Support the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley

Mission and Vision:

The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley values and protects all animals by striving to end pet over-population, by sheltering the homeless, by shielding the beaten and abused, and by educating and advocating so that the suffering might end.

HSTV’s vision is to resolve the need for the practice of euthanasia simply because there are too many animals versus shelter space in the state of Tennessee. We believe the most effective solution is to focus on animal overpopulation by educating the need for spaying and neutering and making it an accessible, practical service for everyone.

History:

The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley was founded in 1885 as the Knox County Humane Society and was the first animal shelter in the state of Tennessee. The original mission was the prevention of cruelty to both children and animals.

Founding members included Peter Kern, L.C. Shephard, H.H. Taylor, M.T. Davis, John M. Brooks and R.N. Hood. As the organization grew beyond servicing Knox County, the name changed to the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley in 1996 in order to clearly represent the service area.

HSTV serves not only Knox County, but seventeen surrounding counties. In 2001 HSTV took a new direction and became a “no kill” organization; relinquishing the Knox County Animal Control Contract. The term “no kill” means that no puppy, kitten, dog or cat in our care will be euthanized simply because there is insufficient space to house them.

This change allowed HSTV to dictate its own policies on adoption, education, and spay/neuter programs.

Since this change18,130 (as of July 2013) animals have been adopted into loving homes. Over the last 128 years the organization has occupied several buildings and has worked its way up from hopeful but meager beginnings.

In December 2011, HSTV held a grand opening in its newest facility where Adopt-A-Pet, Fix-A-Pet, and Four Feet Repeat- HSTV’s second hand pet supply store, are housed along with the administrative team. This was a big benchmark and cause for much celebration.

HSTV has come a long way since it was chartered in 1885 but its focus has never faltered.

The non-profit organization’s mission is to value and protect all animals by striving to end pet over-population, by sheltering the homeless, by shielding the beaten and abused, and by educating and advocating so that the suffering might end.

Today HSTV seeks to fulfill this mission primarily through its two centersAdopt-A-PetandFix-A-Pet.