If you're looking to adopt a pet in Memphis, TN… we can help! We'll give you all the info you're looking for about where to adopt, the cost, and the requirements to adopt your new fur baby.
If you live in Memphis, TN, and are ready to add a new fur baby to your family, we can help guide the way! You'll want to know several things before picking your next pup or kitten. you may have questions like, "where can I adopt a pet?" Or "how much does it cost?" You may even wonder, "what are the requirements?"
If you've never adopted a pet from a shelter before, or it's been a while, the rules and regulations might surprise you. So keep reading below to find out everything you need to know before adopting your new furry best friend.
Adopting a pet from a shelter is a wonderful way to give an animal a second chance and provide them with a loving home. So let's get your adoption journey started today.
What Do You Need to Adopt a Pet in Memphis, TN?
To adopt a pet from an animal shelter or rescue in Memphis, you will need to meet certain requirements. Every shelter is different, but this can include things like providing proof of identification, filling out an adoption application, answering a questionnaire, and possibly undergoing a home visit.
Since the requirements will vary from one shelter to another, it's important to check with the specific shelter you are interested in. Here are the typical requirements for you to adopt a pet from most animal shelters and rescues.
- Age minimum to adopt
To adopt a pet from a shelter, you must meet the age requirement set by the specific shelter. This may vary, but you will typically need to be 18 years or older. Although some shelters may require you to be 21 or even 25 years or older. You will also need to present a valid ID when adopting.
- Fill out the online application
Before beginning the adoption process, you must complete an online application on the animal shelter's website. This application will ask for your contact information and may also inquire about your home situation, experience with pets, pet-parenting style, and the size of your home and yard. This information is used to ensure that you are ready to care for a pet and to help ensure the safety and well-being of the animal.
- Cost of adoption fees
There is a cost to adopt a pet from a shelter. This fee covers the expenses associated with housing, feeding, and caring for the animal, including staffing, insurance, mortgage, utilities, and medical care. The fee you pay may seem high, but it is significantly less than the actual cost of caring for the animal until it is adopted. Non-profit shelters and rescues often rely on volunteers and donors to help cover these costs.
- Have a "meet and greet"
Before adopting a pet, you may be required to participate in a "meet and greet" with the animal. This allows you to interact with the pet and see how you get along. It is also helpful to bring any family members or current pets you have to the meet and greet.
- Home visit
In some cases, the shelter or rescue may also require a home visit to ensure that your home is a suitable environment for a pet. This step helps to prevent any pet returns to the shelter in the future.
Cost to Adopt a Pet from an Animal Shelter in Memphis, TN
The fees for adopting a pet from a shelter in Memphis, TN, may include the cost of spaying or neutering the animal, any necessary medical treatments, and the cost of microchipping. Some shelters offer reduced fees for certain groups, such as senior citizens or military personnel, and may also have discounted prices for senior pets, pets who have been at the shelter for an extended period, or for adopting multiple pets at once.
The adoption fees at Memphis animal shelters can vary, so it is important to check with the specific shelter you are interested in to get the most accurate pricing information. Keep in mind that it is always a good idea to inquire about adoption fees before falling in love with a particular pet.
City of Memphis Animal Services
Puppies and adult dogs
- Puppies (under 5 months): $80
- Small dogs (under 30 lbs): $80
- Adult dogs (over 5 months): $40
- Large dogs (over 30 lbs): $40
Kittens and adult cats
- Kittens (under 5 months): $80
- Adult cats (over 5 months): $40
- Barn cats: $10
Other
- All pets on the urgent list: $20
Memphis Pets Alive!
Puppies and adult dogs
- All dogs: $150
Kittens and adult cats
- Kittens (under 6 months): $125
- Adult cats (over 6 months): $100
Woof River Animal Rescue
Puppies and adult dogs
- All dogs: $290
Where is the Best Place to Adopt a Pet in Memphis, TN?
There are several places in Memphis where you can adopt a pet from an animal shelter. You'll find humane societies, government-funded organizations, animal shelters, and animal rescues. Check out some of the most popular, reputable places to adopt a pet in Memphis, TN, below. No matter which place you choose, many loving dogs, cats, and more are ready for their new forever home.
City of Memphis Animal Services
The city of Memphis Animal Services is a government-run animal shelter that provides a wide variety of services like housing lost in homeless pets, finding new adoptive homes for pets, spay and neuter programs, the handling of animal control complaints and bite cases, pet licensing, cruelty investigations, as well as providing public information and humane education to the public. Their goal is to keep all Memphis citizens safe, including the animal citizens.
The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County
The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County started back in 1933. And since then, they have worked hard to meet the needs of injured, abused, and neglected animals and the humans who care for them. They believe strongly in the ethical treatment of all animals and that the connections forged between pets and their pet parents help to strengthen the community. This is why they not only offer animal adoption services, but also animal training, affordable veterinary services, and pet education for the community.
Memphis Pets Alive!
Memphis Pets Alive! is a non-profit animal shelter and Rescue that focuses on helping at-risk animals who are healthy and treatable to find new forever homes—including assisting owners with alternatives to shelter surrender to have the resources and support needed to care for their pets in a healthy way. This organization relies heavily on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and pet adopters.
Real Good Dog Rescue
Real Good Dog Rescue is known for its passionate volunteer network that rescues and fosters dogs of all breeds and ages. They specialize in matching dogs with the perfect home environment, taking into consideration the needs and personality of each dog. What sets them apart is their focus on education and community involvement, encouraging responsible pet ownership. They host regular adoption events and have a strong presence on social media where they share success stories and updates on the dogs. For more information or to view dogs looking for homes, visit their website or social channels.
Sunny Meadows Safe Haven for Pets
Sunny Meadows Safe Haven for Pets is a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue. They are the largest no-kill rescue in the mid-south. For the last 11 years, they have rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed thousands of pets. Sunny Meadows offers a safe, loving shelter to care for these pets until they can find a new forever home.
Blues City Animal Rescue
Blues City Animal Rescue is an organization dedicated to helping homeless pets find loving families. They specialize in rescuing animals from high-kill shelters and fostering them until they are adopted. What makes this rescue unique is their commitment to ensuring that all pets are not only placed in homes but that they are the right fit for their new family, promoting a bond that lasts a lifetime. They also provide medical care and training for the animals in their care, which helps ease the transition into their forever homes. You can learn more about their mission and available pets on their website or follow their journey on social media.
Woof River Animal Rescue
Woof River Animal Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue that is 100% foster-based. Their mission is to save as many dogs and puppies as possible from high-kill shelters and the streets of Memphis. Every rescued dog lives with a loving foster home until they find their new forever home. They are also entirely volunteer-based and rely heavily on the generosity of financial donors, foster pet parents, volunteers, and adoptive pet parents.
PetFinder.com & AdoptAPet.com
In addition to these shelters, you may also be able to find pets for adoption through online resources such as Petfinder.com or AdoptAPet.com. You can view pictures of cats, dogs, and other small pets from numerous animal shelters and rescues nearby. And you can filter through the available pets to find what you're looking for based on species, gender, breed, size, age, and whether or not they are good with children and other pets.
Adopt a Pet in Memphis today!
Now that you've seen just how many places there are to adopt a pet in Memphis and you know the potential fees and requirements for adoption, it's time to start the search for your new fur baby!
At Local Pet Care, we're here to help you not only find the best places to adopt but also the best dog-friendly restaurants and the best dog parks and dog-friendly parks in Memphis, TN. Plus, we'll help you find the best local pet care professionals near your home. With these resources, you will be set up for pet-parenting success!
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.