Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley

Adopt-A-Pet

Where Do Adoptable Animals Come From?

Animals available for adoption from HSTV come from two sources. The Society strives to lower euthanasia rates in the area by accepting animals from surrounding shelters who would otherwise be forced to euthanize them due to lack of space. In addition, animals are accepted from members of the public who are no longer able to care for their pets.

Why Adopt a Pet?

When you adopt a pet from HSTV or any reputable animal welfare organization, you are saving a life. You are not encouraging the indiscriminate breeding of dogs and cats for whom there are simply not enough homes by buying an animal.

Animal welfare organizations provide the largest selection of dogs and cats anywhere. If you're looking for a purebred animal, you should be aware that these, too, are available in large numbers at animal shelters as well as through purebred animal rescue organizations.

If you buy a pet through a retail pet store, you are encouraging the proliferation of puppy and kitten mills. Puppy and kitten mills are little more than animal factories intent on making a profit with little regard for providing animals with humane and sanitary conditions. Many of these animals are inbred and often have serious health and/or temperament problems.

If you decide to purchase a purebred pet, please be aware that reputable breeders, those who are dedicated to maintaining and improving breed standards, never sell their animals through retail pet stores and they rarely place animals for sale through classified ads.