Do you know that finding the right dog is not as easy as it seems? First, you have to assess your lifestyle, needs, and preferences before you’re able to determine which four-legged buddy is right for you.
Thankfully, several dog rescues and shelter homes have their specialties, such as focusing on rescuing a specific breed, aiming to save little dogs, or improving the lives of senior or sickly canines. Some also don’t discriminate and are happy to welcome any dog in need.
To keep your search short and packed, we have compiled all the best dog rescues near Knoxville, TN. Included are their backstories and contact details.
12 Best Dog Rescues Near Knoxville, TN
1. Union County Humane Society
The Union County Humane Society was entrenched in 1996. They do not receive any sort of funds from the government, so their work is primarily fueled through community effort and donations.
They have several goals in mind as an organization, and these are:
- To help prevent animal cruelty
- Advocate and educate the public on the humane treatment of animals
- Reducing the population of homeless animals through rehoming and sterilization
Whenever necessary, the UCHS is quick to respond to all animals’ needs, whether in terms of shelter, care, or medical treatment.
They also work on getting these dogs adopted once it’s confirmed that they do not have any owners. Meanwhile, those deemed missing and being under their care are worked on so they’d reunite with their owners.
If you want to visit this facility, their schedule is from Mondays to Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
How to contact them:
Website: Union County Humane Society
Address: 719 Hickory Star Road, PO Box 625 Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: 865-992-7969
You may also reach out through their social media: Instagram
2. Young-Williams Animal Center
The Young-Williams Animal Center started to address the demand for animal services around Knoxville. Understanding that this would require a sophisticated facility, a group of concerned citizens began a campaign to make this happen.
This vision that started in 2001 has developed into something more. In 2004, through the aid of the city and county, the YWAC moved into a facility worth around $3.7 million.
In 2010, the Young-Williams Animal Village opened, and it’s a secondary adoption floor. It’s also home for spay and neuter solutions.
Get to know the dogs they house in this committed non-profit organization and adopt the one that suits your preferences. Fostering is also an option if you’re still unsure about the whole commitment of having a dog.
Consider donating as well to show support and to let more homeless dogs receive proper care.
How to contact them:
Website: Young-Williams Animal Center
Address: 3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-215-6599
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
3. Maryville/Alcoa Animal Rescue Center
There are many ways and methods to save a dog’s life. At Maryville/Alcoa Animal Rescue Center, you are provided with many options to bring positive transformation to the fidos they have rescued. Whether it be fostering, donating, or volunteering, there’s always an avenue to extend a helping hand.
Of course, the ultimate goal of MAARC is to get their furry buddies adopted. But, unfortunately, as stated by the ASPCA, of around 3.1 million dogs that enter the shelter annually, only 2 million get adopted.
If more and more people opt to go to rescue centers instead of contacting dog breeders, pet overpopulation can be gradually solved.
Help MAARC and do whatever you can until no dog is found homeless. Some of the big organizations in the US also support this charity group to further the impact of their noble deeds.
How to contact them:
Website: Maryville/Alcoa Animal Rescue Center
Address: 426 Home Avenue, Maryville, TN 37801
Phone: 865-273-3751
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
4. Anderson County Animal Care and Control
Anderson County Animal Care and Control are always ready for everyday work. Whether it be animal emergencies or routine calls, the team works hard to ensure the safety of all the animals in the area.
On top of their many tasks, one thing that stands out the most is their commitment to rescuing injured or sick animals. They also investigate animal cruelty cases and transport missing animals to shelters where their owners can claim them.
Certainly, there’s so much work that needs to be done. But, since this is a small facility, they encourage others to partner with them so they can do so much more. Donations are also a welcoming gesture.
Just think of it this way, no matter the amount you provide for ACACC, that goes directly to the welfare of those dogs who need a second chance at life.
How to contact them:
Website: Anderson County Animal Care and Control
Address: 1480 Blockhouse Valley Road, Clinton, Tennessee 37716
Phone: 865-441-2068
5. Humane Society Tennessee Valley
The Humane Society Tennessee Valley dates back to 1885. Originally, they were known as the Knox County Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals.
This required the organization to have a lawyer, considering their work to ensure that all mistreatment of children and animals is prosecuted.
By 2001, after leaving its Knox County contract, the HSTV opened its first no-kill shelter. By then, around 22,000 dogs and cats were successfully placed in their forever homes.
To add, the adoption center and spay/neuter clinic are located in Bearden Hill.
Help keep HSTV at the forefront when it comes to fighting for animal rights and their humane treatment. Donate today or help increase their statistics.
One thousand five hundred twenty-two were adopted in 2020, and 769 were placed in foster homes.
How to contact them:
Website: Humane Society Tennessee Valley
Address: 6717 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-573-9675
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
6. Tennessee Doberman Rescue Plus
Dobermans are described as alert, fearless, and loyal by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Such a regal dog is popular and a common sight to people, yet unfortunately, many end up becoming abused, neglected, or homeless.
Thankfully, the Tennessee Doberman Rescue Plus commenced for the sake of this breed. Though it can be assumed that they’re a breed-specific rescue, the TDRP doesn’t discriminate and are ready to welcome dogs of all breeds.
On another note, the TDRP is a recognized partner of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.
If you are already sure about getting a Doberman or if you’ve found a different dog breed in the list of adoptable dogs found on the TDRP web page, fill out an application form right away. Certain disclosures are provided before that, so take time to read them.
Moreover, if you have any spare money to donate, do so without hesitation. This keeps TDRP continuing its mission.
How to contact them:
Website: Tennessee Doberman Rescue Plus
Address: 3511 Overlook Cir, Knoxville, TN 37909, USA
Phone: 865-363-6706
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
7. Vols 4 Paws Rescue
Another awesome dog adoption center you have to visit is no other Vols 4 Paws Rescue. This foster-based rescue was started by Sloane Warwick, a University of Tennessee student passionate about animals.
Though they started as a few individuals, their numbers grew thanks to the support of various volunteers and other like-minded people.
Their way of rehabilitating all rescued dogs is deemed a great choice as fostering prepares the dog to adjust to its future family easily.
Currently, V4PR has no facility, so it’s best to keep in touch with them should you want to meet their adoptable dogs.
How to contact them:
Website: Vols 4 Paws Rescue
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
8. Greyhound Retirement Foundation of Tennessee
Greyhounds, known for their incredible speed, are also often found in dog rescue centers. Unfortunately, the Greyhound racing industry makes a huge surplus of these dogs. While the retired ones get adopted or sent to breed, the fate of others is uncertain.
This is why the Greyhound Retirement Foundation of Tennessee was established. They aim to let actions speak louder than words and make the world a better place for these retired racers.
Have all the adoption information you need by visiting their web page and going through their adoption process. A meet-and-greet is necessary before you’re able to bring a Greyhound home.
You can also help even more by donating via Paypal, volunteering, and getting in touch with them to partner with this institution in achieving its mission.
How to contact them:
Website: Greyhound Retirement Foundation of Tennessee
Address: 1612 Barcelona Dr., Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: 865-216-0193 / 865-256-6551
Email: [email protected]
9. Rustic Rover Rescue & Lodge Inc.
Close to Smokey Mountains is the Rustic Rover Rescue & Lodge Inc. This non-profit organization offers rehoming services and boarding or overnight stays. Their main objective is to care for all the animals in need, regardless of their size, breed, age, and color.
They also lend a hand to families looking to get their dogs rehomed. Their adoption program is deemed extremely useful. Owner-surrendered dogs are a focus of this relationship-focused rescue.
When the dogs are under their care, they strive to give them the care and love they deserve. That is until a prospective adopter comes to get one of their lovely fidos.
How to contact them:
Website: Rustic Rover Rescue & Lodge Inc.
Address: 1040 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865-299-3458
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
10. Tennessee Valley Golden Retriever Rescue
Are you fond of Golden Retrievers? These smart, loyal, sweet dogs may be one of America’s popular breeds. Unfortunately, however, some of them still end up becoming unwanted or homeless.
The Tennessee Valley Golden Retrievers Rescue is up to taking a challenge and getting these wonderful canines their loving, permanent homes.
Get to meet their adoptables via their website, but note that some of their Goldens don’t end up getting posted as some may have directly been sent to prospective owners who have applied for so long.
Fostering is also an option if you’re not yet ready to adopt. The TVGRR will cover all expenses made possible through donations made by the public.
How to contact them:
Website: Tennessee Valley Golden Retriever Rescue
Address: 507 E Broadway, Lenoir City, Tennessee, 37771
Phone: 855-558-3100
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
11. Friends of the Blount County Animal Center
The Friends of the Blount County Animal Center was founded in 2007. As a non-profit organization, their financial needs often depend on what the community provides as help and their partnerships with other organizations.
Their focus is to improve adoption outcomes and ensure exceptional medical care to all the animals that need help around the area. Currently, they’re raising around $1.1 million for their facility expansion.
Donate today so more dogs can see a brighter future ahead of them. Though their hearts may have been broken by their previous owners, the presence of dog rescues such as the FBCAC bring light to their dark pasts.
View their adoptables, too, instead of going for breeders. There’s no need to encourage them to produce more dogs when the world already has many of them.
To add, make sure you’re up-to-date when it comes to their upcoming events. It’s fun to be part of their activities, especially when you encourage others to participate.
How to contact them:
Website: Friends of the Blount County Animal Center
Address: 233 Currie Ave, Maryville, TN 37804, USA
Phone: 865-980-6244
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
Check out more lists of dog adoption places here.
