Knoxville Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this guide before visiting Young-Williams Animal Center, the main Knoxville and Knox County shelter many people search for as “Knoxville animal shelter.” It explains adoption hours, locations, adoption fees, dog and cat rules, lost pets, found animals, intake hours, animal control, surrender appointments, pet help, spay/neuter options, map directions and official links.
This page answers real search intent like “Knoxville animal shelter near me,” “Young-Williams adoption hours,” “Knoxville animal control,” “lost pets Knoxville,” “found stray dog Knoxville,” “Knox County animal shelter,” “adoption fees,” “animal intake hours,” “surrender a pet Knoxville,” and “spay neuter Knoxville.” Use the matching section before calling or driving.
Which Knoxville Animal Shelter Is This?
In Knoxville searches, “Knoxville Animal Shelter” usually refers to Young-Williams Animal Center, the main animal shelter and animal services organization for the City of Knoxville and Knox County.
Young-Williams Animal Center
Use the Division Street location for main shelter services, adoption, animal intake, lost/found pet visits and many animal services questions.
Young-Williams Animal Village
The Animal Village at 6400 Kingston Pike is another public adoption location. Check the pet’s listing before driving because not every pet is at the same location.
Young-Williams Animal Services
Animal Services handles non-emergency animal-related calls, bites, cruelty/welfare concerns and field services for Knoxville and Knox County.
Knoxville Animal Shelter Quick Details
These details answer the most common Knoxville animal shelter searches: address, phone, hours, adoption location, animal control number, intake hours, lost pets and surrender help.
Main address
3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Main shelter, Animal Services and intake location.
Animal Village
6400 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Adoption location and Pet Resource Center location.
Main phone
865-433-YWAC.
Use for general adoption and center questions.
Animal Services
865-407-2229.
Use for non-emergency animal-control-related concerns.
“Knoxville Animal Shelter Near Me” — What It Usually Means
People in Knoxville, Knox County, Bearden, Fountain City, Karns, Powell, Halls, Farragut, Sequoyah Hills, South Knoxville and nearby areas may search the same phrase but need different help.
| User Search | Likely Meaning | Best Practical Step |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville animal shelter near me | Adoption, lost pet, shelter address or general visit. | Start with Young-Williams Animal Center and confirm whether the pet or service is at Division Street or Animal Village. |
| Young-Williams adoption hours | User wants public adoption timing. | Plan around 10 AM–6 PM daily and remember the 1–2 PM quiet-time closure. |
| Knoxville animal control | Bite, cruelty, stray, injured animal or safety concern. | Call 865-407-2229 for non-emergency animal-control concerns; call 911 for emergencies. |
| Lost pet Knoxville | User’s pet is missing in Knoxville or Knox County. | Check current strays, visit Division Street, use Petco Love Lost and check back at least every other day. |
| Surrender a pet Knoxville | User may need owner surrender or resources. | Contact the Pet Resource Center first; surrender is appointment-based and should be a last resort. |
Knoxville Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Young-Williams lists adoption locations as open daily, but the shelter closes for quiet time every day. Intake and animal services hours are different, so use the correct timing for your situation.
Current official timing
Adoption locations are listed as open 10 AM–6 PM daily and closed 1–2 PM for animal quiet time. Animal intake is listed Monday–Saturday, 1 PM–5 PM. Animal Services operational hours are listed separately.
| Service | Listed Timing | Practical Visitor Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption locations | 10 AM–6 PM daily | Use for pet browsing, adoption visits, same-day adoption and adoption survey help. |
| Daily quiet time | Closed 1–2 PM | Do not plan a pet meet or adoption visit during the quiet-time break. |
| Animal intake | Monday–Saturday, 1–5 PM | Use for stray intake at Division Street; call first if the animal is injured, unsafe or if you need field help. |
| Animal Services | Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM; weekends 8 AM–5:30 PM | Use 865-407-2229 for non-emergency animal-control-related concerns. |
| Emergency | 911 | Use emergency services for immediate danger to people, active attacks or urgent public-safety situations. |
Young-Williams Locations: Division Street vs Animal Village
A common Knoxville shelter mistake is going to the wrong location. Always check where the pet is housed before driving.
Young-Williams Animal Center
3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Use for main shelter visits, stray intake, lost/found pet search and animal services connections. Lost-pet visitors should come here to check current strays in person.
Young-Williams Animal Village
6400 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Use for Animal Village adoptions, Pet Resource Center and many owner-support services. Check current pet listing location before going.
How to Adopt from Young-Williams Animal Center
Young-Williams aims for a practical adoption process without long, complicated barriers, but adopters should still prepare because pets may be in different locations, foster homes or not yet ready to go home.
Check adoptable pets online first
Use the official adoption pages for dogs, cats and other animals. Read the pet profile, location and status carefully. If the pet is in foster care, the process may require an online application and coordination with the foster family.
Visit the correct location quickly
After identifying pets you like, visit the correct Young-Williams location as soon as possible. The adoption process is first-come, first-served, so online interest does not guarantee the pet is held for you.
Fill out the adoption survey
Each location has a survey for visitors who want to meet an animal. The survey helps adoption staff answer questions and suggest a realistic match.
Talk with an adoption specialist
Ask about temperament, medical notes, behavior seen in shelter, other-pet introductions, children, activity level, stress signs and what the first week should look like.
Finalize adoption or pre-adopt
Young-Williams completes same-day adoptions when possible. If the animal is not yet spayed/neutered or ready, pre-adoption may be possible with a $25 non-refundable deposit that counts toward the adoption fee.
Knoxville Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Use these listed fees for planning, then verify the current fee on the pet’s profile or with Young-Williams before final adoption because events and promotions can change pricing.
| Pet Type | Listed Fee | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies under 6 months | $150 | Prepare for training, puppy vaccines, chewing, crate practice and socialization. |
| Adult dogs | $40 | Ask about heartworm test, energy level, leash behavior, dog introductions and first-week adjustment. |
| Kittens | $100; buy one, get one free | Ask about age, vaccine schedule, litter habits, kitten-safe room setup and whether a pair would be better. |
| Adult cats up to 3 years | $25 | Ask about shyness, indoor transition, litter habits, other cats, dogs and children. |
| Adult cats over 3 years | No fee | Great option for adopters open to calm adult cats; still plan vet follow-up and slow introduction. |
| Small mammals and exotics | $10–$60 | Ask about enclosure, heat/light needs, diet, handling, lifespan and species-specific vet care. |
| Knoxville city license | $5 for sterilized dog/cat license | Listed adoption fees do not include the Knoxville city license fee for city residents. |
Adoptable Dogs, Cats and Other Pets
Each pet type has different questions. “Knoxville dog adoption,” “Knoxville cats for adoption,” “Young-Williams puppies,” and “small animals Knoxville” should not all be answered the same way.
Dogs
Ask about leash skills, energy level, heartworm status, dog meet-and-greet options, children, crate training and whether a trial sleepover makes sense.
Cats
Ask about litter box habits, shyness, other cats, dogs, kids, indoor-only transition and slow introduction at home.
Foster pets
If the pet is in foster care, submit the foster application path and allow time for the foster family to respond. Application does not guarantee approval or hold.
Other animals
For rabbits, small mammals or exotics, ask about habitat, diet, temperature, safe handling, social needs and long-term veterinary care.
Pre-Adoption and Adoption Sleepover Explained
Two useful Young-Williams options are often missed by visitors: pre-adoption for pets not yet ready to leave, and Adoption Sleepover for some adult dogs.
| Option | Who It Helps | Important Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-adoption | People interested in pets not yet ready because of stray hold, exam or spay/neuter timing. | Must be done in person. Requires a $25 deposit that counts toward adoption but is non-refundable if you change your mind or fail to show. |
| Stray-hold pets | People watching a stray animal that may become adoptable. | Pre-adoption can be canceled if the owner reclaims the pet or if another issue prevents adoption. |
| Adoption Sleepover | Adopters unsure whether an adult dog fits their home. | Allows a trial run for up to three days. Requires a $25 deposit and is for people within one hour of Young-Williams. |
| Post-adoption return support | Adopters having trouble after bringing a pet home. | Young-Williams describes post-adoption support and return/refund timeframes. Contact the adoption team early if problems appear. |
Lost and Found Pets at Knoxville Animal Shelter
Lost-pet recovery is time sensitive. Young-Williams says pets cannot be identified over the phone and encourages lost-pet owners to start the search with the shelter because it is the only facility permitted to house strays for Knoxville and Knox County.
If your pet is missing
- View current strays online before visiting.
- Go to the 3201 Division Street location to look in person.
- Check back at least every other day because Tennessee requires minimum stray holding time.
- Upload a photo to Petco Love Lost and use PawBoost or local lost-pet groups.
- Text LOST to 865-355-6277 for automated lost-pet links and tips.
- Contact local vets, UT College of Veterinary Medicine and nearby county shelters.
If you found a pet
- First check for a collar, tag or visible owner contact information.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip if safe.
- Use Friendly Finder resources if you can temporarily hold the pet safely.
- If you cannot temporarily care for the pet, bring it to the main facility at 3201 Division Street during intake hours.
- Use the side/north entrance for animal intake.
- Call Animal Services if the pet is injured, aggressive, trapped or unsafe to handle.
Knoxville Animal Control and Animal Services
Young-Williams Animal Services is responsible for animal control services for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Use this route for non-emergency animal-related concerns, not routine adoption questions.
Call 865-407-2229
Use this number for non-emergency animal-control-related calls during listed operational hours.
Call 911
Use 911 for active attacks, immediate danger, life-threatening situations or urgent public-safety emergencies.
City of Knoxville 311
For dead-animal pickup in the City of Knoxville, official guidance says to contact 311.
Stray Intake Hours and When to Bring an Animal
Intake is different from adoption. If you found a stray, the most helpful first step may be owner reunification, Friendly Finder support, microchip scanning or Animal Services — not always immediate shelter drop-off.
| Situation | Best Route | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Found friendly pet and can safely hold temporarily | Friendly Finder / lost-found resources | Temporary finder care may help the pet get home faster and keep shelter kennels open. |
| Cannot temporarily care for found pet | Bring to 3201 Division Street during intake hours | Use side/north entrance for intake. Listed intake hours are Monday–Saturday, 1–5 PM. |
| Injured, aggressive or unsafe animal | Animal Services / emergency route | Call 865-407-2229 for non-emergency help or 911 for immediate danger. |
| After-hours animal issue | Emergency on-call support / 911 if urgent | Do not leave animals outside the shelter after hours. |
Surrendering a Pet in Knoxville or Knox County
Young-Williams says the goal is to help people keep pets when possible and that taking a pet to a shelter should be a last resort. Owner surrender is handled through the Pet Resource Center by appointment and space availability.
Before surrendering
- Call 865-433-9922 or email the Pet Resource Center before assuming surrender is the only option.
- Ask about food help, behavior support, rehoming tools, medical resources or other solutions.
- Complete the dog or cat profile and surrender application honestly.
- Prepare medical records, vaccine history, medications, behavior history and bite history.
- Understand appointments may be subject to space and may be booked weeks ahead.
What not to do
- Do not show up without an appointment for owner surrender.
- Do not leave a pet outside the shelter or in a parking area.
- Do not hide aggression, bites, illness or medication needs.
- Do not assume the pet will automatically be placed for adoption.
- Do not wait until the situation becomes unsafe before asking for help.
Pet Food Pantry, Microchipping and Pet Help
Many people search for the shelter because they are struggling, not because they want to give up a pet. Young-Williams has pet-owner support options that may help before surrender.
Pet food help
The Pet Food Pantry is part of the Pet Resource Center support system for low-income families struggling to afford pet food.
Microchipping
Young-Williams offers discount microchipping by appointment. Lost-pet recovery is easier when chip contact details stay current.
Behavior and care help
Young-Williams lists behavior help, general pet care, pet resource support and local animal-law resources.
Spay/Neuter Solutions in Knoxville
Spay/neuter is a major practical search intent for Knoxville pet owners. Young-Williams Spay/Neuter Solutions is at 6400 Kingston Pike and requires appointments scheduled in advance.
| Service | Listed Pricing / Rule | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dog spay/neuter | $110 listed | Ask about vaccines, heartworm test, microchip, city tag and add-on costs at surgery. |
| Cat spay/neuter | $65 listed | Bring cats in carriers. Ask about rabies, FVRCP, FeLV, combo test and microchip options. |
| Knox County government assistance | Call 865-433-3499 if eligible | Ask what proof is required before scheduling. |
| Appointment rule | Advance appointment required | Deposits are required at scheduling; confirm current payment and cancellation policy. |
Video Resource Note
I did not embed a random YouTube video here because a current official playable Young-Williams adoption or animal-services video could not be verified in this run. For quality, this guide uses official Young-Williams pages and practical visitor guidance instead of forcing an unrelated video.
What to Bring Before Visiting Knoxville Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets better help. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming, bringing in a found animal, surrendering, fostering or using spay/neuter services.
Photo ID
Bring identification to sign an adoption contract, reclaim a pet, use services or complete official records.
Housing approval
If renting, confirm landlord rules, pet limits, breed/size restrictions, deposits and pet rent before adopting.
Payment method
Young-Williams lists cash and credit/debit card as adoption payment methods. Confirm current payment rules before visiting.
Dog transport
Bring or plan for a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup.
Cat carrier
Bring a secure carrier if adopting or reclaiming a cat. Cardboard carriers may be available, but a sturdy carrier is safer.
Proof for reclaim
Bring photos, vet records, microchip number, adoption paperwork, rabies certificate or other proof that connects you to the pet.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A shelter pet needs time to decompress. Do not judge the whole adoption by the first few hours. Plan a calm first week and use post-adoption support early if you need help.
First 24 hours
- Use a calm starter room or small area.
- Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
- Use a leash, crate, carrier, baby gate or safe room as needed.
- Expect hiding, pacing, barking, whining, reduced appetite or nervous behavior.
- Keep adoption paperwork, medication instructions and microchip details together.
Days 2–7
- Set predictable feeding, potty, walking and rest routines.
- Use slow introductions with resident pets.
- Schedule a full-service veterinary exam as recommended.
- Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, refusal to eat or severe anxiety.
- Contact Young-Williams post-adoption support early if the match is struggling.
Knoxville Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use this map for the main Division Street shelter. If your chosen pet is listed at Animal Village or foster care, confirm the correct meeting location before driving.
Arrive early
First-come adoption and early queue closure can affect high-volume days.
Check pet location
Pets may be at Division Street, Animal Village or foster care. Confirm before driving.
Remember quiet time
Both adoption locations are closed 1–2 PM for animal quiet time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Knoxville Animal Shelter
These mistakes cause wasted trips, delayed adoptions, lost-pet delays and wrong phone routing.
Before visiting
- Do not arrive during 1–2 PM quiet time expecting normal adoption service.
- Do not drive to the wrong location without checking the pet’s listed location.
- Do not assume an online application places a foster pet on hold.
- Do not wait several days to check the shelter for a lost pet.
- Do not bring a found animal outside intake hours without instructions.
Before adopting or surrendering
- Do not adopt without checking landlord, HOA or household restrictions.
- Do not choose only by breed guess or photo.
- Do not ignore veterinary follow-up after adoption.
- Do not surrender without contacting the Pet Resource Center first.
- Do not hide bite, behavior, illness or medication history.
Official Knoxville Animal Shelter Links
Use these official Young-Williams links for final verification and action. This guide explains the process, but Young-Williams controls current hours, fees, animal availability, intake rules, surrender appointments, animal services routing and program updates.
Knoxville Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main Knoxville animal shelter?
The main Knoxville animal shelter is Young-Williams Animal Center, located at 3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919.
What are Knoxville Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Young-Williams adoption locations are listed as open 10 AM to 6 PM daily and closed 1 PM to 2 PM for animal quiet time.
What is the phone number for Young-Williams Animal Center?
The general Young-Williams phone number is 865-433-YWAC. For animal-control-related concerns, use Animal Services at 865-407-2229.
Where is Young-Williams Animal Village?
Young-Williams Animal Village is located at 6400 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Knoxville from Young-Williams?
The official adoption page lists puppies at $150 and adult dogs at $40. Knoxville city residents should also remember that listed adoption fees do not include the city license fee.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Young-Williams?
The official adoption page lists kittens at $100 with buy-one-get-one-free language, adult cats up to 3 years at $25, and adult cats over 3 years at no fee.
Are Young-Williams adoptions first-come, first-served?
Yes. Young-Williams says it works on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning the first person physically present will be considered first.
Can I pre-adopt a pet at Young-Williams?
Yes, pre-adoption may be available for animals not yet ready because of stray hold, exam or spay/neuter timing. It must be done in person and requires a $25 deposit that counts toward the adoption fee but is non-refundable in certain situations.
What is the Young-Williams Adoption Sleepover?
Adoption Sleepover is an option for some adult dogs that lets eligible adopters take the dog home for up to three days. It requires a $25 deposit and is limited to people within one hour of Young-Williams.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Knoxville or Knox County?
Check current strays, visit the 3201 Division Street location, use Petco Love Lost, text LOST to 865-355-6277, check back at least every other day and contact local vets and surrounding shelters.
What are Young-Williams animal intake hours?
Animal intake hours are listed as Monday through Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM. The main intake facility is 3201 Division Street.
Who do I call for Knoxville animal control?
For non-emergency animal-control-related calls in Knoxville or Knox County, call Young-Williams Animal Services at 865-407-2229. For emergencies, call 911.
Can I surrender my pet to Young-Williams?
Owner surrender is handled by appointment through the Pet Resource Center and should be a last resort after support options are explored. Call 865-433-9922 or email the Pet Resource Center for guidance.
Does Young-Williams offer low-cost spay/neuter?
Yes. Young-Williams Spay/Neuter Solutions is at 6400 Kingston Pike and requires appointments scheduled in advance. Listed pricing includes $110 for dog spay/neuter and $65 for cat spay/neuter, with possible add-on services.
What should I bring to adopt from Knoxville Animal Shelter?
Bring photo ID, payment method, landlord approval if renting, a safe leash or carrier plan, and questions about the pet’s health, behavior, vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter status and first-week adjustment.
Final Take: Plan Your Knoxville Animal Shelter Visit First
Young-Williams Animal Center is the main Knoxville and Knox County animal shelter many users mean when they search “Knoxville animal shelter.” It is useful for adoption, lost and found pets, stray intake, animal services, pet owner support, surrender appointments, spay/neuter services and post-adoption help.
The best visitor plan is simple: check the pet’s location online, avoid the 1–2 PM quiet-time closure, arrive early on busy days, bring ID and safe transport, use 865-407-2229 for animal-control concerns, and use the Pet Resource Center before surrendering a pet.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Young-Williams Animal Center, Young-Williams Animal Services, City of Knoxville, Knox County, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost, Home To Home, GoodPup, ClinicHQ, any veterinarian, rescue, microchip registry or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming, reporting an animal concern or scheduling services.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.