Your adoption fee covers: 

• Spay/neuter surgery 

• Age-appropriate vaccinations 

• Microchip and registration 

• Heartworm test (for dogs) or FIV/FeLV test (for cats, when applicable) 

This means your new pet leaves MAS already altered, vaccinated, and ready for their new home. 

At MAS, we practice an “open adoptions” approach. That means we don’t put up unnecessary barriers that might keep pets from finding loving homes. Instead of formal tests or home inspections, our team focuses on having conversations with adopters to help match them with pets that fit their lifestyle. We believe this supportive approach gives more animals the chance to find homes while setting adopters up for success. 

Becoming a foster is simple! Start by filling out our foster application online. Once approved, you’ll be able to see which pets are looking for foster homes and choose the ones that are the best fit for you. MAS provides the supplies, medical care, and support — you provide the love and temporary home. 

Yes. We understand that sometimes an adoption isn’t the right fit. If you return your pet within two weeks, you’ll receive credit toward adopting another animal. After that period, you may still bring the pet back to MAS, but it will be considered an owner surrender. 

If the animal is friendly and safe to handle, first check for ID tags and have them scanned for a microchip at a vet clinic, shelter, or pet store. Many pets live close to where they’re found, so posting on neighborhood groups, Nextdoor, and social media often helps reunite them quickly. If you can’t locate the owner, you can bring the pet to MAS or call 545-COPS if the animal is injured, aggressive, or in danger. 

MAS responds to calls about cats that are sick, injured, in immediate danger, or involved in cruelty or neglect situations. Healthy, free-roaming cats are often community cats that live outdoors and may have caregivers. If you’re concerned about cats in your area, our Pet Resource Center can provide guidance on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and other humane solutions.

• Our shelter has space for about 150 dog kennels and 80 cat kennels. That doesn’t always mean 150 individual dogs and 80 individual cats, since bonded pairs or litters of puppies and kittens often share a space. On busy days, we can intake 30 or more animals in a single day, which means we are frequently over capacity and in urgent need of adopters, fosters, and rescue partners to help. 

• Why don’t you cat-test dogs? 

• We don’t cat-test dogs because it’s especially stressful and unsafe for the cats. The shelter environment is already overwhelming, and putting a cat into a dog’s space can cause unnecessary fear or even injury. Instead, we share any known history of a dog living with cats and encourage adopters to do slow, careful introductions at home. 

• Do you use a behavior assessment to make euthanasia decisions? 

• We do not rely on a single formal test to make those decisions. Instead, we consider each dog’s overall behavior in the shelter, any history we have from previous homes, and input from our staff and volunteers who work with them. Our focus is always on safety and quality of life for both people and animals. 

• Do you euthanize healthy cats or dogs? 

• Healthy, friendly pets are not euthanized for space when we have safe placement options. However, when the shelter reaches critical capacity and no kennels are available, we sometimes face very difficult decisions. Our goal is always to save as many lives as possible through adoptions, fosters, and rescue partnerships. 

• Why can’t you just stop euthanizing animals? 

• We wish it were that simple. The reality is that the number of pets entering our shelter is sometimes greater than the number of safe homes available. Until our community consistently spays/neuters pets, prevents accidental litters, and supports adoption, we will face heartbreaking choices. The best way to reduce euthanasia is for the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, and support pet retention efforts. 

• Why don’t you transport pets to other shelters? 

• We do work with rescue partners and shelters in other areas when possible, but most shelters across the country are also struggling with high intake. Transport programs require funding, staff, and open space at the receiving shelter. We actively pursue these opportunities, but transport alone cannot solve the problem — local adoptions and fosters remain critical. 

Yes. Every dog adopted from MAS is tested for heartworms. If a dog tests positive, we provide guidance and resources for treatment. In many cases, we cover or subsidize the cost of treatment so adopters aren’t left on their own. No dog is ever euthanized solely because of a heartworm-positive diagnosis. 

To receive assistance from our Pet Resource Center, pet owners must be in compliance with the Memphis City ordinance, which requires pets to be spayed or neutered unless they have a medical or other legal exemption. We’re here to support families in meeting those requirements by connecting them with low-cost spay/neuter options and helping them keep their pets healthy and safe. 

We do enforce it. Our approach is focused on education and support, but we also issue compliance citations when necessary. By offering low-cost spay/neuter services and resources, alongside enforcement when needed, we help more families meet the law’s requirements and reduce the number of unwanted litters in our community. 

Yes. Our Pet Resource Center helps pet owners with food, supplies, and connections to low-cost veterinary care. To receive assistance, pet owners must comply with the City of Memphis ordinance, which requires pets to be spayed or neutered unless exempt. 

Yes. Memphis law requires all pets to be spayed or neutered unless you have a medical exemption or a breeder permit. Our Pet Resource Center can connect you with low-cost spay/neuter services if you need help. 

By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and wear their rabies tag. Additional vaccines (such as distemper/parvo for dogs or FVRCP for cats) are not required by law but are strongly recommended to keep pets healthy. 

All dogs must be on a leash when off their owner’s property. Pets are not allowed to roam freely in public areas. Cats are not covered under leash laws, but owners are responsible for their care and wellbeing. 

Yes, but there are rules. Pets kept outdoors must have: 

• A secure enclosure or tether that allows free movement 

• Shelter from heat, cold, rain, and wind 

• Access to clean water at all times 
  Leaving a pet outdoors without proper housing, shade, or water may result in a cruelty or neglect citation. 

Horse-drawn carriages are regulated by city ordinance. Horses must be licensed, in good health, and may not work in extreme temperatures (above 95°F or below 20°F). Operators must follow safety and welfare standards at all times. 

Call 901-545-COPS (2677) immediately and provide the location and vehicle description. Leaving an animal in a hot car is dangerous and can be life-threatening within minutes. 

Chickens and some livestock may be allowed depending on zoning and property size, but roosters are not permitted within most residential areas. For specific rules in your neighborhood, contact Shelby County Code Enforcement or the City of Memphis Permits Office. 

You can report suspected cruelty or neglect to 901-545-COPS (2677). For emergencies, always call 911. 

We have opportunities for everyone! Volunteers help with: 

• Walking and socializing dogs 

• Playing with and caring for cats 

• Taking photos and writing bios for adoptable pets 

• Helping at adoption and community events 

• Supporting our Pet Resource Center with food distribution and outreach 

• Some roles require handling animals, while others are great for people who prefer behind-the-scenes support. 

Every donation makes a difference. Monetary gifts go directly toward veterinary care, medical supplies, and programs that save lives. Donations of food, toys, bedding, and other supplies improve the daily quality of life for pets in our care. Together, community donations help us give animals the second chance they deserve.