Nashville Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Nashville animal-help dashboard to adopt a pet, check MACC hours, find a lost animal, report a found pet, reclaim an impounded pet, schedule surrender help, or file an animal-control complaint.
Fast rule: Metro Animal Care and Control is the main Nashville/Davidson County shelter and animal-control route. For emergencies, call 911; for non-emergency Metro customer help, use 311 or 615-862-5000.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Adoption, reclaim and stray drop-off hours
- Adoption fees and inclusions
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Found pet safe steps
- Reclaim documents
- Surrender and Safety Net
- Animal-control complaints
- Rabies registration and license tags
- 2026 rabies clinic details
- Local Nashville tips
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Nashville Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. This section is built for fast user intent: adopt, reclaim, report, surrender, license, or get urgent help.
Who to Call First in Nashville
Use this before driving to the shelter or submitting the wrong form.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog, cat or kitten | MACC adoption page | “Is this animal still available and can it go home today?” | Set aside several hours for application, counseling and interaction. |
| General shelter or animal-control service request | 615-862-7928 | “I need help with [stray/bite/injured animal/complaint] at [address].” | Give exact location, animal type and urgency. |
| Lost pet | Lost and Found Pets | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. Has a matching animal been brought in?” | Search Pet Harbor and visit MACC daily. |
| Found pet | Guidelines for Found Pets | “I found a pet near [location]. I can/cannot hold it safely.” | Check tag, scan microchip, report and post locally. |
| Owner surrender | 615-862-4017 / PetHelp.MACC@nashville.gov | “I need a surrender appointment and have tried rehoming.” | Prepare veterinary records, medication and Davidson County ID. |
| Emergency human safety risk | 911 | “There is an immediate safety emergency involving an animal.” | Call emergency services first. |
| Non-emergency Metro customer help | 311 or 615-862-5000 | “I need Metro customer assistance for animal services.” | Use when the issue is not urgent animal-control dispatch. |
MACC Adoption, Reclaim and Stray Drop-Off Hours
MACC has different hours for adoption, reclaim and stray animal drop-off. Do not assume all services follow one schedule.
| Service | Days | Hours | Best practical action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption | Friday-Wednesday | Noon-4pm | Arrive early enough for application, counseling and animal interaction. |
| Adoption | Thursday | Noon-6pm | Useful longer adoption window, but still avoid arriving right before close. |
| Reclaim | Seven days a week | Noon-4pm | Bring proof fast because stray holds are short. |
| Stray animal drop-off | Seven days a week | Noon-4pm | Call first if the animal is aggressive, scared, injured or unsafe. |
| Animal-control officers | Seven days a week | Public response route | Call 615-862-7928 for service requests. |
MACC Adoption Fees and What They Include
MACC lists simple adoption fees and says the fee includes important medical and registration items.
| Animal | Adoption fee | Included | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | $90 | Spay/neuter, microchip, rabies license, initial core vaccines and parasite treatments. | Can the dog go home today, or is spay/neuter surgery still pending? |
| Cat | $40 | Spay/neuter, microchip, rabies license, initial core vaccines and parasite treatments. | Ask about litter habits, medical notes and first-week setup. |
| Kitten | $60 | Spay/neuter, microchip, rabies license, initial core vaccines and parasite treatments. | Ask about booster timing, safe room and kitten-proofing. |
| Foster-home pet | Verify with MACC | Some available pets reside in foster care. | Email adopt.macc@nashville.gov for foster-care adoption questions. |
| Home to Home pet | Contact owner | These animals are not at the shelter. | Click the animal’s picture and use the contact-owner route. |
Nashville Adoption Micro-Steps
Use this checklist before you visit MACC.
Search pets first
Use 24PetConnect with your location or ZIP 37211. Screenshot the pet name, ID, sex, age and notes.
Check foster and Home to Home notes
Some pets may be in foster care or on Home to Home, not physically at MACC. Email adopt.macc@nashville.gov for foster-care adoption questions.
Bring the family decision-makers
MACC says adoption should involve all family members, and children in the home should be part of the adoption process.
Set aside several hours
The process includes viewing animals, application, counseling session and interaction with the animal.
Ask if the pet can leave today
If surgery is still needed, your pet may need to stay and be picked up after spay/neuter surgery.
Prepare transport
Bring a leash/harness plan for dogs, a secure carrier for cats or kittens, and a safe ride home.
Lost Pet in Nashville: First 24 Hours
MACC holds lost/found pets for a mandatory stray hold, so speed matters.
Lost-pet action list
- Report the pet on MACC Lost and Found Pets.
- Search Pet Harbor / 24PetConnect animals currently at MACC.
- Visit MACC and complete a Lost Dog Report if applicable.
- Check the shelter every day during the search.
- Update microchip registry phone, email and emergency contact.
- Post bright flyers with photo, cross streets and contact method.
- Post on local Facebook lost/found groups and search listings daily.
- Search neighborhood, delivery routes, vets and nearby shelters.
Stray hold clock
- No identification: MACC lists a 3-day stray hold.
- With identification: MACC lists a 7-day stray hold.
- After stray hold, the animal may be released to the shelter and evaluated for placement.
- Do not wait for one phone call; check online and in person.
- Bring proof: photos, vet records, microchip, license, rabies certificate and ID.
Found a Pet in Nashville: Safe Steps
If the pet is safe, try direct reunion first. If unsafe, call MACC.
If the animal is safe
- Check collar, phone number, rabies tag or ID tag.
- If a rabies tag exists, call the tag number and have the tag number ready.
- Check Pet Harbor to see if the owner reported the animal missing.
- Report the animal on local lost/found pages.
- Post flyers near where the pet was found.
- Get the pet scanned for a microchip.
- Provide a photo when submitting the online report.
If you cannot hold the pet
- Bring the animal to MACC if you cannot keep it safely at home.
- MACC says most owners will check its facility first for Nashville/Davidson County.
- If the pet is aggressive or scared, do not approach.
- If safely contained in a yard, garage or kennel, call 615-862-7928.
- Use exact address, animal type, injury status and your callback number.
Reclaiming a Pet from MACC
Reclaim hours are daily noon-4pm. Prepare proof before arriving.
Do not wait
Stray hold can be 3 days without ID or 7 days with ID.
Bring photo ID
Bring government ID that matches ownership details if possible.
Show proof
Bring photos, vet records, microchip number, license tag or adoption records.
Rabies proof
Bring rabies certificate and registration if you have it.
Call first
Call 615-862-7928 and ask what fees or documents apply to your exact reclaim case.
Fix the escape route
Repair gate, collar, tag, microchip info or leash routine before bringing the pet home.
Surrender and Pet Safety Net
MACC says owner surrenders are appointment-only and walk-ins/drop-offs are not accepted.
| Need | Correct route | Prepare | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner surrender appointment | Call 615-862-4017 or email PetHelp.MACC@nashville.gov | Your details, pet details, reason for surrender, callback info. | Appointments are made in the order messages are received. |
| Before surrender | Animal Surrender Options | Ask friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, vets and pet businesses for rehome help. | MACC Safety Net may help you keep your pet. |
| Appointment day | MACC admissions appointment | Pet, vet records, medications and current ID showing Davidson County residence. | Cats must be in a carrier; dogs must be leashed. |
| Expectation check | Admissions counselor consultation | Behavior and medical details. | Surrender does not guarantee adoption-program placement. |
Nashville Animal-Control Complaints
Use animal-control routes for public safety, cruelty, bites, injured animals, strays and complaint categories.
| Complaint type | Use this route | Details to include | Do this first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal bite or vicious dog | Complaint page or call 615-862-7928 | Date, address, animal description, owner info if known, injury details. | For urgent injury or danger, call emergency help first. |
| Neglect, abuse or cruelty | MACC animal-control complaint route | Exact address, photos if safe/legal, dates, animal condition, owner details. | Do not trespass or put yourself at risk. |
| Running at large or stray dog | MACC service request | Current location, direction of travel, collar/tag, aggression level. | Do not chase into traffic. |
| Barking/noisy animal | Online complaint form | Address, dates/times, pattern, owner info if known. | Document repeated issue clearly. |
| Animal locked in car | MACC / emergency route depending risk | Vehicle location, license plate, animal condition, temperature concern. | If immediate danger, call emergency services. |
| Injured/sick animal | Call 615-862-7928 | Animal type, injury, exact location, whether contained. | Do not handle if unsafe. |
Davidson County Rabies Registration and License Tags
Metro says dogs and cats six months or older must be vaccinated for rabies and registered with Davidson County.
| Tag type | Fee | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year rabies tag | $8 | Current rabies vaccination documentation. |
| 3-year rabies tag | $24 | Current rabies vaccination documentation matching the tag term. |
| Immediate tag need | Visit MACC | Metro says online orders may take 7-9 business days; visit 5125 Harding Place if needed immediately. |
Why registration matters
- Required for dogs and cats six months or older.
- Helps MACC locate owners if a pet is lost.
- Required by many dog boarding and daycare facilities.
- Buy online through licensepet.com/nashville or use MACC routes.
2026 Low-Cost Rabies Clinic Details
Metro lists 2026 clinic dates and payment details for low-cost rabies vaccination and microchip services.
3-year vaccine + license
Metro lists the three-year license and three-year vaccine cost as $26 at annual rabies clinics.
Microchip
A microchip with registration is listed as available for $10.
Payment
Metro says cash or check are the only payment forms accepted at Saturday rabies clinics.
| 2026 clinic dates listed by Metro | What to bring | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| March 28, May 30, July 25, September 26 and December 12 | Proof of previous vaccination for the three-year vaccine/license, if applicable. | Metro says clinics are held at the shelter in Nashville. |
Local Nashville Tips That Save Time
Harding Place visit
Use the map before leaving; bring ID, pet screenshots, leash/carrier and enough time for the full process.
Check daily for lost pets
The no-ID stray hold is short. Search online and visit in person instead of waiting for a callback.
Microchip is not GPS
Metro explains microchips store ID information; they do not track a pet’s live location.
Bring family for adoption
MACC says adoption should involve household members, especially children living in the home.
Surrender needs records
Have vet history, medications and Davidson County ID ready before the appointment.
Community cats
MACC partners with Pet Community Center for eligible free-roaming cats through a community cat program.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, ID, payment, carrier/leash, family approval, rental approval.
Recent photo, microchip number, rabies/license tag, cross streets, vet records.
Photo ID, proof of ownership, rabies certificate, tag/microchip, payment route.
Appointment, records, medications, pet safely secured, Davidson County ID.
Map: Metro Animal Care and Control
Use this map for MACC visits. For animal-control service requests, aggressive animals or urgent issues, call first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this animal still available, and can the pet go home today or is spay/neuter still pending?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching pet been brought to MACC?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/scared/aggressive/injured]. I can/cannot contain it. What should I do next?Surrender
Hi, I need to discuss surrender options. I live in Davidson County, have tried rehoming, and have vet records/medications. Can I schedule an admissions appointment?Official Nashville Animal Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official links for live verification, forms, reports and final action.
Nashville Animal Shelter FAQ
What is Nashville’s main animal shelter for adoption?
Nashville’s main public animal shelter for this guide is Metro Animal Care and Control at 5125 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN 37211.
What is the Metro Animal Care and Control phone number?
Metro Animal Care and Control lists 615-862-7928 as its main phone number.
What are MACC adoption hours in 2026?
MACC lists adoption hours as Friday-Wednesday from noon to 4pm and Thursdays from noon to 6pm.
What are MACC reclaim hours?
MACC lists reclaim hours as seven days a week from noon to 4pm.
What are MACC stray animal drop-off hours?
MACC lists stray animal drop-off hours as seven days a week from noon to 4pm.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from MACC?
MACC lists the dog adoption fee as $90.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat or kitten from MACC?
MACC lists cat adoption at $40 and kitten adoption at $60.
What does a MACC adoption fee include?
MACC says adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip, rabies license, initial core vaccines and parasite treatments.
How long does MACC hold lost or stray pets?
MACC lists the stray hold as 3 days without identification and 7 days with identification.
Can I walk in to surrender a pet at MACC?
No. MACC says owner surrenders are admitted by appointment only and walk-ins or drop-offs are not accepted.
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.