Rutherford County PAWS Closed to General Public
Effective April 1 through April 19, 2020: To continue to protect the health and safety of customers, employees and volunteers, Pet Adoption & Welfare Services (PAWS) of Rutherford County, TN will be closed to the general public, limiting current services provided.
The following will be altered:
- Pet adoptions and reclaims will be accepted via appointment only.
- Spay and neuter appointments are postponed at this time, and owners will be contacted ASAP to reschedule.
- Rabies and microchip services will be unavailable.
- The Pet Resource Desk will be closed to the public – staff will continue to accept and return calls to provide resources and tips to those in need.
- Additionally, Animal Control Officers will be responding to high priority calls only at this time.
As PAWS is operating on limited staff at this time, residents are asked to contact the shelter for any inquiries. Please be advised that due to these changes, it is possible that PAWS will not be able to immediately take your call. Leave a detailed message with your name, phone number, and a brief description of the reason for your call and we will return it as soon as possible. We will also be monitoring Facebook messages, but advise urgent concerns or questions be directed to the shelter’s phone line.
Volunteer and community service programs continue to be postponed until further notice. For the protection and well-being of our current volunteers, their activities will be postponed at this time; thus, staff will be working hard to ensure shelter pets still receive as much love and care as possible.
“We appreciate the continued patience and cooperation of the community during this time,” said Director, Michael Gregory. “PAWS continues to have pets that are in need of homes, and urge those interested in adopting to contact the shelter.”
To help find as many forever homes as possible during this unpredictable time, pet adoption fees continue to be waived until further notice. The general adoption process will still be conducted.
PAWS will continue to provide updates concerning services and operations via numerous community outlets, including the Rutherford County PAWS Facebook page. Residents may also stay up to date on special conditions of PAWS and other Rutherford County Government departments via the County’s website: www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/covid19.
For any questions, please contact the shelter at 615-898-7740. View all current pets up for adoption at: www.paws.rutherfordcountytn.gov.
