Thousands of animals are neglected or abused in Memphis and Shelby County each year. Hungry, scared and often sick or injured, these animals face a bleak future. That’s where we come in. We’re the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, and we’re dedicated to giving these animals a brighter future.

With support from animal lovers like you, we’re able to help prevent and stop animal abuse. We’re able to rescue sick and injured animals off the streets. We are able to provide animals with a safe place to recover, nutritious food and outstanding veterinary care. On average, we provide sanctuary to over 300 animals at our facility at any given time, with dozens more placed with foster families until they’re ready to be adopted.

An important part of our work is giving these animals the emotional support, training and socialization abilities that will allow them to be adopted into new and loving homes and long-lasting relationships.

We’ve been celebrating animals and confronting cruelty since our founding in 1933. From then until today, our funding comes exclusively from private donations from animal lovers like you.

Our Mission

• To offer refuge, medical care, nourishment and an opportunity for a second chance at life to injured and abused animals;
• To protect animals from cruelty, neglect, carelessness and ignorance;
• To foster public sentiment of humanity and gentleness toward animals and promote responsible pet ownership through humane education; and,
• To enhance the quality of human life through animal companionship.

Our Charter

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County was established in 1933 under the following Charter:

(a) The prevention and suppression of cruelty, especially of cruelty to animals, and to aid in the enforcement of the laws of the land, therefore:

(b) To disseminate information with reference to the correct manner of handling and treating animals, and to aid, by cooperation with the police officials, in suppressing cruelty, and enforcing the laws and ordinances of the land, to the end that rabies and other diseases may be averted:

(c) To promote the enactment and enforcement of humane laws;

(d) To encourage and promote the education, and to stimulate the interest, of the public in the suppression of cruelty, and the protection and welfare of both humans and animals, and especially children and pets.