ABOUT US - OUR MISSION

Save Lives. Promote Animal Welfare. Support Community.

How we do it:

Provide health care and temporary shelter for abandoned companion animals;
Find new loving homes for these pets;
Reduce pet overpopulation by providing spaying and neutering to residents in need;
Promote animal welfare through education and public outreach;
Maintain a no kill policy

ABOUT US

We Are a Private Non-Profit Organization

Animal Harbor is a limited-admission animal shelter facility serving Franklin County, Tennessee. It is operated by a staff and overseen by Executive Director, Emily Holland, and governed by the Board of Directors. Franklin County Humane Society, dba, Animal Harbor is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Our Pets

Our Story

Animal Harbor opened in February 2003 as the first animal shelter serving Franklin County, originally operating out of a former hog auction barn on David Crockett Highway outside of Belvidere, Tennessee. What began as a modest but vital effort quickly became a cornerstone of humane animal care for our community.

In December 2014, Animal Harbor transitioned into its current, purpose-built facility—an important step that allowed us to expand our capacity, improve standards of care, and grow lifesaving programs that meet the evolving needs of animals and families in Franklin County.

Today, Animal Harbor continues to grow alongside our community. Our adoption, lifesaving, and community assistance programs have expanded in scope and impact, with an increased focus on prevention, access to care, and long-term solutions that reduce suffering and save lives.

In 2023, we proudly celebrated 20 years of saving lives. As we look to the future, Animal Harbor remains committed to strengthening our programs, investing in sustainable growth, and building the resources needed to serve more animals safely, humanely, and effectively—now and for years to come.

Our vision is a Franklin County where every companion animal is valued, protected, and given the chance to thrive—and we invite you to join us in building that future.