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The Best Nashville, TN Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Nashville, TN. 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
#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.
"Proverbs is wonderful in the mission that they do and the service they provide for the Midd-TN area. We adopted..."
— dustin n.
Adoptee
"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
#24 in United States, #2 in Tennessee, #2 in Nashville
#1 in great Dane
#1 in french Bulldog
#1 in english Bulldog
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
"LFAR, Mark & Heather O'Brien deserve to be recognized for their outstanding care and love for all animals, near and..."
— cindy b.
Supporter, Fan
"I have fostered with LFAR since 2019! With their awesome support I have saved over 63 lives since 2019. I..."
— abigail b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

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.
"Over the years, have adopted four dogs from Big Fluffy. They are all remarkable. I’ve got them at various ages..."
— sarah f.
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
#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 are so thankful to Nashville Humane Association! We found our very Best friend, Barkley, there!! He changed our lives..."
— crystal b.
Adoptee
"We adopted our young adult hound from the London Sanctuary in December 2022. The rescue carefully vetted us and the..."
— cara j.
Adoptee

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
#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

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

Nashville Metro Animal Care and Control
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #6 in Nashville
Nashville

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)
#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.

True Rescue
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #6 in Nashville
Nashville
The foundation of True Rescue stands firm on helping voiceless animals find love & support from their human companions. Our mission works to support and collaborate with other rescue organizations, so we formed our 501(c)3 organization to provide sensible solutions. This animal rescue and others like us could not continue our important work without the support of our network of rescues, volunteers, and donors like you!

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

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

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 10 private dog parks in the Nashville area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Nashville dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Nashville

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

Sniffspot Nashville Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Nashville?

There are 10 in Nashville. Outside of Nashville, there are 5 located in Tennessee.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Nashville, the top 3 on our list are: Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, Lucky Farms Animal Rescue, Big Fluffy Dog Rescue.

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

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

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Nashville?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Nashville. 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 Nashville?

Yes! Nashville has the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: English Bulldog French Bulldog Great Dane

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Nashville that specialize in senior dogs?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Nashville, but these are the closest cities with senior dog rescues and shelters: Nashville

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Nashville, TN Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue

Lucky Farms Animal Rescue

Big Fluffy Dog Rescue

Nashville Humane Association

Humane Society of Dickson County

Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

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

Nashville Metro Animal Care and Control

Pet Community Center

Music City Animal Rescue (MCAR)

True Rescue

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Nashville

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Nashville Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Nashville?

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

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

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Nashville?

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

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Nashville that specialize in senior dogs?

David Adams

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