Events

+ SANTA PAWS-  Join us for our Second Annual Santa PAWS! We so excited Santa is coming back to town. Bring YOU, the kids, & any furry family members to PAWS for a picture with Santa Friday, December 8th 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."

Grady's Classic Concessions will be joining us with some delicious refreshments and goodies for the duration of the event. Please stop by and support your local food vendors!

*** 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 buzzers to see Santa to ensure place in line during the event.

ALL Santa photos will be FREE of charge and with parental permission, posted to PAWS social media 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.***

+ Empty the Shelters "Holiday Hope Event"-  The BISSELL Pet Foundation is bringing hope to shelter pets all across the nation this holiday season! From Dec. 1-17, BISSELL Pet Foundation is sponsoring ALL  adoption fees here at PAWS, including a FREE lifetime registration microchip with every adoption. Give the gift of a forever home to a furry friend this holiday season. Contact us for more information at 615-898-7740.  

Be 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, APPOINTMENT ONLY.  

PAWS will be CLOSED December 22nd - 25th and December 29th - January 1st for the Holiday season. 

*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)
Tuesday-Thursday 12-1:30 p.m. & 2-4 p.m. & Friday 12-1:30 p.m.

We do not offer vaccines or microchips on weekends.

Due to the Vet being out, PAWS will not be offering microchips or vaccines on Friday, December 8th. 

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.