Construction is underway for a new animal shelter, check the progress on the Larry Dean Wallace, Sr. Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.
The Athens Animal Shelter accepts stray and owner surrender animals for residents of the City and citizen of McMinn County. The Animal Shelter does not accept intakes from outside McMinn County. A valid TN Drivers License or other proof of residency is required to surrender animals. The animal shelter is maintained in partnership with the McMinn Regional Humane Society.
Owner surrender animals are available for adoption immediately upon completion of required assessments, veterinary examination, vaccinations, and spay/neuter.
Stray animals are held in accordance with T.C.A. § 44-17-304 which states that non-livestock domesticated animals are held for a minimum three (3) business days notwithstanding aggressive behavior or disease/injury before they can be adopted, transported, or euthanized.
Animals confirmed to have bitten a human are held in accordance with T.C.A. § 68-8-101 - 115 which states that the animal shall be held for an observation period of 10 days to confirm the presence of rabies before a determination is made to either euthanize or remand the animal to the owner.
Hours of Operation
Owner surrenders are scheduled by appointment between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday - Friday.
Stray animals are accepted between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday - Friday.
The Animal Shelter is closed for intakes Saturday and Sunday, and on all City observed Holidays.
Animal adoptions are by appointment. Please visit the McMinn Regional Humane Society to complete an adoption application
Contact Information
All stray animal intakes are posted on the City's Facebook page. To confirm if your animal has been dropped off at the shelter, please visit the City of Athens Facebook page HERE.
Animal Intake - To schedule surrender of an animal, drop off a stray animal, or reclaim a lost animal
423-744-2747
McMinn Regional Humane Society Adoption Center - To inquire about adoptions
423-744-9548
Animals eligible for adoption are listed on the following sites:
AdoptaPet
PetFinder
Adoption Fees
- $40 for Kittens
- $40 for Adult Cats
- $100 for Puppies
- $80 for Adult Dogs
- $40 for Senior Dogs
- Fees waived for SOS Dogs
Adoption Fees include the following:
- All Animals receive Veterinarian Examination, Fecal Examination, Rabies Vaccine, Worming for both Hook & Round Worms.
- Cats receive the First FVRCP vaccine and the FeLV / FIV test.
- Dogs receive the First DHPP, Kennel Cough Vaccine, Microchipping and Heartworm test if the dog is over 6 months old.
Please see Animal Control for more information about ordinances and our animal control officers.
