If you have lost a pet, please call, message us on Facebook or visit the Marion County Humane Society located at 1701 E Pleasant Street at your earliest available opportunity.

 

Our shelter receives animals everyday and one of them could be your pet. We hold stray animals (animals that do not have an identified owner) for seven (7) days. After this seven day holding period, any stray animal can be put up for adoption, transferred to another shelter, and in rare cases, euthanized (only if serious medical issues exist). As the owner you are the best person to identify your own pet, therefore we cannot tell you with certainty whether your pet is here or not.

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Tips for Finding Your Lost Pet

1. Check your home and yard. 

2. Search your local area.

3. Reach out to your neighbors.

4. Post on social media networks.

5. Contact the microchip company.

6. Reach out to MCHS, local vet clinics or rescue groups.

7. Call nearby veterinary hospitals.

8. Post lost pet flyers and posters.

9. DON'T GIVE UP!  

 

Once You Find Your Pet

Update your reports

Wherever you reported your animal as missing (Facebook, Craigslist, Posters), make sure you update that your pet has been found. Many volunteers and local heroes will continue searching for your pet. Having updated information helps save time and prevents unnecessary efforts that could be dedicated to other animals in need.

 

Collar & ID Tags

Make sure your pet has a collar with an ID tag. Make sure to include your address & phone number! Don't forget to update the microchip records if your information changes.

 

Microchip

Having your pet microchipped is a quick, painless and easy way to ensure that if your pet gets loose, you will be contacted if they come into a shelter. You can have your pet microchipped at any veterinarian’s office.

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City of Knoxville Fine Policy for Animals at Large

Beginning February 1, 2019, there will be a change in payment of fines from the city for animals at large.  Please note, these fines are not new, only the manner of collection has changed in order to reclaim your animal.  The fines for any animal that has been picked up by the Knoxville Police Department are $50.00 for the first offense and $100.00 for the second offense and further offenses.  

 

In addition, Marion County Humane Society charges $25.00 for the first day of impound and $10.00 for each additional day.  You have 7 days to reclaim your animal or it becomes the property of MCHS and will be put up for adoption. 

 

In order to reclaim your animal after February 1, city fines will need to be paid before your animal can be reclaimed, including unpaid fines for the past 2 years.   Fines can either be paid at the Knoxville Police Department or they can be paid at Marion County Humane Society.  If payment arrangements need to be made, you will need to contact the Police Department.  Marion County Humane Society has no authority to arrange payments. 

 

Collecting fines in this manner will save tax payers money.  Knoxville Police Department pays a fee for every animal taken to the shelter.  Knoxville Police Department then cites the animal’s owner in order to recoup the cost.  If fines are not paid on reclaimed animals, the City of Knoxville has to cover the cost without reimbursement from the animal’s owner.