Adoption Process
Nashville Humane Association is located at 213 Oceola Ave in West Nashville, near the corner of White Bridge Road and Charlotte Pike. We are open daily TUE through SUN from 10 AM until 5 PM. If you plan to visit, please arrive by 4 PM to allow adequate time to visit and complete the adoption. We are closed every Monday.
As Nashville’s FAVORITE shelter, we adopt thousands of pets annually. You can visit and adopt from our facility on the same day. To adopt from Nashville Humane, you must follow our adoption process.
Here’s how it works:
Visit our ADOPT A DOG and ADOPT A CAT pages to see the available pets for adoption.
If you click on each pet’s page, you can learn more about the individual pet. First, look at the field called “LOCATION.” There are two options based on whether the pet is currently in the ADOPTION ROOM or a FOSTER HOME:
- If the pet LOCATION is currently in the ADOPTION ROOM, they’re now living at the shelter with us. Visit us and meet them!
- If the pet LOCATION is currently in a FOSTER HOME, you’ll need to email adoption@nashvillehumane.org with the SUBJ “Interested in Meeting _____,” and our adoptions team will provide you more information about a virtual or in-person meet and greet. Please note that it may take up to 48 hours to respond.
Once you see a pet you might be interested in adopting, click on the Apply for Adoption button. This online process will allow you to complete an application to adopt a pet at Nashville Humane. Please note:
- Completing an online application DOES NOT RESERVE or COMPLETE ADOPTION for a pet from our shelter. It only allows you to save time when you visit our shelter.
- We do not “reserve” pets or hold pets. All adoptions are completed in person at the shelter.
If a pet is currently visible on the adoption page of our website, then they are available for adoption. If you’d like to meet them, determine whether they are in the shelter or a foster home by looking at the LOCATION field on their page. Then visit us if they are in the shelter. Or email us if they are in a foster home.
Also, you can visit us during regular business hours. This may be easier for you to see and learn about while at the shelter. So, come and visit us, and we’ll walk you through the process. Because of COVID-19, we have established health and safety rules for visiting the shelter. If you have questions or concerns, or special needs, you may want to give us a call in advance of your visit at 615-352-1010.
Adoption FAQ
How can I view adoptable pets?
You can go here to view the animals that are currently available for adoption: nashvillehumane.org/adoption.
Can I visit the shelter and meet the pets?
Yes. We are open for visits every day except Monday.
Can I bring my pet for a meet and greet?
Yes. We absolutely encourage your current pet to meet your potential new family member. We have spaces within the shelter where your current pet can hang out while you walk the shelter to meet prospective pets. When you arrive, ask a member of our Pet Services team to assist you.
Is there anything I can do to change the process or skip ahead in line, like calling the shelter or sending a DM on Facebook?
No. We’re doing our best to serve a high volume of interest, and we appreciate your patience. Thank you!
I am searching for a specific ‘breed’ of pet. Do you have it?
Maybe? Your best bet is to watch our ADOPTION PAGE on our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. You can see our lineup of adoptable cuties there, but remember, you need to follow our adoption process to adopt. The most common way to adopt is by visiting the shelter.
Lastly, due to the volume of inquiries and animals we care for at any given time, we do not have a “contact me list.”
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The adoption process at NHA is friendly, educational, and rewarding! Animals come to us looking for a forever home, and we make certain to give them their best shot. All animals in our Adoption Program, while at NHA, receive spay/neuter surgery, are current on their vaccinations, are microchipped, and receive high-quality veterinary care from our team of full-time board-certified veterinary staff. And of course, lots of love!
Now, it’s your turn to love them forever. Noticing that we use the word “forever” a lot? It is really important to us that our pets find a permanent home! Therefore, adoption applicants must meet adoption requirements before taking your new furry friend home.