About the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County

About the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County

Words by Katherine Russell

What work does the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County do?

The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization. We find that many don’t realize this, but we are not affiliated with, nor do we receive funds from, national humane society organizations. We are completely independent and local. 

The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County plays a unique role in the animal welfare community in our area. With an on-site veterinarian and a full-time team of supporting professionals, we can take in and rehabilitate injured animals that no other shelter in the city can take. Animals in our care are never euthanized for space, length of stay, or time needed to heal.  We conducted 5,288 clinic exams and treatments and adopted 746 animals into our community in 2020.

We believe that animal homelessness must be addressed on multiple fronts, and therefore our unique programs are designed to proactively combat this devastating problem. We offer low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to families receiving government assistance, school programs to promote positive child-animal relationships, low-cost vaccine clinics to improve community health, dog training, a pet food pantry to help keep pets in homes when possible, and more.

Our mission is:

  • To save the lives of animals that have been injured, abused, and neglected
  • To prevent animal cruelty
  • To enrich the human experience through animal companionship

What are the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County’s biggest needs?

Our greatest need is financial support.  Our mission is funded almost exclusively through the generosity of individual donors and corporate sponsors. With an on-site vet clinic and full-time veterinarian to serve the many injured and sick animals that enter our shelter, monetary donations are the lifeline to making our work possible.

How can people donate to/volunteer with the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County?

To donate, you can visit memphishumane.org/donate or email donations@memphishumane.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster animals, walk dogs, and more. Visit memphishumane.org/become-a-volunteer to learn more.