In the county, animal control is handled by the Humane Educational Society. McKamey Animal Center takes care of that within the city limits of Chattanooga. Both places offer animal adoption. No animals can be adopted without being spayed or neutered. There are links at each of these websites that outline leash laws and registration requirements for the different areas of the county.
Note that it is illegal to chain or tether a dog more than 12 hours per day or at all between the hours of 10pm and 6am within Chattanooga city limits.
Wally’s Friends offers low cost spay and neutering for low income residents of Hamilton County. Need to get your dog or cat fixed but you don’t qualify as low income? They’ll still take you but will ask for a donation in addition to their regular fees. Well worth it to avoid the aggression and unwanted puppies & kittens that you’ll have if you don’t get it done.
Dogs aren’t currently allowed at Coolidge Park but they are permitted in Miller Plaza (home of the Nightfall Concert Series), Renaissance Park and Ross’ Landing. The map below needs to be updated because the Walnut Street Bridge IS open to dogs now. DOGood Chattanooga is working on opening up more venues to responsible pet owners (that’s a euphemism for people who pick up their dogs’ poo). The fenced, off leash Chew Chew Park is right behind First Tennessee Pavilion, next to the skate park.
