years and seeing the love and care.being given to these dogs warms my heart every day. The sanctuary.how's above and beyond to meet our mission of Rescue Rehabilitate and Regime and if.training is.not possible we provide a loving last home to those dogs until its.time for.then to cross.the Rainbow bridge. Our founder Val Lynch helped all who new him what a.blessing it is to provide.this love and he always wanted to be able to help as many senior dogs as possible.We receive so much joy seeing dogs that are sick and withdrawn with love and care learn to trust again and we also have sadness as dogs that haven't found a home.come to the end of life.
  • Big Fluffy Dog Rescue Logo

    Big Fluffy Dog Rescue

    #97 in United States, #5 in Tennessee, #3 in Nashville

    Nashville

    Big Fluffy Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping giant-breed, mixed-breed dogs in need. We value dogs of all breeds, but we specialize in what the name says: big, fluffy dogs. We have volunteers all across the eastern half of the United States who work to help homeless big fluffy dogs find a home to call their own. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue works to save Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands and their mixes from euthanasia. We also have a fair assortment of honorary fluffies who don't fall into the traditional fluffy mold but are with us anyway and we love their tiny/non-fluffy selves as much as the others. Our dogs come in to rescue for many different reasons. Many were abandoned at high kill shelters. Some were turned in by owners who could not properly care for them and still others are failed livestock guardian dogs. Regardless of their origins, our goal for every dog we have is the same: a safe, happy home where each dog is a well-loved member of the family. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue has its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

    "I've been a volunteer at the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Me for many years and seeing the love and care.being..."

    cathie b.

    Volunteer / foster

    "Big Fluffy Dog Rescue (BFDR) is a fantastic rescue run by mostly volunteers who saves hundreds of dogs a year..."

    kristen h.

    Volunteer / foster


  • Nashville Humane Association
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    213 Oceola Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    We adopted our young adult hound from the London Sanctuary in December 2022. The rescue carefully vetted us and the director also discussed the personalities and temperaments of the two hounds we were considering. Because of that care and attention, we got the perfect fit for our family. Mia has been the greatest dog and she is greatly loved by the entire family (even that cat!)
  • Nashville Humane Association Logo

    Nashville Humane Association

    #98 in United States, #6 in Tennessee, #4 in Nashville

    Nashville

    As an entirely gift-based not-for-profit, Nashville Humane relies on contributions from supporters like you to do the work necessary to protect homeless, adoptable, and at-risk pets in Nashville, throughout middle Tennessee and across the globe. Simply put, we've been doing this a very long time. None of the amazing work that we perform daily for pets and their people would be possible without your support. We're not a government agency; we don't have the support of a giant national umbrella organization. We're a small, local shelter that is dedicated to saving lives.

    "We adopted our young adult hound from the London Sanctuary in December 2022. The rescue carefully vetted us and the..."

    cara j.

    Adoptee

    "We are so thankful to Nashville Humane Association! We found our very Best friend, Barkley, there!! He changed our lives..."

    crystal b.

    Adoptee


  • Humane Society of Dickson County
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    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    Tennessee Humane Society of Dickson provides accommodations in a clean, friendly environment. The veterinary care for the dogs and cats plus spay neuter, shots and any healthcare needed is available. While waiting for their foster or family, there is training, re-training. Everyone is responsive, intuitive, and professional. The staff all very organized and went out of their way when we adopted our beautiful hound dog.
  • Humane Society of Dickson County Logo

    Humane Society of Dickson County

    #99 in United States, #7 in Tennessee, #5 in Nashville

    Nashville

    The Humane Society of Dickson County was founded 30 years ago during a time of desperate need. In shelters across the country, millions of animals were dying, and in rural communities with no local solution for unwanted pets, the situation was dire. A grassroots movement in Dickson County, Tennessee, quickly grew with the mission to educate the public about spay/neuter and ensure every dog and cat has a safe home. HSDC is now an active and visible part of Dickson and the surrounding counties, providing a safe haven for homeless animals and adopting out more than 1000 pets annually. The HSDC is a no-kill shelter, with a large network of foster families and close partnerships with area animal rescue groups. The generosity of community and corporate donors provides 99.75% of funding for shelter operations, including veterinarian costs, utilities and pet food and supplies. The HSDC has become the local leader and advocate for homeless pets in Dickson County, but the future will depend on the strong support of caring individuals and businesses who believe all pets deserve a forever home.

    "Tennessee Humane Society of Dickson provides accommodations in a clean, friendly environment. The veterinary care for the dogs and cats..."

    lori m.

    Adoptee, Supporter, Fan


  • Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
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    765 Nonaville RoadMount Juliet, TN 37122
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    Senior dogSenior dog
    Old Friends has changed my lens on the animal rescue world. What they have built is truly special. Senior dogs deserve the world and I’m honored to volunteer for an organization that lives that out every day.
  • Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary Logo

    Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

    #99 in United States, #7 in Tennessee, #5 in Nashville
    #16 in senior dog

    Senior dog

    Nashville

    Providing Lifetime Homes & Care to Senior Dogs Senior dogs, especially those with medical problems or disabilities, face a much greater chance of euthanasia at shelters than younger dogs because it is difficult to find adopters for them due to their shorter additional life expectancy and unknown veterinary costs. Most of these wonderful senior dogs are able to live happily with a good quality of life if given a chance. They make wonderful companions because they are mature, calm, and loving. It can be more difficult for them to settle in and, once they do, it is difficult for them to move again. For this reason we strive to find them forever foster homes where they can live out their retirement years as a beloved family member. Even once they've found their forever homes, we commit to providing them high-quality vet care for life.

    "Old Friends has changed my lens on the animal rescue world. What they have built is truly special. Senior dogs..."

    candice s.

    Volunteer / foster


  • Whiskers Fund
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1077/b24308198887-Untitled_design.png
    chattanoogaTennesseeUS
    Whiskers Fund is an amazing, small, foster based rescue. The founder is a young woman named Heather Raco who genuinely cares about animals and wants the best for them. She and her amazing team work day and night to rescue animals in need off the streets and from high kill shelters in the GA/TN area. Not only that but they also help local pet owners in need of vaccines or spay/neuter or resources to help. This rescue is absolutely amazing. I have fostered many dogs and even adopted from them last year. They are so very deserving of being recognized for their work and for some help.
  • Whiskers Fund Logo

    Whiskers Fund

    #99 in United States, #7 in Tennessee, #2 in Chattanooga

    Chattanooga

    Founded by Heather Raco, Whiskers Fund works to help animals in desperate situations and match them with the perfect home. Our rescue is 100% foster based and facilitates adoptions across the entire United States.

    "Whiskers Fund is an amazing, small, foster based rescue. The founder is a young woman named Heather Raco who genuinely..."

    crystal f.

    Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan


  • East Community Action Network (East C.A.N.)
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    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    I've been working with this rescue as a volunteer and have seen amazing things happen because of the enormous support from the community and all of the volunteers.
  • East Community Action Network (East C.A.N.) Logo

    East Community Action Network (East C.A.N.)

    #99 in United States, #7 in Tennessee, #5 in Nashville

    Nashville

    We are an all-volunteer, grassroots organization serving the East Nashville area of 37206, 37216 and 37216 (up to Dickerson Pike and Briley Pkwy). We fund-raise to facilitate healing and hope for the stray and forgotten dogs on the streets of East Nashville. We depend on our fellow neighbors to provide a safe haven while these dogs recuperate and search for their forever homes. We provide full veterinary care to the dogs we accept into our program. We do not have a shelter or facility.

    "I've been working with this rescue as a volunteer and have seen amazing things happen because of the enormous support..."

    krista c.

    Volunteer / foster


  • Rural Animal Rescue Effort
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    TennesseeUS
    RARE makes my heart smile. We adopted our sweet little Betty from them just over a year ago. I am so thankful they saved her and her siblings from such harsh conditions. I doubt they would have survived if RARE had not stepped in. They work so incredibly hard to give these pups so much love and the chance for an amazing life. I can’t imagine my life without Betty and am so grateful for everything RARE does to help so many animals like her find loving homes!
  • Rural Animal Rescue Effort Logo

    Rural Animal Rescue Effort

    #99 in United States, #7 in Tennessee

    Rural Animal Rescue Effort (RARE) is a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit Organization based in middle Tennessee with a mission to rescue neglected and abandoned animals in rural areas with extreme overpopulation of companion animals.

    "RARE makes my heart smile. We adopted our sweet little Betty from them just over a year ago. I am..."

    tracy s.

    Adoptee, Supporter, Fan


  • Nashville Metro Animal Care and Control
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    5125 Harding Pl Nashville, TN 37211
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
  • Nashville Metro Animal Care and Control Logo

  • Pet Community Center
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1088/05b8edb9c25f-PCC_logo_transp.jpg
    5233 Harding Place #5247Nashville, TN 37217
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
  • Pet Community Center Logo

    Pet Community Center

    #100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #6 in Nashville

    Nashville

    We want every pet to receive the high-quality veterinary care they deserve. Providing affordable and accessible veterinary care services is the key to our success. Pet Community Center (PCC) operates The Phran Galante Center for Pet Wellness a high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinic in Nashville, TN run by highly skilled veterinarians, clinicians, and nonprofit professionals. As of the end of 2023, we have served over 125,000 animals. Additionally, PCC is tackling barriers to veterinary care and provides outreach and support to pet owners who live in veterinary care deserts. The results of PCC's work include lower pet homelessness rates, lower shelter euthanasia rates, and improved public health and quality of life in neighborhoods across Davidson County.


  • Music City Animal Rescue (MCAR)
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    nashvilleTennesseeUS
  • Music City Animal Rescue (MCAR) Logo

    Music City Animal Rescue (MCAR)

    #100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #6 in Nashville

    Nashville

    Music City Animal Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that rescues abandoned, abused, or neglected animals in and around the Middle Tennessee area. We are a foster-based home network of highly dedicated individuals that care for the animals in our homes until they can find their forever families. This network is dedicated to the complete care and placement process. From the moment an animal comes into our program, it is treated as part of a family. They are socialized not only with other humans, cats, and dogs at the appropriate time. We NEVER euthanize to make room for more and all of our foster homes are dedicated to seeing each and every animal through their journey to their forever home.


  • Friends of Gibson County Animals
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1080/61805559d6b3-Capture.PNG
    TennesseeUS
  • Friends of Gibson County Animals Logo

  • Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS)
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1079/b70f06a38be6-qt_q_95.jpg
    TennesseeUS
  • Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS) Logo

  • Warren County Tn Animal Shelter
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    169 Paws Trail, McMinnville, TN 37110
    TennesseeUS
  • Warren County Tn Animal Shelter Logo

    Warren County Tn Animal Shelter

    #100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee

    Our department has a wide variety of duties, including handling and containing aggressive, abused, or unfriendly animals that pose a danger to the citizens of Warren County. We also try to address the problem of unwanted or abandoned animals. We do our best to achieve this through adoption, rescue, or relocation of the animals picked up. However, some animals are euthanized due to the nature and temperament, or physical condition, of those animals.


  • Paws to Care
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    TennesseeUS
  • Paws to Care Logo

    Paws to Care

    #100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee

    We Save Lives According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year, and of those 6.5 million, 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized. Our goal is to work within our community to raise awareness, rescue animals, and create the resources and opportunities for our local animal shelter to become 100% no-kill through the involvement of our local community. We Save Lives TOGETHER We save lives through the work of volunteers. We take photos of the animals to promote adoption. We contact rescues about the dogs & cats they will accept. We take animals to the vet, pay for their health certificates and rabies vaccinations, transport animals, foster animals until they can be transported to a rescue, and constantly look for ways to help animals and save their lives. Many times our volunteers have other full-time jobs, and do this in their free time. On average we move 20 animals out of the shelter every week. We are limited by time and space, but with your help we can change this!


  • Bartlett Animal Shelter
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    5220 Shelter Run Lane Bartlett, TN 38135
    TennesseeUS
  • Bartlett Animal Shelter Logo

    Bartlett Animal Shelter

    #100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee

    The Bartlett Animal Shelter is dedicated to serving the animals and citizens of the City of Bartlett.


  • Misfit Hounds
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    TennesseeUS
  • Misfit Hounds Logo

    Misfit Hounds

    #100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee

    In December 2014, I went to one of our local shelters to walk the hounds on our Christmas break from work. There I met an old, skinny Bluetick with horrible teeth, lumps all over and seizure prone. Harriet was left in the overnight box with two other hounds. Fast forward and Harriet was in my home with my other 4 hounds. After being dropped by a large rescue who didn't think she was worth the trouble, I decided to start my own. That's how Misfit Hounds was born. Harriet was my girl for 18 months but her impact will be with me to the grave. Misfit Hounds is a safe haven for the throwaways. We pull hounds in danger of euthanasia, rehabilitate them, vet them, spay/neuter and put them in a home environment until we can find their forever. We educate the public on what great family members Coonhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and Beagles can be.


The Best Chattanooga, TN Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

    McKamey Animal Center
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1071/a7f0e46f656a-MAC_Logo___Transparent_Background.png
    4500 North Access Road Chattanooga, TN 37415
    chattanoogaTennesseeUS
    After living overseas for several years, it was time for my husband to retire from the military. We had never lived in Tennessee, but we decided to make our home in Chattanooga. Searching for a place to "give back" to the community was what led me to volunteer at McKamey Animal Center. I started out performing animal care duties. Cleaning the dirty cat and dog food bowls gave me a chance to start learning how the shelter ran, and I got to meet the compassionate staff who worked at MAC. From cleaning piles and piles of dirty linens to scouring dirty dog crates, the opportunities to "give back" increased in other ways. I was offered the chance to help with the weekly community vaccine clinic. This regular job duty gave me the chance to meet other like-minded volunteers that wanted to help the animals and the community. The low-cost shot clinic gave community members the chance to spend a fraction of the amount on shots than what they would have paid at a full service veterinary clinic. The relationships that I have made with other volunteers at the vaccine clinic still hold to this day. I have been volunteering at MAC for almost 5 years now, and helping to spread the word about the fabulous work that McKamey staff does makes me proud. My family and I have fostered over 10 cats/kittens....and we even ended up adopting a middle aged dog that had a HUGE tumor on his rump. Without MAC, our dog Tato might not have had a happy ending. We paid for his expensive surgery, which ended up being a cancerous tumor, and gave him a new lease on life. Without McKamey, Tato's previous owners might have decided to euthanize him or leave him to wander the streets. MAC takes in unwanted animals from the community and assists with finding those animals another loving home. Shelters across the USA are overrun with too many cats and dogs. MAC is trying to assist with making the wait times short for the animals in their care. The shelter has a lot of volunteers that work on making the animals feel loved while they wait for their "gotcha" day. Tato is sleeping on his dog bed in our living room because of the staff and the volunteers that work at McKamey Animal Center.
  • McKamey Animal Center Logo

    McKamey Animal Center

    McKamey Animal Center (MAC) opened its doors in 2008 with the mission of Saving Animals, Helping People. MAC's vision is to eliminate animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect by creating a culture of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals.

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  • Whiskers Fund
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1077/b24308198887-Untitled_design.png
    chattanoogaTennesseeUS
    Whiskers Fund is an amazing, small, foster based rescue. The founder is a young woman named Heather Raco who genuinely cares about animals and wants the best for them. She and her amazing team work day and night to rescue animals in need off the streets and from high kill shelters in the GA/TN area. Not only that but they also help local pet owners in need of vaccines or spay/neuter or resources to help. This rescue is absolutely amazing. I have fostered many dogs and even adopted from them last year. They are so very deserving of being recognized for their work and for some help.
  • Whiskers Fund Logo

    Whiskers Fund

    Founded by Heather Raco, Whiskers Fund works to help animals in desperate situations and match them with the perfect home. Our rescue is 100% foster based and facilitates adoptions across the entire United States.

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  • Operation Education
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    chattanoogaTennesseeUS
  • Operation Education Logo

    Operation Education

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The Best Knoxville, TN Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

    East TN Pit Bull Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1073/3a63a1466abb-Resized_Screenshot_20230105_191324.jpeg
    N/A
    knoxvilleTennesseeUS
    Pit BullPit Bull
    Terri with ETPBR is amazing. Being the south, folks do not spay & neuter, and love their pit bulls, so there are so many that need homes. Terri works tirelessly for this breed helping them from TN and surrounding states. I have seen her have breakdowns because there is such a need and she works 24/7 taking care of these dogs and getting them into the CORRECT home. She really cares for the breed. As with everyone in animal rescue, she deserves this!
  • East TN Pit Bull Rescue Logo

    East TN Pit Bull Rescue

    East TN Pit Bull Rescue was started by our dear founder Wendy Martin Jackson. Wendy loved this breed and fought hard against BSL, misinformation, and ignorance about this breed. Since Wendy's passing, we are continuing her mission and legacy to stand up and fight for this breed.

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  • C.A.R.E.S. (Companion Animal Rescue & Education)
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    310 Landfill Road, Jefferson City, TN, 37760
    knoxvilleTennesseeUS
  • C.A.R.E.S. (Companion Animal Rescue & Education) Logo

    C.A.R.E.S. (Companion Animal Rescue & Education)

    CARE was created by a group of caring individuals that saw the necessity of creating a haven for all companion animals in need. We will pursue all options for the companion animals of Jefferson County, Tennessee, and help pet parents build relationships and find solutions that foster forever families. We will pursue a no-kill status and aid other welfare agencies in the same pursuit. We will approach others with kindness and remain deeply loyal to being a champion for all animals whether they are within our building or within another facility. We will embody the CORE VALUES of Companion Animal Rescue and Education and build a reputation founded on making a positive impact for four-legged and two-legged animals alike. CORE VALUES: Compassion, Selflessness, Kindness, Commitment, Hopefulness, Resourcefulness, Reliability, Progressiveness, Loyalty, Transparency, Dignity

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The Best Memphis, TN Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

    West Tennessee Border Collie Rescue
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    memphisTennesseeUS
    Border CollieBorder Collie
  • West Tennessee Border Collie Rescue Logo

    West Tennessee Border Collie Rescue

    WEST TN BORDER COLLIE RESCUE IS AN ALL VOLUNTEER RESCUE DEDICATED TO THE RESCUE, REHABILITATION AND REHOMING OF ABANDONED, NEGLECTED AND LOST BORDER COLLIES (AND SOMETIMES AUSSIES). WE SERVE THE AREAS OF TN, LA, AR, AL AND SOMETIMES AREAS FURTHER OUT

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  • Angels Among Us Animal Rescue
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    memphisTennesseeUS
  • Angels Among Us Animal Rescue Logo

    Angels Among Us Animal Rescue

    We Are An Organization Committed to Helping Animals in Need. Angels Among Us Animal Rescue is a 501C3 nonprofit rescue group in Brighton, Tennessee. We are a group of dedicated volunteers in Tennessee, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and New York who loves animals and have dedicated our lives to saving as many animals as we can and re-homing them into loving homes. We are not affiliated with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue in Alpharetta, GA.

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  • Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    memphisTennesseeUS
    Pit BullPit Bull
  • Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue Logo

    Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue

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The Best Nashville, TN Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

    Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1089/d359ad2cf08a-Proverbs1210_Logo_2Color_RedBG.jpg
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    Proverbs has a team of volunteers who perform miracles. They all take such wonderful care of all the fur babies. We adopted our Gracie girl from them over 14 years ago. Gracie is still with us today and is a wonderful companion to my almost 88 year old grandmother. We give to Proverbs as often as we can so they can continue to rescue as many babies as possible.
  • Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue Logo

    Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue

    Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, a 501c3 charitable organization based in Middle Tennessee, is run primarily by volunteers. Proverbs is totally dedicated to all animals they rescue. All medical care, regardless of cost, is provided as is training when necessary. A cradle to grave dedication is established by the care provided to neonates all the way to seniors who may need hospice care. Every animal rescued is cared for like a cherished family pet. Funds for medical care and food are raised by a variety of events, such as bake sales, golf scrambles, and participation in large media campaigns such as The Big Payback or through regular donations on our website.

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  • Lucky Farms Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1072/56799fa89277-IMG_5621.jpeg
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great DaneEnglish Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great Dane
    I have worked with Lucky Farms animal rescue for 4 years now as an adopter and Foster of dogs. This rescue is truly all about saving animals and I can honestly say this is one of the most well run rescues I’ve ever seen. After my first experience with them, adopting my wonderful Great Dane, the support I received from the rescue, made me want to continue my relationship with them. My husband and I have fostered numerous dogs over the years since then. The world is a better place, because of rescues like Lucky Farms.
  • Lucky Farms Animal Rescue Logo

    Lucky Farms Animal Rescue

    Lucky Farms Animal Rescue is a nonprofit dog rescue focusing on Giant breeds such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards. Giant breeds have a hard time in a shelter environment and are much harder to adopt out. We also have a squishy face division focusing on English bulldogs and French Bulldogs. We rescue, rehab and find amazing homes for these deserving dogs

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  • Big Fluffy Dog Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1074/2e7a97d29a19-Capture.PNG
    nashvilleTennesseeUS
    Big Fluffy Dog Rescue (BFDR) is a fantastic rescue run by mostly volunteers who saves hundreds of dogs a year -- strays, owner surrenders, hoarding cases, mill dogs, and pulls from shelters. As we are based in the south, we often get many livestock guardian breeds who are discarded when they're no longer needed. And while our name states we typically save bigger, fluffy dogs, we have dogs of all shapes and sizes available for adoption. And we are so thankful to have an amazing group of fosters to help get dogs out of our kennel and into homes, which allows us to rescue even more dogs, and many awesome volunteers to drive dogs to their forever homes. The Big Fluffy family is truly wonderful!
  • Big Fluffy Dog Rescue Logo

    Big Fluffy Dog Rescue

    Big Fluffy Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping giant-breed, mixed-breed dogs in need. We value dogs of all breeds, but we specialize in what the name says: big, fluffy dogs. We have volunteers all across the eastern half of the United States who work to help homeless big fluffy dogs find a home to call their own. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue works to save Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands and their mixes from euthanasia. We also have a fair assortment of honorary fluffies who don't fall into the traditional fluffy mold but are with us anyway and we love their tiny/non-fluffy selves as much as the others. Our dogs come in to rescue for many different reasons. Many were abandoned at high kill shelters. Some were turned in by owners who could not properly care for them and still others are failed livestock guardian dogs. Regardless of their origins, our goal for every dog we have is the same: a safe, happy home where each dog is a well-loved member of the family. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue has its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

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What's the Sniffspot Tennessee Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Tennessee Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Tennessee chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Tennessee dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By City In Tennessee


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization


Sniffspot Tennessee Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Tennessee?

There are 23 in Tennessee. 10 are located in Nashville with 13 are located in other areas of the state.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Tennessee?

There are many reputable rescues in Tennessee, the top 3 on our list are: Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, Lucky Farms Animal Rescue, McKamey Animal Center

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Tennessee offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Tennessee is Beagle with 1 focusing on it. The second most common specialization is English Bulldog with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Tennessee?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Tennessee. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
We require online application be submitted at www.proverbs1210rescue.org

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Tennessee?

Yes! Tennessee has all of the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: Beagle English Bulldog French Bulldog Great Dane Pit Bull

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Tennessee that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Tennessee?

Yes! The top rescue and shelter in Nashville is Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. The top specialized rescue and shelter in Tennessee is Lucky Farms Animal Rescue.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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