Surrendering an Animal

Cat Laying in a Cage

We ask that pet owners consider surrendering their pet as their very last option. We cannot guarantee placement in our adoption floor, and have limitations on space and resources, which means euthanasia may be a real possibility for your pet.

The shelter is a very stressful place for most animals and pets may exhibit behaviors in a shelter they do not exhibit at home, which makes it harder for them to be adopted. Please make every effort to re-home your pet first.  

Before You Surrender

Please understand that when you release your animal to the Davidson County Animal Shelter it becomes the property of the shelter and may be euthanized within 72 hours or less. Owners must bring a valid ID to surrender their animal. Owners must live in Davidson County, our shelter cannot accept animals from other counties. 

Please note, the Davidson County Animal Shelter does not adopt out animals with the following characteristics:

  • Aggressive
  • Feral
  • Seriously injured
  • Sick
  • Vicious
  • Wild animals

These animals could be euthanized immediately.

We ask that pet owners consider surrendering their pet as their very last option. We cannot guarantee placement in our adoption floor, and have limitations on space and resources, which means euthanasia may be a real possibility for your pet.