Surrendering an animal

We operate a low-cost spay-neuter clinic and pet food bank, so we do NOT have a shelter or foster program that can take in animals.

The only shelter in Clarksville set up to take in animals is Montgomery County Animal Care & Control located at 616 N. Spring St. However, they stay overwhelmed with the needs of our community. Please use them as a very last option. Call them at 931-648-5750 for the most current space availability & surrender requirements, which will likely include an appointment and small fee.

If you can continue to hold on to your pet while another home is found, reach out to one of the organizations listed on our adoption page to see if they can help you with rehoming your pet if you “foster” it. Pets that are already fixed & current on vaccines, or if you are willing to pay for those things, can be helpful to a rescue who wants to help but might be overrun with veterinary bills (and most are!).     

Is this a stray?

Per state law, a diligent effort MUST be made to locate the animal’s original family… even if the animal is in poor condition:

  1. File a lost or found report with Montgomery County Animal Care & Control as they are the county-funded facility that handles stray intake & pickups. They will provide guidance on what date you can legally rehome the animal.
  2. Post a photo on the Lost & Found Pets of Clarksville Facebook group. There are thousands of local pet lovers, shelter volunteers & staff on that page that may recognize the animal. keep some information off of your listing, like collar info, sex, if fixed, etc.

Is an allergy the reason you’re giving up a pet??

If yes, please review this important article in detail before making your decision… you may learn a few things & decide you don’t have to give up your pet after all!

Are you being deployed?

If you really don’t want to give up your pet, check with Dogs on Deployment or Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pets to see if they might be able to help. 

Before committing to foster, consider the following:

Felines: Adult cats will typically adopt out slower than kittens. Adults cats with exceptional personalities can often remain in foster care for at least 3-6 months, sometimes longer. Kittens usually adopt within 1 to 2 months, but if they are feral or extremely shy it can take a bit longer. Generally speaking, the younger the cat the quicker the adoption. Breed & personality do factor in!

Canines: Typically, the smaller the dog the quicker the adoption. Dogs that are housebroken and get along well with kids, other dogs & cats are deemed most adoptable. Sadly, no matter how exceptional the personality, dogs with the following characteristics are often overlooked or can take several months or more to find homes:

  • larger dogs (over 55 lbs.),
  • black or black/tan colored dogs,
  • older dogs (5+ years), and
  • media stereotyped breeds like pit bull terriers, rottweilers, & chows (or even mixes of these breeds).

Please set realistic expectations when committing to help an animal in need, and you can help building the animal’s adoptability resume by learning, socializing & training as much as you can while the animal is in your care.  

Photographing Tips:

We can post up to 5 photos of your pet on its web page. The better the photos, the more interest your pet will get from potential adopters. If you have no way to submit pictures, we can find a volunteer to help you. Try to get pictures from various angles (i.e. headshots, sitting, laying, standing from front, standing from side, etc.). Don’t force the pictures. Try to take advantage of photo opportunities when the pet is relaxed. Photos that show a pet’s personality are helpful too… playing with a toy, laying with front paws crossed, wearing a bandana, chewing a bone, cuddling with another pet or human, etc.

Tips for “screening” potential adopters for those of you who wish to do your own screening: (coming soon!)