About
Our StoryMemphis Animal Services (MAS) is the municipal animal control and sheltering agency in the city of Memphis. Between the 10,000+ pets who came into our care in 2023, plus the 5,000+ community pets we helped through our Pet Resource Center, MAS is committed to providing assistance to all pets in our jurisdiction regardless of breed, temperament, or medical condition. MAS saved nearly 86 percent of the over 9,000 pets in its care in 2022.
Our Mission
Memphis Animal Services’ mission is to make Memphis a safe place for people and pets; to keep pets with the families who love them; and to care for and save the lives of pets who enter the shelter.
Our Goals
Memphis Animal Services envisions a day when no citizen’s or pet’s safety is put at risk by lack of knowledge or access to resources; and every pet is cared for, safe, and loved.
Our Core Values
Compassion
When we see pets or people struggle, we want to help.
Integrity
We do what’s right even when no one’s watching.
Love
We work so hard out of love for people, pets, and community.
Respect
Every person and pet has intrinsic value and deserves to be treated with dignity.
Excellence
We care enough about our work to do it very well.
Teamwork
We work across department lines to save lives.
History
We are a department within the City of Memphis Division of Public Services and Neighborhoods. The “Memphis Dog Pound,” as it was formerly named, was originally opened in September 1936. It was on the northwest corner of Auction and Front Streets and was originally started as a Great Depression relief project. It was located there from 1936 until 1972. The current “Memphis Animal Shelter” was opened in 1972.
The name was changed in 2004 to Memphis Animal Services to better describe the City’s broad range of improved animal programs and services. Memphis Animal Services moved into its new 32,000 square foot facility at 2350 Appling City Cove in 2011.