My name is ELVIRA!

See a pet you feel could be your 'fur'ever companion? You will need to come to the PAWS facility and visit the potential new pal. For dogs, you will be instructed to take the dog out to the one of two play yard areas and get to know each other. Animal specialists or volunteers will also answer questions you may have. To be approved for adoption: Potential adopters will fill out an application with a staff member while at the facility. Be sure that other pets in the home are up to date on their rabies vaccinations (ages 3 months+). Your vet will be used as a reference, or you may bring in a signed rabies certificate. PAWS is able to provide rabies vaccinations for $15. In addition, for those who do not own their home, but rent or live at an apartment complex, staff will have to verify that you are permitted to have the type of pet you are interested in adopting. It is always best to inform rental property owners/staff that PAWS will need to speak with them over the phone. All pets available for adoption will be spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccinations. PAWS runs adoption specials almost every month, but on a normal day, fees can range anywhere from $5 to $120. That fee includes parvo/distemper vaccination, rabies vaccination, initial worming, heartworm testing if old enough, and spay/neuter surgery. Cats are currently on a 'Name-your-own-price' special! Most adopters donate between $20-$50. That fee includes FVRCP vaccination, rabies vaccination, initial worming, Felv/FIV testing, and spay/neuter surgery.

Rutherford County Pet Adoption & Welfare Services (PAWS) is working in partnership with the community to create a safe, healthy and caring environment for both our citizens and animals through education, adoption and courteous, effective enforcement of the Tennessee Codes annotated relating to animals and the rules and regulations pertaining to control of animals in Rutherford County. This is a county run facility located in Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro is 30 miles SE of Nashville, TN. We receive about 20-60 animals EVERY DAY we are open. It is full most of the time, with the majority coming in as strays.