Outreach Education

ROVER

We bring ROVER to low-income areas of Davidson County to provide spay and neuter services.

PPAWS Prison Puppies Achieving Worthy Service

Prison Puppies Achieving Worthy Service (PPAWS) is a program in cooperation with the Nashville Humane Association and the Department of Corrections, Tennessee Prison for Women. In this program, dogs waiting for adoption at NHA are sent to the prison for a 6-week stay, where they are trained by inmates under the direction of the Animal Behavior Program Manager at NHA. A team of two inmates care for and teach a dog basic manners, including loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, and wait at the door. These dogs are also housetrained and crate trained, while being socialized with other inmates, officers, and staff at the prison. Upon graduation from the program, dogs return to NHA to find their forever home with some life skills under their collar. Come by to check out our latest “parolees”!

Pet-Assisted Therapy Programs

The Nashville Humane Association has a corps of volunteers who, accompanied by shelter animals, visit with residents of nursing homes, hospitals and other institutions. These visits provide a source of enjoyment for the elderly, children, ill patients and others during difficult times. Pet Therapy has proven to be an invaluable resource to many in the medical and social service fields.

Humane Education

Nashville Humane Association personnel travel throughout Davidson County to teach about responsible pet ownership and humane treatment for all living creatures. NHA also works with Metro Animal Control to provide an education element to their cruelty investigation division.

Mary Pat Boatfield, NHA's Executive Director has done extensive research on the relationship between animal cruelty and violence in people. For the results of similar research, click here.

Community Education

NHA staff and volunteers frequently visit local schools, civic groups and other organizations to educate about humane treatment of animals and the mission of the Nashville Humane Association.

Shelter Tours

Many children's organizations, such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have toured the NHA facility to learn about proper care for animals. These visits often result in further research and outreach projects for these organizations.