Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this facility. I decided to adopt a kitten, which turned into two new kittens, and I spent a lot of time searching for what I hoped would be the best fit for both of us. I wanted to adopt long hair kittens and when I found a pair of long hair siblings on their site, I clicked on their "Adopt Me" buttons. I filled out the 2 page application online and went through their phone interview on Friday. I had to get certificates to prove my other pets are current on their vaccinations. Finally I set an in-person appointment for Monday. (They only take appointments and no public walk-ins at this time.) I called on Saturday to confirm my appointment for Monday which was scheduled for noon, which is the time they open. When I spoke with their employee they, once again, verified my information and then told me that the siblings I applied to adopt had just gone home together with their new family.They offered to let me come over on Monday to see who else might be available. Why did my applications ask for the names of the kittens I wanted to adopt if they weren't planning to hold them at least through my appointment time? How does this happen when they're "by appointment only"? Was anyone going to call and let me know before I drove 80 miles on Monday? (When I asked this question, she said they would not have called.) It makes no sense. There should be a disclaimer on the website saying that confirmed appointments and specific pet applications do not guarantee you'll receive the pet/s you're applying for. So--Beware. When you click "adopt ME" , you're really just going through hoops to be approved for an appointment to adopt from that particular days available pets. It's a classic "bait and switch." I'm sure there are plenty of fantastic pets available, but I researched, clicked "adopt ME", and entered their names on the application for a pair of brothers because they were the ones I wanted to adopt. I wish they were more upfront regarding this practice- in this age of technology, it should not be difficult to place a "pending adoption"notice in the pet's file. It takes effort to get to the appointment setting stage so it doesn't seem there'd be a lot of people getting approved and then skipping their adoption appointments. read more

Don't let the exterior of this place fool you (they're getting a brand new facility soon!). The house/building is old and rundown and there are SO many dogs and cats that any and every available spot is used to house an animal. The staff take such great care and love for the animals that are there. If you're interested in adopting a new family friend, take the time to walk the kennels to see if there is a pet that tickles your fancy. Speak to the staff and volunteers about which animal might be the best fit for you! read more

We came here to adopt a kitty. We did the online application and they got back to us in record time to set up an appointment to meet some potential new family members. When we arrived, a wonderful staff member quickly brought us back and introduced us to SO MANY perfect kitties that would suit our home. We have dogs, so we needed a kitty that would get along with them. Honestly we fell in love with so many sweet kitties. The cages were so clean and you could tell they were well loved and played with. Every cage had toys and treats. The cats in the free roam rooms had so many toys and cool cat trees to climb and relax in. With help, we narrowed it down to 2, but one particularly worked his magic and came home with us. We could not be happier. Our little man, Thor, is so happy, healthy and actually likes the dogs. Thank you to all the staff at HES. The work you do is amazing. I'm so thankful for people like you. Thor says thank you too!!! read more

Humane Educational Society - Thor in his new home! Thank you HES!!! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

I've never seen a group of people work harder to care for fur babies! They almost always are working overtime. And they know it's worth it. If you're looking for a fur companion, come to this special place and spend some time with a few dogs or cats. Be sure on if you're ready to adopt. But know you'll definitely leave with a big smile and fur love! read more

I saw this post and it embodies EXACTLY what its like to work there. "You work you butt off and are told by management you're lazy. Management goes behind your back and leave you doing gruesome hard labor just to see "if you're actually working" then say that you do work hard, but that's because we made you. I don't know this place is very inclusive, judgemental and is NOT a no kill shelter. " They said at my interview that being a zookeeper was a far fetched career. After they fired me, for the above, (I was going to quit anyways) I got my dream job as a ZOOKEEPER. All I can say is working at Petco is better then them. read more

This is the greatest humane society I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. They are really running his place right. The staff really cares about the animals, knows their personalities, and can give you plenty of anecdotes about them. They have an excellent presence on social media, and they are constantly holding fundraising events to help the pets in need. I just cannot begin to describe what a blessing HES is to the Chattanooga community. Side note: My husband and I adopted our first cat, Oscar, from HES. He was shy and hid in his cage, but my husband was set on taking home this cat. Oscar hid under couches for a couple of months, but he slowly came out of his shell, and now he is the sweetest and most affectionate cat in the world. He absolutely adored being pet and is a major lap kitty. We are so thankful to HES forgiving us our furbaby! Also, I want to brag on one staff member who actually remembered our cat TWO YEARS down the road!! She showed us pictures of him from when he was still there... so cool read more

See all

My boyfriend and I adopted our beautiful Felicity from HES and the entire process was easy and pleasant. I'm deducting one star because it could have been cleaner, all of the cats had gunk in their eyes and were sneezing, including Felicity but it did get better over time and she is healthy now. I love that they call the land lord before an adoption to ensure there won't be conflicts of interest that might jeopardize an animals placement. They also offer integration services for people who already have animals to help make the transition of introducing another animal to the family an easier process. Very happy with HES. read more

Humane Educational Society - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Adopted a cat from Humane Education Society a few weeks back, formally named Sammi she now goes by Hazel. The shelter wasn't sure how she would do with dogs but I knew from first sight she'd fit in with our family just fine and I was right! These two are inseparable. My dog could not be happier to have her. The shelter made adoption quick and easy. Even took us on a meet and greet to meet as many cats that could possibly be a good fit for us. When we showed interest in Sammi the shelter even offered to allow us to bring our dog in to meet each other before adoption. We declined the offer only because that seemed stressful for both animals to meet in a shelter surrounded by other stressed out animals. Thank you guys for rescuing and caring for our little fur friends till they can find their forever homes. We can't thank you enough for saving our little furry princess read more

See all

Tried to go by to see if I could find a cat to adopt. I was told before I could see any cats I would have to file an application before seeing any cats. I thought the purpose of the Humane Educational Society was to try to save the animals and not be burned with the politics of paperwork. Wish it was like the old days when you could just go in and see if you can find your forever friend without all the bs. read more

Always willing to help. Appreciate all they do for the animals. Friendly employees and awesome volunteers

This place is the best the staff are so friendly and happy to help. I adopted my dog from here and you could tell they truly cared for the animals.10/10 recommend adopting from them! read more

My dog ran away and was sadly turned into the Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga TN. I say sadly due to the amount of crap I went through over the phone talking with one of the workers there. She stated that since my dog was turned in it was going to be 25$ for the initial fee, which was fine but then she proc to tell me that everyday my dog stayed would be 10$ along with Micro chipping my dog for 25$ extra. She said I would have to pay 200$+ to get my dog back even though I had proof owning and looking for her everywhere. There is something wrong with that system and it should change due to some compromises within. I should never be charged that much for something I couldn't control or have a say in. If you ever pick up a dog that is lost never take it to this shelter and don't adopt their animals because like my dog she was loved and she was a good dog I just don't have the money or a way to get it before someone tries to adopt her. It's not a situation I would want anyone else to go through. read more

I can't say enough good things about the Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga, TN. They helped me save a cat's life who was on the verge of dying a few months ago. I can't believe all they've done for her (Jessica) while saving me hundreds of dollars in the process! All of the staff there are SO helpful and friendly. And I can tell they all genuinely love their animals!! I highly recommend them if you ever need help saving a pet's life or if you just want to adopt a pet there. Couldn't be happier with the EXCELLENT service I've received. Thank's SO MUCH, HES!!! read more