Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Service: Your Guide to Compassionate Animal Care in Murfreesboro, TN
If you’re considering welcoming a new furry friend into your home or want to learn more about how to help animals in need, look no further than the Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Service (PAWS) in Murfreesboro, TN. As one of the leading animal shelters in Tennessee, this organization is dedicated to saving lives, supporting the community, and improving the well-being of both animals and pet owners.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes Rutherford County PAWS such a valuable part of the Murfreesboro community. From adoption services, pet surrender support, and community outreach to volunteering, low-cost spay/neuter clinics, and more, PAWS is a one-stop hub for compassionate pet care.
What Is Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Service?
Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Service, often referred to as PAWS Murfreesboro, is an animal welfare organization located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It serves as a shelter and adoption center for homeless pets and provides a variety of services to promote responsible pet ownership throughout Rutherford County.
The facility is both a safe haven for abandoned animals and a resource for pet owners in the community. Their staff is committed to not only finding permanent homes for pets but also educating the public about animal welfare, pet care, and adoption best practices.
Services Offered by Rutherford County PAWS
PAWS offers a wide range of services that go far beyond simple animal housing. Here’s a look at what they provide:
1. Pet Adoption
Their most well-known service is pet adoption. Whether you’re looking for a Labrador Retriever, a kitten, or a bonded pair of guinea pigs, PAWS can help match you with the perfect pet.
- Online Pet Listings: Visit their website or Facebook page to see photos of adoptable pets and learn about their personalities.
- Adoption Counseling: Trained staff help ensure a good match between adopter and animal.
- Affordable Fees: Adoption fees are designed to be budget-friendly and include spaying/neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations.
2. Animal Intake & Pet Surrender
For individuals who can no longer care for their pets, PAWS offers a pet surrender service. They accept owner surrenders and stray animals based on capacity.
- Appointments are required.
- Pets are evaluated for health and temperament.
- The goal is always to rehome the animal safely.
3. Lost & Found Pet Services
PAWS actively works to reunite lost pets with their owners. They maintain a lost and found pet database and encourage the community to report stray or missing animals.
4. Spay/Neuter and Rabies Clinics
They offer low-cost spay and neuter services, which help control the pet population and reduce the number of unwanted animals entering the shelter.
- Monthly rabies vaccination clinics.
- Affordable services open to the public.
5. Foster Care Program
Animals that are not ready for adoption (due to age, medical needs, or behavior) are placed in foster homes. Volunteers help these animals recover, grow, and become adoption-ready.
6. Volunteer & Community Engagement
PAWS encourages locals to get involved by volunteering at the shelter. Duties include dog walking, cat socialization, cleaning, and event support.
The Adoption Process at Rutherford County PAWS
Adopting a pet from PAWS is a straightforward and rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- View Available Pets: Start by checking out adoptable animals online.
- Submit an Application: Applications are reviewed by staff to ensure a good match.
- Meet the Pet: Schedule a meet-and-greet at the Murfreesboro shelter.
- Complete the Adoption: If the match is successful, you’ll sign paperwork and take your new pet home.
Animals available for adoption are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped — giving your new pet a healthy head start.
Why Adopt from Rutherford County PAWS?
🐾 Save a Life
By adopting from PAWS, you are literally saving a life. Every adopted animal makes room for another in need.
🐾 Affordable and Responsible
With low-cost adoption fees and included veterinary services, PAWS makes pet ownership more accessible.
🐾 Support Local Community
Your adoption supports local rescue efforts and helps reduce the population of stray and homeless animals in Rutherford County.
Featured Adoptable Animals at PAWS
Here are a few examples of pets you might find at Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Service:
- Max the Labrador Retriever: A 2-year-old playful boy who loves water and belly rubs.
- Luna the Tabby Cat: A gentle 4-year-old lap cat who is great with kids.
- Poppy the Mixed Breed Pup: Just 5 months old, full of energy and cuddles.
Visit their website or Facebook page for updated photos and bios.
Visiting the Shelter: What to Expect
PAWS is located at:
📍 285 John R. Rice Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
📞 Phone: (615) 898-7740
🌐 Official Website
Visiting hours and adoption appointments are regularly updated online. Be sure to call ahead or check their social media for availability.
Rutherford County PAWS in Photos
Many families post heartwarming “gotcha day” stories featuring their adopted pets from PAWS. You’ll find before-and-after photos, adoption day celebrations, and happy pets thriving in their forever homes.
Search “Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Service photos” online or check their Facebook page to see touching transformation stories.
Support and Donate
Even if you’re not ready to adopt, you can still support PAWS in many ways:
- Donate pet food, blankets, or money.
- Sponsor a pet’s adoption fee.
- Volunteer your time.
- Share their adoptable animals on social media.
Every little bit helps — from donating a few dollars to spreading awareness, the support of the community keeps this vital service running.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re searching for a new pet, seeking assistance with animal care, or simply want to help your local community, the Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Service in Murfreesboro is a powerful ally. With compassionate staff, well-maintained facilities, and a deep commitment to animal welfare, PAWS is more than just a shelter — it’s a lifeline for thousands of pets and families every year.
Choose adoption. Save a life. Make a difference.
11 Referring Domains & Backlinks You Can Target:
These are reputable animal welfare and pet-related sites where you can request backlinks or guest post submissions:
- https://www.petfinder.com — Partner with them to list your shelter or write about pet adoption.
- https://www.adoptapet.com — Offers directory listings for shelters.
- https://www.animalleague.org — Great for guest posts or cross-promotions.
- https://theshelterpetproject.org — Partner for campaigns and backlinks.
- https://bestfriends.org — They support local shelter initiatives.
- https://www.aspca.org — Authority domain that shares resources and stories.
- https://www.humanesociety.org — Offers collaboration opportunities and link placements.
- https://www.dogtime.com — Guest post and educational content options.
- https://vetstreet.com — Perfect for articles on adoption and animal health.
- https://www.maddiesfund.org — Supports animal welfare content partnerships.
- https://www.nokillnetwork.org — Helps promote no-kill shelters and offers listings.