Nashville Humane Association is celebrating 80 years of serving the Nashville community and protecting homeless, adoptable, and at-risk pets. Throughout 2026, the organization will mark this momentous milestone with signature events, commemorative days recognizing the importance of animal welfare, and community recognition.
“Nashville Humane would not be where it is today without our staff, dedicated volunteers, and community,” says Laura Baker, executive director of NHA. “Celebrating 80 years is an incredible accomplishment. While our mission has grown and evolved throughout the years, NHA has always been focused on serving Nashville and our beloved animals. We are so grateful for the volunteers, staff, and members of the community who have been a part of NHA’s story for the past eight decades, and we are so excited to continue to build on their legacy in the future.”
Nashville Humane Association’s roots can be traced back to a society founded in 1887 to protect children from inhumane working conditions and draft horses from mistreatment. The Nashville Humane Association, as it's known today, was incorporated in March 1946 to protect the well-being of animals in Davidson County. As animal welfare needs grew and changed throughout the past 80 years, NHA evolved as well. Over the years, their scope expanded to include rabies control, investigating bite cases, caring for stray animals, investigating cruelty cases, and, of course, placing dogs and cats in their forever homes. Each year, Nashville Humane Association helps find homes for thousands of shelter pets, boasting a 99 percent save rate, and provides additional services throughout the community, including low-cost vaccine and spay/neuter clinics, a weekly Pet Food Bank, a robust foster program, disaster relief, and humane education resources.
In 2025, 2,691 shelter pets were adopted into loving homes, with a save rate of 99 percent. NHA partnered with and assisted 69 rural and urban shelters, and 2,221 animals benefited from NHA’s transport services. The low-cost clinics served 790 pets, and more than 35,098 pounds of food were donated to 2,507 families in need through the Pet Food Bank. As an entirely gift-based organization, NHA relies on contributions from supporters and corporate partners throughout the year to provide services and care to animals.
Throughout 2026, Nashville Humane Association will be celebrating its 80th birthday through community connections and events. Each of NHA’s signature events, which raise critical funds to support the nonprofit’s mission, will feature tie-ins to honor the momentous milestone. These events are Unleashed (February 28), Mutt Strut (May 17), Cause for Paws (September 30), and Dog Day Festival (October 17). On March 26, Nashville Humane will host a free Open House and 80th Birthday Party to welcome the community to the shelter. In addition to its signature events, NHA will be running monthly campaigns to raise awareness about the organization, its history, and how the community can support its vital work. Kicking off the year, January will celebrate 80 Years of Compassion, while February will showcase 80 Years of Love, with testimonials and highlights of NHA’s work over the decades. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for updates and activations.
To learn more about the Nashville Humane Association or learn about ways to be involved, please visit www.nashvillehumane.org.