Looking for Your New Best Friend in the Tri-Cities?

Where to Meet Your New Friend

Here are some committed local spots that regularly have adoptable dogs, cats, and sometimes other critters waiting for their forever homes:

Shelters and Adoption Centers in the Tri-Cities

• Petworks Animal Services – A community shelter in Kingsport working to care for and rehome lost or surrendered pets. 
• Appalachian Highlands Humane Society – A well-known humane society in Johnson City focused on adoption, education, and ending animal cruelty. 
• The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue – A Blountville-based no-kill rescue working tirelessly to find homes for cats and dogs. 
• Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter – The local shelter serving Elizabethton and Carter County with adoptable pets.
• Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter – Offers adoptions in Johnson City and partners with community fosters and rescues. Onsite spay and neuter clinic.
• Phillip B. McCall Animal Shelter – The animal shelter serving Washington County, VA with dogs and cats available for adoption. 

And don’t forget special places like Boops & Beans Cat Cafe, a cat cafe in downtown Kingsport where shelter and rescue cats mingle with people, helping them get socialized while they wait for adoption. Two of my own adopted cats came from this cafe through The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue partnership.

How to Find the Right Match

Each shelter and rescue has its own vibe and processes, but they all share one thing - pets waiting to meet you!  Some will be bouncing with energy, others will be calm cuddle buddies, and some might be more of a “love me in the morning and evening” type. Talking honestly with staff and volunteers about your lifestyle, home environment, and experience level can make all the difference in finding the perfect fit.

Looking for a dog that’s good with others? Ask who’s best suited for social pups or families with kids. Fancy a chill cat that loves lounging? There’s one or two waiting who would love a cozy window seat and a lap.

More Ways to Help (If Adoption Isn’t Right Now)

Not ready to adopt? No worries. You can still help:

• Foster a pet while they wait for their forever home
• Volunteer at local shelters
• Share adoptable posts on your social pages
• Donate supplies or funds, every bit helps

It’s Worth It

Whether you’re in Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, or anywhere across the Tri-Cities region, your new best friend might already be there, patiently waiting for you to walk through the door. Adoption isn’t just about giving a pet a home. It’s about gaining love, laughter, and a loyal companion who sees you as their whole world.

And if you do end up with a furry sidekick, trust me; your house will never be quiet again, and your heart will feel a whole lot bigger for it.