Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and the content of this article is for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions or concerns, please consult with a licensed attorney in Tennessee.

Tennessee: the birthplace of country music and home of rolling blue hills -truly a perfect place. But wandering among the picturesque landscapes and metropolitan cities like Nashville and Memphis, there’s an unhighlighted issue: the stray dog problem, especially in rural areas. Like many states in the South, Tennessee struggles with an overabundance of stray and neglected dogs. Many Tennesseans, famously big-hearted and hospitable feel compelled to help these animals. But in Tennessee, as in other states, there are specific laws governing the handling of stray dogs. How long before a stray dog is legally yours in Tennessee becomes a very important question for anyone who finds and brings home a stray.

How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours Tennessee?

How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours Tennessee?

Dogs found without ID in Tennessee can be legally adopted after a three-day holding period at a shelter. However, if the dog has identification, the owner has five days to claim the dog before it’s legally adoptable.

Conversely, stray dogs in Alabama have a legal path to ownership that bypasses the shelter entirely. However, it’s inline with the handling of stray dogs in North Carolina, which has similar laws.

According to Tennessee law Section 68-8-107, any dog found running at large may be seized and impounded. This is the first step in ensuring the safety and well-being of stray dogs. If the dog is wearing identification or a rabies vaccination tag, they’ll try to find the owner. If the owner can be contacted, they have five days to claim their dog and pay the corresponding fees associated.

Authorities treat dogs impounded without ID differently. They may adopt out or, unfortunately, euthanize these dogs within three days of impoundment. Furthermore, Tennessee law requires shelters to provide proof of current rabies vaccination before releasing any dog over three months old.

This brief period underscores the importance of properly tagging your dogs in Tennessee.

Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial for anyone who finds a stray dog and wishes to help. 

Also, note that county and city-level laws also influence the responsibilities you have when finding a stray dog.

How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours Tennessee?

Stray Dogs In Shelby County, Tennessee

In Shelby County, home of Memphis, animal control holds dogs impounded without ID for 5 days. However, dogs impounded with ID are held for only 3 days before they become legally available for adoption.

Unfortunately, dogs not reclaimed or adopted within these holding periods may also be euthanized. However, there is also the possibility of their transfer to a private rescue.

These rules are outlined in Chapter 4, Division 3 of the Shelby County Code.

I would have described the rules outlined in the Memphis, Tennessee, Municode. Again, unfortunately, their official municipal code only links to a Table of Contents, not their actual laws. Seems bad. Further highlighting the necessity of good research before you decide to claim a stray dog as your own in Memphis or anywhere in Shelby County, Tennessee. 

Stray Dogs In Nashville

Animal control in Nashville will impound dogs found running at large. They will hold dogs without licenses for 3 days, whereas dogs with licenses will be held for seven days.

These rules are outlined in Nashville municode Title 8.

Animal control will always try to find the dog’s rightful owner. But dogs found with licenses are still only given seven days to reclaim their lost dogs. Unlicensed dogs are held for only three working days.

After this period, authorities may either adopt out the dogs or humanely dispose of them.

Stray Dogs In Tennessee

Tennessee, a state grappling with a significant stray dog issue, understanding local laws is crucial for anyone who finds and wishes to keep a stray dog. While state law generally allows for the adoption of unlicensed stray dogs after a three-day holding period and five days for those with identification, local ordinances can vary. 

For instance, in Shelby County, the holding period extends to five days for unlicensed dogs, whereas in Nashville, it’s three days for unlicensed and seven days for licensed dogs. These regulations underscore the importance of promptly reporting found dogs to local authorities and checking for identification to give rightful owners a chance to reclaim their pets. 

Ultimately, these laws aim to balance the welfare of stray dogs with the rights of their owners, making it essential for potential rescuers to familiarize themselves with both state and local regulations before claiming a stray dog as their own.

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