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
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1089/d359ad2cf08a-Proverbs1210_Logo_2Color_RedBG.jpgI have never known of an organization more well-run or more dedicated to the welfare of animals and of giving every one a second chance at a happy, loving, and healthy life. The Director, Lavonne Redferrin, walks the walk and puts her heart and life into every single case of animals who have been let down by people in one way or another. Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue allowed my husband and me to foster, and subsequently adopt, two darling pups who had been abandoned, enriching not only our lives but their’s.Mary K

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.
"I have never known of an organization more well-run or more dedicated to the welfare of animals and of giving..."
— mary k.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I have been over the top impressed with Proverbs since I first interacted with them. They do adoptions following a..."
— katie b.
Adoptee, Supporter
Lucky Farms Animal Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1072/56799fa89277-IMG_5621.jpegEnglish Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great DaneEnglish Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great DaneI had THE BEST experience adopting from Lucky Farms! I was looking for a legitimate rescue that cares about the dogs in every way. I submitted an application for a dog that I saw in their page. They reached out to me. Checked my references including my vet, and had someone do a home inspection. It was all very easy and friendly. They worked with me, asked questions, and were diligent to find the right fit for my home. I trust them completely in getting the right dog to the right family. We considered two other dogs before we all came to an agreement that Peppa was the girl for our house. Boy were they right!
They have proper standards for their adopters and are professionals in what they do. I will adopt from them again, as they were phenomenal to work with and have kept in touch since. What a 5-star operation!Shelley Hurst

Lucky Farms Animal Rescue
English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great Dane
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
"I had THE BEST experience adopting from Lucky Farms! I was looking for a legitimate rescue that cares about the..."
— shelley h.
Adoptee
"I came across Lucky Farms a day after I lost my 13 year old Great Dane, Bella. I knew I..."
— kristen h.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
McKamey Animal Center
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1071/a7f0e46f656a-MAC_Logo___Transparent_Background.png4500 North Access Road Chattanooga, TN 37415
chattanoogaTennesseeUS
An amazing rescue shelter!! I adopted one dog there 6 years ago and plan to get another very soon. They are the organization I donate the most to!!Katherine Powers

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.
"An amazing rescue shelter!! I adopted one dog there 6 years ago and plan to get another very soon...."
— katherine p.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"McKamey does an awesome job rescuing animals, trying to reunite animals with owners, feeding the community animals and so so..."
— lori s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
East TN Pit Bull Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1073/3a63a1466abb-Resized_Screenshot_20230105_191324.jpegPit BullPit BullTerri 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!David Bolton

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.
"Terri with ETPBR is amazing. Being the south, folks do not spay & neuter, and love their pit bulls, so..."
— david b.
Adoptee
"This rescue has been close to my heart for over a decade. After the beloved founder and Director unexpectedly..."
— teari h.
Supporter
Big Fluffy Dog Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1074/2e7a97d29a19-Capture.PNGBig 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!Kristen Harding

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.
"Big Fluffy Dog Rescue (BFDR) is a fantastic rescue run by mostly volunteers who saves hundreds of dogs a year..."
— kristen h.
Volunteer / foster
"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
Nashville Humane Association
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1075/7affc3991fae-nha_logo_web2_400x79.png213 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!)Cara Jones

Nashville Humane Association
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
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1081/23b882d75613-hsdclogo2.pngTennessee 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.Lori Miles

Humane Society of Dickson County
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
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1086/b800fdee6669-Capture.JPG765 Nonaville RoadMount Juliet, TN 37122
nashvilleTennesseeUS
Senior dogSenior dogOld 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.Candice Sullivan

Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
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.pngWhiskers 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.Crystal F

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.
"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.)
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1076/7a32c39c83a4-Square_withwebsite.jpgI'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.Krista Clearwaters

East Community Action Network (East C.A.N.)
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
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1090/f90b7b64bcc7-8d442c_7ea6e62dc5dd425e802037f6f518dbb9_mv2.jpgRARE 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!Tracy Sedivy

Rural Animal Rescue Effort
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
True Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1092/926ebe158989-rs_w_521_h_500_cg_true.jpg12110 Lebanon Road, Mount Juliet, Tennessee 37122, United States
nashvilleTennesseeUS

True Rescue
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!
Music City Animal Rescue (MCAR)
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1084/f1c873650371-small_logo.jpg
Music City Animal Rescue (MCAR)
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.
Pet Community Center
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1088/05b8edb9c25f-PCC_logo_transp.jpg5233 Harding Place #5247Nashville, TN 37217
nashvilleTennesseeUS

Pet Community Center
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.
Bartlett Animal Shelter
https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png5220 Shelter Run Lane
Bartlett, TN 38135
TennesseeUS

Adopt a Golden Knoxville
https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
Warren County Tn Animal Shelter
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1093/7b3000fc27a4-logo.png169 Paws Trail, McMinnville, TN 37110
TennesseeUS

Warren County Tn Animal Shelter
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.
Friends of Gibson County Animals
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1080/61805559d6b3-Capture.PNG
Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS)
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1079/b70f06a38be6-qt_q_95.jpg
Paws to Care
https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
Paws to Care
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!
Welcome to the 2025 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.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot