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FAQ

Show All Answers

1. When will you be moving to the new shelter?

Our new facility located at 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court will open for normal operations starting 2/14/22

We hope you will join us for our grand opening celebration on 2/28 from 1pm-4pm!

2. Where are you located?

As of 2/14/22, Williamson County Animal Center will be located at our new location: 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court, Franklin, TN 37064 

Grigsby Hayes Court is a brand new road that isn't recognized just yet on most maps. For a map to our location, please visit: https://goo.gl/maps/NeNzogyJJGtd6eaP8

For turn by turn driving directions from our former location at 106 Claude Yates Drive, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1pRzI9qqdA

3. I found a pet in my neighborhood, what do I do?

Time is of the essence in reporting a found pet. Please don’t assume by appearance that the pet is dumped or abandoned as it may have been missing for a while and someone may be frantic looking for it.

Please visit our website for the steps for what to do in case you find a pet.

http://www.adoptwcac.org/153/Lost-Pets-Strays

4. Help, I found orphan kittens! What do I do?

During high kitten season in the spring and summer, it’s not unusual to discover a nest of unattended kittens or a single kitten seemingly abandoned by the mother. You want to help, right? Before jumping to the rescue, consider these recommendations.

5. Does your shelter have a wish list?

Thank you for asking! Yes, we have a Wish List located at: http://www.adoptwcac.org/182/Wish-List

Items may be donated 24/7 in the blue bins located in front of the shelter or can be mailed directly to 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court, Franklin, TN 37064

6. Can I do court ordered or school required community service at your shelter?

Anyone who must fulfill required hours of court-ordered or other required community service by working at the shelter should contact Angela at 615-790-5590, ext. 1034 or communityservice@williamsoncounty-tn.gov to schedule those hours. Be sure to allow several weeks to fulfill hours. These types of community service hours cannot be fulfilled by working with the animals; it consists of laundry, dishes, landscaping, and similar work. We no longer offer these hours on weekends.

For more information regarding volunteering, please visit: http://www.adoptwcac.org/166/Volunteer-Application

7. Are you the same as Animal Control? Or a Humane Society?

Williamson County Animal Center is Animal Control, Care, and Adoptions. Unlike a Humane Society, we are not selective on the animals that can be admitted to us. We do not turn away any stray animal found in county, or an animal surrendered by their guardian (provided they live in Williamson County) due to age, medical condition, or behavioral issues. Appointments are required to surrender a family pet. There is no fee to bring in an animal.

8. Where do your animals come from?

Our animals primarily come to us from two different means: Stray animals that have been found in the county, or animals that were surrendered by their guardians.

9. Are you a no kill shelter?

Although there is no official definition of “no-kill”, the general definition is one where the save rate is about 90%. Our save rate in 2019 was 96%. The only time we consider humane euthanasia at WCAC is if the animal has severe medical or behavioral issues.

10. I adopted an animal from you, and now I can no longer keep them. What do I do?

If you recently adopted an animal at WCAC, we will absolutely accept it back. 

For more information or to make an appointment, please call: (615) 790-5590 x3400 or visit http://adoptwcac.org/220/Surrendering-Your-Family-Pet

11. Do you give vaccinations to the public?

We give vaccinations to the public only during our Rabies and Microchip clinics, which is at the last Saturday of every month.

12. Who qualifies for your services?

Our priority is to serve the citizens of Williamson County. You must be a county resident to surrender a family pet, or to utilize our free or low-cost spay/neuter programs. Anyone from any county may adopt, provided they have an approved adoption application and there are no further conditions.  

13. What all can I do when my animal goes missing?

If your animal goes missing, please first fill out a LOST PET form on this website. Secondly, come to the shelter to look for your pet.  A staff person will escort you through the area where stray dogs and cats are held. If we do not have your dog or cat when you come in, we ask that you fill out a lost report if you have not done so.  Post your lost pet on neighborhood web sites and  lost pet websites. Put up flyers in your neighborhood. We hold stray animals for 5 days before they are eligible for adoption. 

14. I adopted a pet, but have questions.

Congratulations on adopting your new family pet!

During the adoption process, you should have received your medical information (either in print or email form).

If you have questions how to introduce your new pet to your home or have basic behavior questions, please visit: http://www.adoptwcac.org/186/Training-Page

Still need help? Feel free to email us at animal.web@williamsoncounty-tn.gov or call us during business hours (Monday thru Friday, 10am-6pm).

15. How do you determine the age/breed of a stray?

We determine the age of strays but looking at the plaque buildup and wear on the teeth. Determining breed cannot be done on looks alone. Less than 1% of a dog’s genes determine what it looks like. Therefore, we no longer put breeds on our kennel cards.

16. When I adopt, what vaccination/medications had my animal received?

Every dog that is available for adoption has been tested for heartworms, temperament tested, received a rabies vaccine and microchip. They have also been given DAPPV (protecting against distemper, andenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluzena), Bordetella (protecting against doggie cold/kennel cough), dewormer, flea control, and heartworm preventive. Every adoption also includes spay or neuter. If you are adopting an intact puppy, we will ask that you pay a refundable, $85 deposit, and that you bring the puppy back to WCAC to get spayed or neutered.

Every cat that is available for adoption has been tested for FIV (Feline AIDS) and FELV (Feline Leukemia), given a microchip and a rabies shot. They have also received FVRCP (protecting against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia), dewormer, and flea control. If you are adopting an intact kitten, we ask that you pay a refundable, $50 deposit, and that you bring the kitten back to WCAC to get spayed or neutered

If the animal is on medication at the time of adoption, the rest of the prescribed dose will be given to the adopter. After the remainder medication is given, we suggest you take the pet to your vet for a checkup.

Once the adopted animal has left the building, all medical care must be provided at the adopter’s veterinarian. The front desk staff will provide all medical records at the time of adoption.

17. Help! I found orphan wildlife. What should I do?

There are two local wildlife rescues that may be able to help.

Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center

Walden's Puddle

The most important thing to remember is to not keep the animal and take care of it yourself! Not only could it potentially do more harm than good to the animal, it is also illegal!

In the event you ever find an injured or orphaned animal out in your yard or in the wild, contact a permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator prior to picking the animal up. The TWRA is happy to provide a list of authorized Wildlife Rehabilitators to ensure the safety and well being of the animal and yourself.

Note: Wildlife Rehabilitators do not pick animals up. If you find an animal and a rehabilitator can accept the animal, you will need to arrange transportation to deliver the animal to the Wildlife Rehabilitator.

Also please visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency for further information.