Mission Statement
The mission of the Humane Society of Jefferson County is to promote and foster humane treatment and respect for all animals; to advocate for their welfare and adoption, when possible; to free them from abuse, neglect and suffering; to reduce the overpopulation of animals through spay/neuter programs; and to encourage effective pet identification.
History of the Humane Society of Jefferson County
August 1978 - The first HSJC was organized. Volunteers kept cats and dogs at their homes.
January 1979 - HSJC was incorporated as a non-profit animal welfare group with the state of Tennessee. Volunteers operated from their homes.
July 1983 – First animal control is jointly funded by Dandridge, Jefferson City, Jefferson County, New Market and White Pine. These 5 governmental bodies paid for the first Animal Control Officer and ACO truck. HSJC volunteers used old Jefferson City dog pound for dogs and kept cats at their homes.
July 1985 – HSJC volunteers built the first county wide animal shelter from private donations. The facility housed dogs and cats and was used by ACO and operated by HSJC volunteers.
July 1989 – July 1993 HSJC keeps the Animal Shelter open with volunteers, donations and modest support from Jefferson City and Jefferson County
October 1993 – HSJC closes the Animal Shelter due to lack of operating and serious disrepair.
February 1994 – HSJC reopens Animal Shelter with emergency funds from the cities and private donations.
July 1994 – An annual budget funded by the cities and county allow the Animal Shelter to function.
January 1995 – HSJC completes reconstruction of the Animal Shelter funded by private donations.
1996 – 1997 - A new wing is added to the shelter to house puppies. New cages are purchased and heat added.