The Rhea County Animal Shelter opened in October of 2008 under the Rhea County Sheriff's Department after many years of concerned citizens and local rescue organizations attempting to solve the local animal overpopulation issue. The Rhea County Animal Shelter takes in over 100 animals per month and through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers we adopt out as many animals as possible. We continue to strive to make Rhea County safer for our citizens and the animals that live here.
Volunteers
Our shelter is run by one paid animal control officer and several outstanding volunteers. We are always in need of more people to help in our efforts!! We need cat cage cleaners, dog walkers, fundraisers, event helpers, foster homes, etc. We can use any help you would like to offer!! Please call the shelter at 423-775-2029 and you will be put in touch with our volunteer coordinator to determine how you can best help.
Adopting a friend
If you are interested in any of the animals shown on our website, please call the number listed below for more information. Please leave a message if your call is not answered and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Rescue Partners
We are desperate to find homes for all the wonderful animals that enter our facility. We are seeing rescues throughout the country that are interested in accepting our animals. We have experience with transporters and are willing to comply with any requirements your rescue has. For more information about working with us, please contact us at RheaCountyAnimalShelter@gmail.com.
Donations
The Rhea County Animal Shelter is operated on a VERY small budget. Most of our accomplishments are through generous donations of items, volunteer time, and money. Below is a list of needed items at the shelter. We are always open to new ideas though! If you have anything you think the shelter could use, particularly pet-related items, please contact us about your donation. Thank you!!
Dog Food - Dry; Puppy Food - Dry; Cat Food – Dry & Canned; Kitten Food – Dry; Cat Bowls – Deep Dishes; Stainless Steel Bowls; Cat Litter; Cat Litter Boxes – Deep; Cat Litter Scoops; Kuranda Beds; Leashes; Collars – Dog & Cat; Shampoo – Dog & Baby; Brushes & Combs; Kennels; Crates; Pet Medicines; Towels & Blankets; Disinfectants; Bleach Wipes; Baby Wipes; Hand Sanitizer; Plexi Glass; Any Pet Supplies; Money!
Looking for a meaningful and lasting gift for a Pet Lover? Donate a Kuranda dog bed to one of our dogs in the name of a friend or family member. A personalized Gift Card will be mailed to them to inform them of the wonderful gift you have selected for them. Donate a Kuranda dog bed.
Come Visit Us!
Please call before you come to be sure someone is there to meet you!
From Rhea County Highway/US-27/TN-29 turn onto Pierce Lane, which has a sign for the Rhea County High School and Rhea County Health Department. Follow Pierce Lane to your first stop sign and turn Right onto Back Valley Road. The shelter will be on your right about 0.5 miles with a sign at the bottom of the driveway.
Rhea County Animal Shelter 9118 Back Valley Road
