Memphis Shelter Drops Dog Adoption Fees to $31

Residents can adopt a dog for $31 through Saturday while qualifying for free training sessions for younger pets.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dogs

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of a dog standing behind a simple metal fence, evoking a community-oriented shelter adoption event.
The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County is offering reduced $31 adoption fees for dogs through Saturday to encourage pet adoptions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County is offering a reduced $31 adoption fee for dogs this week. This promotion, which coincides with National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, aims to help shelter animals find permanent homes.

Why it matters

Adopting a shelter pet provides a dog with a stable environment while helping manage the capacity of local animal welfare organizations. This initiative supports families looking to add a pet to their home by reducing the upfront cost of adoption.

The promotional $31 adoption fee is available through Saturday, October 31, 2026. Adopters of dogs under one year old additionally receive four free one-hour training sessions.

The players

Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County

A local animal welfare organization that manages pet adoptions and shelter services in Memphis and the surrounding Shelby County region.

The details

The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County is hosting the event as part of Puptober Fest to facilitate the transition of dogs from play yards into permanent households. For qualifying puppies and younger dogs, the included training classes cover basic command instruction and supervised socialization exercises.

Timeline

  1. The reduced $31 adoption fee is available through Saturday, October 31, 2026.

  2. October 2026 marks National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month.

The Home Front

This initiative aligns with the annual industry-wide push during National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month to increase pet placement rates in local communities. Such events are a common strategy used by shelters to manage inventory levels and encourage long-term pet ownership.

If you are considering a new pet, visit the shelter before Saturday to verify if the dog you select meets the age requirements for the free training classes. Ensure you have the necessary supplies, such as crates and food, ready at home before bringing a new rescue animal into your household.

The takeaway

Adopting a dog during this promotional window can lower your initial pet-ownership costs while providing a permanent home to a rescue animal. If you adopt a dog under one year old, be sure to schedule your four complimentary training sessions to help your new pet adjust to your home.

Further reading

For more information on local pet care, visit Dogs.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Actionnews5.

Live Poll

Do you prefer to adopt your next pet from a shelter rather than buying one?