About Us

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Who We Are

Caring for animals. Supporting our community. Restoring hope.

Sumner County Animal Services is more than a shelter — we’re a team of dedicated individuals working every day to protect and care for the lives of animals across our community. As a department under the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, we take our responsibility seriously — leading with purpose, integrity, and compassion.

We provide safe refuge and second chances to dogs, cats, and livestock in need, including pigs, goats, horses, and donkeys. Whether they’re lost, abandoned, neglected, or simply in need of a new start, we’re here to help every animal.

Our service facility is equipped with 30 dog intake kennels and 11 cat intake kennels, along with 14 dog and 8 cat kennels designated for adoption. We also have a cat playroom and visitation area, allowing families to meet potential pets in a comfortable environment.

What We Believe

Every animal deserves humane, caring treatment.
A clean, safe environment is standard — patience and kindness are the difference-makers.
Education is a powerful tool in building a more compassionate community.
Collaboration with our neighbors, law enforcement, and volunteers leads to lasting change.

What We Do

Adoption and pet matching
Foster care for animals awaiting forever homes
Lost & found animal reunification
Pet food pantry for families in crisis
Livestock care and placement
Community education and outreach
Animal control support and investigation

Message from the Director

Every animal who enters our care deserves a second chance—and we are committed to making that chance count. At our shelter, we recognize the challenges and perceptions that often surround animal shelters, and we’re working every day to change that narrative.

With a newly energized team and a deep sense of purpose, we are actively and continuously working to raise our live release rate. That means more animals leaving our shelter through adoption, rescue, foster, and other lifesaving pathways. It’s not just about housing animals—it’s about offering them hope, healing, and the opportunity to thrive.

We approach this mission with transparency, compassion, and a determination to do what’s right for every life that depends on us. But we can’t do it alone. Our community plays a vital role in this work, and together, we’re building something better—for the animals, and for all of us.

Thank you for standing with us.

Lt. Chris Tarlecky, Director of Sumner County Animal Services

Behind the Scenes: Watch What Hope Looks Like

Care, compassion, and community come together at Sumner County Animal Services. Watch our short video to meet the team, hear real stories, and see the love in action.