Cookeville Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this page like a Cookeville-Putnam animal-help dashboard. Pick adoption, lost pet, found pet, surrender, animal control, intake, reclaim, volunteer, foster, donation or law-enforcement action.
The official shelter is the Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter at 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501. For stray, injured or aggressive animals outside shelter hours, use Animal Control or local law enforcement.
Choose What You Need
Clickable Cookeville Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card gives one direct step, not a long paragraph.
Who to Call First
Use this table before driving, posting online, or bringing in an animal.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | Adopt-a-Pet listing or 931-526-3647 | “Is [pet name/ID] still available?” | Call ahead if you are coming for one specific animal. |
| Lost pet | Shelter: 931-526-3647 | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. Has a matching animal come in?” | Check 24Petconnect and Petco Love Lost. |
| Found pet as Putnam County resident | Shelter: 931-526-3647 | “I found a [dog/cat] in Putnam County and can provide residence proof.” | Ask if an appointment is available or recommended. |
| Found animal but not a Putnam County resident | Remain where found; call local law enforcement | “I found an animal in Putnam County but I am not a local resident.” | Use the agency list below. |
| Stray dog or nuisance animal in Cookeville | Cookeville Police / Animal Control: 931-526-2125 | “There is a stray/nuisance animal at [exact location].” | Give safety level and direction of travel. |
| Injured, aggressive or after-hours animal issue | Animal Control or local law enforcement | “Animal is injured/aggressive at [address].” | Do not handle if unsafe. |
| Owner surrender | Call shelter first | “I need an owner-surrender appointment.” | Prepare ID, Putnam County proof, records and intake fee. |
Cookeville Animal Shelter Adoption Hours
These are the official posted public hours. Call before driving for holidays, staffing changes, animal availability or special arrangements.
| Day | Hours | Best use | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12pm-5pm | Adoption visit, lost/found questions, intake questions. | Call early if you need a specific animal. |
| Tuesday | 12pm-6pm | Longer weekday window. | Good day for after-work visits. |
| Wednesday | 12pm-5pm | Midweek visit. | Check current Facebook updates first. |
| Thursday | 12pm-6pm | Longer weekday window. | Good day to call about surrenders or appointments. |
| Friday | 12pm-5pm | Adoption and weekend planning. | Ask about Saturday availability. |
| Saturday | 12pm-5pm | Weekend adoption visits. | Arrive early; weekends can be busier. |
| Sunday | Closed | No public shelter hours. | For urgent stray/injured/aggressive animals, use Animal Control or law enforcement. |
Official Adoption Fees and What They Include
The shelter page says all fees are payable by cash or check only. Bring payment in the right form before you visit.
| Animal | Age | Adoption fee | Included services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy | Under 5 months | $200 | Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip; heartworm testing applies to dogs 6 months and older. |
| Dog | 5 months and older | $170 | Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and heartworm testing for dogs 6 months and older. |
| Kitten | Under 5 months | $125 | Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations and microchip. |
| Cat | 5 months and older | $105 | Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations and microchip. FeLV/FIV testing is available for an additional fee. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so your visit is simple.
Open current pet listings
Start with the Adopt-a-Pet shelter profile. Screenshot the pet name and ID.
Call ahead for one specific animal
Ask: “Is this animal still available, already altered, and ready to go home?” Availability can change quickly.
Visit the facility and meet the pet
Adopt-a-Pet describes the process as visit the facility, find a pet, meet the pet, pay fee, sign adoption contract and take the pet home.
Bring dogs for compatibility if needed
The shelter profile says adopters are welcome to bring dogs along to see if everyone gets along before adoption.
Prepare payment
Official shelter fee schedule says cash or check only. Do not rely on card payment unless the shelter confirms otherwise.
Ask first-week questions
Ask about food, vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter, behavior notes, kids, dogs, cats, crate/litter habits and follow-up care.
Lost or Found Pet in Cookeville / Putnam County
Act fast. The official shelter page says stray pets brought to the shelter are only required to be held for 72 hours before becoming shelter property.
If your pet is lost
- Search nearby first: porch, sheds, garages, under vehicles, alleys and neighbor yards.
- Call the shelter at 931-526-3647.
- Check 24Petconnect for pets recently brought to the shelter.
- File a lost pet report on 24Petconnect.
- Upload a clear pet photo to Petco Love Lost.
- Post on local lost/found Facebook groups with photo, cross streets, date, collar and microchip status.
- Keep checking daily because intake photos and pet condition can change.
If you found a pet
- If safe, move the animal away from traffic.
- Take photos before moving the pet.
- Keep the found pet separate from your pets.
- Ask a vet or shelter route about scanning for a microchip.
- File a found pet report on 24Petconnect and Petco Love Lost.
- If you are a Putnam County resident, call the shelter about intake options.
- If you are not a Putnam County resident, stay where you found the animal and call local law enforcement.
Intake, Surrender and Putnam County Rules
The shelter has specific intake rules. Do not arrive with an animal before checking these basics.
| Situation | Official rule | What to bring / do | Fee note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Found animal from Putnam County resident | Shelter accepts animals found in Putnam County by Putnam County residents. | Valid government photo ID with proof of Putnam County residence. | Intake fees start at $20; call for quote. |
| Owned animal from Putnam County resident | Shelter accepts animals owned by Putnam County residents. | Call first, bring ID and proof of residence, provide pet details. | Fee varies by intake type, age, sex and number of animals. |
| Owner surrender | Appointments are required. | Call shelter; prepare records, behavior details and appointment time. | Intake fees apply. |
| Stray animal | Appointments are recommended for strays. | Priority is given to people with appointments or injured/sick animals. | Incoming animals accepted on public-open days; last appointment is one hour before closing. |
| Non-resident found animal | Remain where the animal was found and contact local law enforcement. | Use the proper number for the location. | Do not transport without confirming the right route. |
| End-of-life services | Shelter offers euthanasia and cremation services for pet owners regardless of county residence. | Contact shelter for service details. | Fees vary by service type and pet size. |
Reclaim Urgency: 72 Hours / 3 Business Days
If your pet may be at the shelter, do not wait for a callback only. Search online, call and prepare proof.
Move fast
Stray pets may have a short legal hold before becoming shelter property. Call the shelter as soon as you suspect intake.
Bring ID
Bring government photo ID. For intake or surrender, Putnam County residence proof may be required.
Bring proof
Use photos, vet records, adoption paperwork, microchip information, license/tag details or rabies records.
Search 24Petconnect
Official shelter page points owners to 24Petconnect for pets recently brought to the shelter.
Use Petco Love Lost
Upload a clear face/body photo because the tool uses photo matching to help locate missing pets.
Call again
Pet intake can change during the day. Give pet description, cross streets, date lost, sex, collar and microchip status.
Animal Control and Local Law Enforcement Numbers
Use this when the animal is stray, injured, aggressive, outside shelter hours, or found by a non-resident.
| Location / need | Number | Use for | What to say |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cookeville Police / Animal Control | 931-526-2125 | Stray dogs, nuisance animals, injured/aggressive animal routing inside Cookeville. | Give exact address, animal type, danger level and direction of travel. |
| Putnam County Sheriff | 931-528-8484 | Found animals or animal issues in unincorporated county areas. | Say where animal was found and whether you are a Putnam County resident. |
| Algood | 931-537-6830 | Found animal / local law-enforcement route for Algood. | Give street, cross street and safety level. |
| Baxter | 931-858-4111 | Found animal / local law-enforcement route for Baxter. | Ask whether an officer or animal-control route is needed. |
| Monterey | 931-839-2323 | Found animal / local law-enforcement route for Monterey. | Stay where found if you are a non-resident and request instructions. |
| Emergency | 911 | Immediate human safety emergency. | Use 911 only for urgent safety risk. |
Volunteer, Foster, Donate and Sponsor Adoption Fees
The shelter is not only for adoption. It also mentions volunteers, foster caregivers, community service and donations.
Volunteer
Minimum volunteer age is currently 14 with supervision by an accompanying parent or legal guardian. Contact the shelter for details.
Foster
The shelter says it needs foster caregivers for short-term housing for select animals.
Community service
The shelter welcomes students with community-service requirements and some court-ordered community service.
Donate supplies
Contact the shelter for its most-needed supply list instead of guessing what to buy.
Mail check donations
Checks can be made out to Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter and mailed to 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Sponsor adoption fees
The shelter says donations may be designated to sponsor adoption fees for pets in its care.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, phone confirmation, cash/check, carrier/leash, resident dog if doing a dog intro.
Recent photo, microchip number, collar/tag details, exact cross streets, date and time missing.
Photo, found location, safety notes, microchip scan if possible, local residence proof if using shelter intake.
Appointment, government ID, Putnam County proof, vet records, behavior details and intake fee.
Local Cookeville Tips
Call before driving
Hours and procedures can change. Call or check official updates before traveling with children, pets or a found animal.
Bring cash or check
The official fee schedule says fees are payable by cash or check only.
Do not delay lost-pet reports
The official lost/found section specifically says not to delay reporting your lost pet.
Microchip and tag
The shelter says ID tags and microchips help reunite owners with lost pets quickly.
Know the found location
Non-residents who find an animal in Putnam County should remain where they found it and contact law enforcement.
Bring your dog for meet-and-greet
If adopting a dog and you already have one, call ahead and ask about bringing your dog to test compatibility.
Map: Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter
Use this map for the shelter location. For urgent animal-control issues, call the correct number before driving.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/ID] from the Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter. Is this pet still available, and should I bring cash or check today?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching pet been brought to the shelter?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. I am/am not a Putnam County resident. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. What should I do next?Surrender
Hi, I need to discuss owner surrender for my [pet]. I live in Putnam County and have [vet records/behavior notes]. What appointment times and fees apply?Official Cookeville Animal Links
The key details are already summarized above. Use these links for live pet listings, final verification and current updates.
Cookeville Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter in Cookeville?
The main shelter covered here is Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter at 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501.
What is Cookeville Animal Shelter’s phone number?
The official shelter phone number is 931-526-3647.
What are Cookeville Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The official posted hours are Monday 12-5pm, Tuesday 12-6pm, Wednesday 12-5pm, Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 12-5pm and Sunday closed.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Cookeville?
The official fee schedule lists puppies under 5 months at $200 and dogs or puppies 5 months and older at $170.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat in Cookeville?
The official fee schedule lists kittens under 5 months at $125 and kittens or cats 5 months and older at $105.
What do Cookeville adoption fees include?
Dog and puppy fees include spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and heartworm testing for dogs 6 months and older. Cat and kitten fees include spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations and microchip.
How long are stray pets held at Cookeville Animal Shelter?
The official page says stray pets brought to the shelter are only required to be held for 72 hours before becoming shelter property, and the intake section also says stray animals are placed on a minimum 3 business day hold.
Where can I search for a lost pet in Cookeville?
The shelter says recently brought-in pets can be viewed at 24Petconnect, and lost or found pet reports can be filed on 24Petconnect and Petco Love Lost.
Who do I call for stray dogs or nuisance animals in Cookeville?
Cookeville’s city FAQ says stray dogs and nuisance animals should be reported to the Animal Control Officer at the Cookeville Police Department, 931-526-2125.
Can anyone bring an animal to Cookeville Animal Shelter?
The shelter says it only accepts animals found in Putnam County by Putnam County residents or animals owned by Putnam County residents, and valid government photo ID with proof of Putnam County residence is required.
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.