How do I adopt a pet?
Bring the whole family!! Adopting a new pet into your home should be a fun experience and everyone should be comfortable with your selection. See the pets who are up for adoption and remember they all are deserving of a good home. Visit with staff members. They care for the dogs and cats and know them best. Once you determine who would make the best fit in your life, you will be asked to fill out an adoption application. After you've met staff approval you will receive a health and behavior disclaimer to read and sign and a contract. You are signing a legal document to give this new pet the proper care he/she requires and we urge you to read it carefully. The fee for adopting a cat or dog is $100.
What does the adoption fee cover?
The adoption fee pays for the first veterinarian office visit, an uncomplicated spay/neuter and a microchip. Tests, boosters and medications recommended by your veterinarian will be the adopters responsibility.
Should I get a puppy or kitten so I can train them?
You can. However an adult cat or dog is often easier to train then a youngster. They often have some instinctual etiquette in them such as going to the bathroom and then not playing with it.
What if my pet gets lost?
Please check with the animal shelter first. We are the only shelter in Sevier County so if a good Samaritan or animal control picks up your pet they would bring it to us. We recommend you visit the shelter to look for your lost pet because telephone descriptions are sometimes vague or differ. Please bring a photo of your lost pet with you. If your pet is not at our shelter we will take a lost report and post his/her picture on the bulletin board. You will also want to call shelters and humane societies in surrounding cities and counties.
Your pet can be surrendered to the animal shelter on Gnatty Branch Road during normal business hours. They cannot be taken to Little Friends Adoption Center. Animals are not accepted at that location.
No. Your pet will receive a health and behavior evaluation to see if he/she is a candidate for adoption. If he/she is healthy and friendly, he/she will receive his boosters and be moved to the adoption floor. His picture will be on the Petfinder and Animal Shelter websites. His/her picture may be featured in one of four newspapers. We also work with qualified breed rescue groups and other humane societies to give every animal an opportunity for a good home.
Yes. We recognize it is a difficult decision to say goodbye to a beloved member of your family and we will respect you and your pet. Please call for an appointment for euthanasia so we can make the process as quick and easy as possible for you.
We offer a private cremation, a semi-private cremation or a communal cremation. Prices are dependent on weight.
Please call the animal shelter and file a report. Our director investigates all cruelty complaints and charges will be brought when warranted. However our first objective is to remove an animal from a substandard or abusive environment.
We do not have a 'hands on' volunteer program at the animal shelter however volunteers are needed to help with fund raisers and special events.
Our annual Champagne Auction is the biggest event of the year. Held in December at the Sevierville Civic Center, we have beautifully decorated baskets that hold valued items from local merchants, passes and tickets to local attractions and restaurants, get away packages to resorts and hotels, and certificates for pet vaccinations, boarding & grooming. We also have original artwork and limited edition prints, some framed and matted. Auctioneer Tim Milks and his staff volunteer their time and expertise to make this a profitable and fun event for all.
Other fund raisers include hot dog sale at Pigeon Forge Patriot Park for the Independence Day Celebration, and Hot Chocolate and Cider at the Winterfest Kickoff.
In a big way!!! Our doggie bank program is expanding and every penny of that is put into our operating fund to buy pet food, cleaning supplies, vaccines, and to help pay for the fuel oil to keep our pets warm in the winter and to pay our staff who come in 7 days a week including holidays to care for our pets. When you see a doggie or kitty bank in a restaurant or other place of business, please drop your spare change or dollars in and feel confident that it helps the animals.
You can donate on line now by going to our donations page. Or you can mail a check to the animal shelter or bring much needed supplies from our wish list page.
During ASPCA'S 'Be Kind to Pets' Week we work with the Comedy Barn team to visit local primary school students to promote responsible pet ownership thru age appropriate school assemblies. Interacting with the children and encouraging them to understand the importance of proper care for their pets and what to do and what not to do when faced with a strange animal.