Rutherford County PAWS: How to Volunteer and Foster Pets in Murfreesboro

Mar 20, 2026 at 11:29 am by Producer



Rutherford County PAWS is transforming the lives of shelter animals through a massive surge in community support, growing from just four volunteers to over one hundred in a single year. This rapid expansion allows the small professional staff to shift their focus from daily chores like laundry and dishes to critical animal enrichment and high-priority kennel care. Whether you are a remote worker seeking human interaction or a retiree looking to give back, the shelter offers flexible opportunities that fit any schedule.

The impact of volunteering extends far beyond the shelter walls, fostering deep community connections and even leading to permanent adoptions by the volunteers themselves. With upcoming events like "Dog-gone Adoption" and free vaccine clinics, there are more ways than ever to get involved with the animals in Murfreesboro. Discover how a few hours a week can provide essential socialization for cats and dogs while offering a therapeutic escape for the humans who care for them.

Key Takeaways:

Tags: animal enrichment. animal rescue stories Animal Shelter Murfreesboro Animal Welfare Brian Barrett cat rescue community service Murfreesboro dog walking volunteer fostering dogs kitten rescue Linebaugh Library events local volunteer opportunities Middle Tennessee pets Murfreesboro TN PAWS volunteering pet adoption events pet adoption Tennessee pet fostering pet vaccines Murfreesboro Petco Love puppy adoptions Rutherford County PAWS Rutherford Issues shelter donation sorting shelter support volunteer with animals
Sections: Rutherford Issues Podcast