Welcome
Featured Pet
Events
+ Empty the Shelters, "Holiday Hope Event" - Tis' the season to be adopting! December 1st through 11th join us here at PAWS for the Bissell Pet Foundations, Empty the Shelters "Holiday Hope Event"! During this time, not only will ALL adoption fees be WAIVED for our adoptable pets, you will also receive a FREE lifetime registration microchip upon adoption. All pets will be up to date on current vaccines we offer, as well as spayed/neutered. Give the gift of a new home this Christmas to a furry friend! To learn more, visit PAWS Facebook page or give us a call at 615-898-7740.
+ SANTA PAWS "Photos with Santa" - Santa PAWS is coming to town! Bring your furry family members to PAWS for picture with Santa Friday, December 9th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is a FREE event held for the community themed based off the holiday movie, "The Polar Express." Hot Chocolate will be provided for community members visiting with Santa.
*** PAWS's goal is to hold a safe and happy holiday event for furry friends and family of the community. We kindly ask that all pet owners respectfully bring pets that are people and pet friendly. All pets are to be safe and secure on a slip leash (preferably not retractable leashes) during the entirety of the visit with Santa. Staff will be handing out tickets to see Santa and ensuring place in line during the event.
ALL Santa photos will be FREE of charge and with parental permission, posted to our social pages after the event is held. If you do not wish for your photo to be posted, please let the photographer know. You are more than welcome to capture photos on your personal devices during this event if you wish to not be posted.***
+ FREE Pet Vaccines - While supplies last, all pet owners (18 years or older) from any county or area may bring their dog for FREE vaccines, including distemper + parvovirus (DAPPv), thanks to Petco Love! Owners of the pets must be present and complete a liability form and brief survey to receive the service. Note we only offer these services during our walk in Vet hours Monday through Friday. Visit the PAWS Facebook page to learn more.
*Recently adopt a new companion? Make sure to visit a local Petco with your adoption paperwork to receive special coupons & offers! Click here for special "new pet" tips & suggestions on items to purchase for your new pet.
Hours & Location
PAWS is located at 285 John R. Rice Boulevard in Murfreesboro, TN.
See service hours below (some hours have recently changed):
Front Desk, Adoptions, Reclaims & Animal Viewing
Monday-Friday, 12-1:30 p.m., 2-6 p.m. *Closed 1:30-2 p.m. for staff lunches & pet rest period.*
Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday, By appointment only. Call 615-898-7740, select "option 5". Please leave a detailed message if prompted.
*Please arrive prior to 30 minutes before closing time to ensure proper time to complete adoption, reclaim or other front desk services. (Click here for adoption info.)*
Rabies Vaccination & Microchip Services
(By Walk-ins Only)
Monday-Thursday 12-1:30 p.m. & 2-4 p.m.; Friday 12-1:30 p.m.
PAWS will not be offering microchips or vaccines Friday, December 9th due to the Vet being out.
We do not offer vaccines or microchips on weekends.
Pet owner must be present with their government-issued, photo I.D. for vaccinations to be administered at PAWS. Click here for more info about vet services & rabies requirements.
Pet Surrender
Animal Intake/Surrender area is by appointment only. Please call the PAWS Pet Resource Desk at 615-907-DOGS to schedule an appointment to bring in an animal(s). The pet surrender area is closed on Sundays and most holidays - animals can not be accepted at the shelter on such days. Contact the shelter's main line at 615-898-7740 for questions or to inquire about animal control coming to pick up an animal(s). For emergencies, please contact your local Police Department or the Sheriff's Office. Click here for more information about Pet Resource Desk or Animal Intake/Surrender resources & services.
Rutherford County Pet Adoption & Welfare Services is working in partnership with the community to create a safe, healthy and caring environment for both our citizens and animals through education, adoption and courteous, effective enforcement of the Tennessee Codes annotated relating to animals and the rules & regulations pertaining to control of animals in Rutherford County.