Leash Laws

Shelter Care Insurance is given to each adopter at HES!

The first month is free!

Your pet needs to wear identification, even if he “never goes outside”. You would be surprised at how many indoor pets get lost and end up at an animal shelter, sometimes miles from home. Often, a newly adopted pet may become confused with his new surroundings and attempt to return to a prior home. Cats are notorious for this. Once out of a front door or gate left open, it is very difficult for an animal to find its way back to a new family in a new environment. Dogs and cats will often run away in fear if left outside during thunderstorms, and shelters fill up every year the day after July 4th celebrations. Should you move, take the time to ID your companion animal/s immediately with a new phone number and or address! You can have an ID tag made within minutes at any local pet store. This will greatly facilitate a safe return home and avoid heartbreak for you and your animal/s!

Hamilton County, and all cities in the county, require all dogs to be under their guardian’s control at all times. This means they must be on a leash, on a lead, or confined to their property by a fence. Dogs that run loose are subject to impoundment, and their guardians are responsible for impoundment and boarding fees. Guardians also may be cited and face fines. Such fees and fines are regulated by the city in which you reside, not by the Humane Society.

Impound Fees

Chattanooga

1st Offense $20.00
2nd Offense 50.00
Livestock 50.00

Collegedale, Lakesite, Soddy Daisy, Walden, Red Bank

1st Offense   $10.00
2nd Offense   25.00
3rd Offense   50.00

Signal Mountain, East Ridge

1st Offense   $25.00
2nd Offense    50.00

Unincorporated Hamilton County

1st Offense   $11.00
2nd Offense   15.00
3rd Offense   25.00

Boarding Fees

Dog or Cat, $ 7.50 per day

Livestock $10.00 per day

Quarantine Observation $10.00 per day

212 N. Highland Park Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404 | Phone: 423-624-5302 | Fax: 423-624-5017 | Contact Us