About Us

Of the six men who chartered our organization back in 1885, one was Peter Kern, a German immigrant and connoisseur of worthwhile things like cruelty prevention to animals. The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley (HSTV) was originally known as the Knox County Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals. It kept that full name for years but by 1900, there were other advocates for child welfare and the organization was focused almost entirely on helping animals.

In the early days, HSTV didn’t have a headquarters, but met once a month in their attorney’s office. They always had an attorney in their organization because much of their early efforts were based on the enforcement of laws and to “secure by all lawful means the arrest, conviction and punishment” of people who mistreat animals, either by hurting or neglecting them.

In 1957 Knoxville established its first animal shelter, which was also the only animal shelter in the State of Tennessee. The Knox County Humane Society began a longtime contract with the county to take care of stray animals. 20 years ago, the Knox County Humane Society expanded its borders beyond the County to become the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley. The Humane Society left its Knox County contract in 2001, and at that time opened its first no-kill shelter. Since then, our organization has found homes for nearly 22,000 dogs and cats. Our Adoption Center is located on Bearden Hill.

The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley has worked hard throughout its existence to be at the forefront of animal welfare. Our mission is to serve our region’s shelters, pets, and the people who love them through wholistic, lifesaving initiatives and care. Our vision is for all animals to be treated humanely with compassion and respect.