The laws on the books regarding animals can be looked at two ways, what the State of Tennessee declares and also the particular ordinances that the various Counties have as well. Counties are free to enhance, or strengthen, our State laws, but they must abide by them. Counties cannot ignore State laws (such as the "at-large or leash" law). This information covers only the local ordinances of Nashville, TN (Davidson County).

• A veterinarian must vaccinate dogs and cats over 6 months of age annually for rabies. Rabies vaccinations now have the option of a 3-year duration, and this is recognized by Tennessee state law.  Ask your vet if this is a good option for your pet.  Rabies tags exceptions can be found in our state TCA 68-8-106.

• TCA 68-8-103 notes that "All rabies vaccinations of dogs and cats required by this chapter shall be administered only by or under the supervision of a veterinarian.
  
  
• If you own a dog or cat over 6 months of age you must obtain a $4.00 license annually. It is issued when your dog is vaccinated for rabies. The license comes with a tag that must be attached to your dog's collar and is required by law to be worn at all times.

• Either Animal Control or the Police may pick up all dogs running "at large". A dog is considered "at large" when it is off the property of the owner, not accompanied by the owner, or under the owner's control by command or leash.
  
  
• If a dog or cat has bitten someone or is suspected of having rabies, this pet must be confined and isolated for a period of 10 days at the Metro Animal Control facility, a veterinary clinic or commercial dog kennel. You will be required to pay for all costs associated with boarding your pet.
  
  
• Hybrid animals such as wolf-dog mixes or domestic/wild cat mixes cannot be legally vaccinated for rabies. While owners of these animals should be encouraged to vaccinate their "wild pets", they should also be aware of the legal implications should this animal bite someone. Please contact SAAW via our email address at laurie@fixyourpet.org if you would like more information regarding the issue of wild/domestic animal mixes.
  
  
• Both our State Law and our local City Ordinances prohibit cruelty to animals. This law defines (in part) animal cruelty the following way:
  
  
  • No person shall overdrive, overload, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance or cruelly beat or mutilate or kill any living creature.
    
    
  • No person shall willfully set on foot, or move to carry on, or promote or engage in, or do any act toward the futherance of, any act of cruelty to any animal.
    
    
  • A police or animal control officer may lawfully interfere to prevent the perpetration of any act of cruelty upon any animal in their presence. No person shall interfere with or obstruct any such officer in the discharge of this duty.
    
    
  • No person shall carry in or upon any vehicle any creature in a cruel or inhumane manner.
    
    
• All dogs and cats must have access to proper shelter, clean food and water, and have basic veterinary care.
  
  
• Abandoning a domestic animal is illegal. If you can no longer keep your pet, you are responsible for turning it over to an animal control facility, an animal shelter or veterinary clinic or finding your pet another home. And do your pet a big favor by making sure the new home will be responsible and committed to the lifetime of your dog or cat by asking for references and checking them out. And please, NEVER adopt out an animal that has not been spayed or neutered.