In the span of less than a day this week, staff at the Nashville Humane Association say animals were left at the shelter’s gates on two separate occasions. Volunteers called the back-to-back drop-offs dangerous for the pets involved and a serious strain on the nonprofit’s already limited resources.
According to WSMV, the association said in a Friday Facebook post that leaving an animal alone outside “is not in the best interest of the animal or the safety of our community.” The post continued, “Please be humane. Contact your shelter before abandoning an animal.”
Shelter Urges Owners To Seek Help, Not Leave Pets At The Gate
Per the Nashville Humane Association, staff say there are multiple options available to struggling pet owners before things reach the point of abandonment. Those include rehoming support, low-cost veterinary care, behavior help, landlord deposit assistance, and supplemental pet food. The nonprofit stresses that there is no shame in asking for support and urges people to contact the shelter before deciding to give up an animal.
What Happens After A Drop-Off
As reported by WSMV, the association says any animal found with no identifying information must legally be held in a kennel for up to seven days before it can be made available for adoption or fostering. Staff warns that this mandatory waiting period, combined with the trauma of being abandoned, can trigger rapid health declines and delay how quickly a pet gets medical care or a behavioral evaluation.
Shelters And Rescues Already Stretched By Recent Cases
Regional rescues were already feeling the pressure this winter. In early February, a cold-weather rescue pulled more than 40 dogs and puppies from a single DeKalb County property and transported them for medical care, a vivid example of how quickly capacity can be overwhelmed. Coverage of that operation was reported by WBKO, highlighting why agencies keep urging the public to use available help instead of abandoning animals.
Abandonment Can Carry Criminal Penalties
The Nashville Humane Association also points out that abandoning an animal is now illegal in Tennessee. An NHA post outlining a law change says that, as of July 1, 2025, abandonment is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for repeat offenses. The group says the law change is one more reason to involve shelters or animal-control partners if someone feels they can no longer keep a pet.
How To Get Help Or Report A Found Pet
For owners who need assistance, the Nashville Humane Association can be reached by phone for support and rehoming guidance. For found animals or animal-control concerns, residents are asked to contact Metro Animal Care and Control at 615-862-7928 or check the city’s animal-care page for hours and intake rules at Metro Animal Care and Control…