Memphis Animal Services removes online adoption applications, directing would-be adopters to in-person visits instead

Online adoption applications removed from MAS website

Memphis Animal Services (MAS) has removed online adoption applications from its website and is now directing prospective adopters to complete adoptions by visiting the shelter in person.

A notice displayed on MAS webpages states that “online applications are no longer available” and identifies in-person visits as “the best way to adopt.” The same notice directs residents with questions about specific dogs to submit an inquiry form through an external intake platform rather than completing a full online adoption application.

How the adoption process is described now

MAS’ adoption page outlines an in-person process with posted public hours and notes that no appointment is needed to meet animals at the shelter. The page also states that adoption requires a valid, government-issued photo ID and that payment is accepted by credit or debit card, with the additional requirement that the name on the payment card matches the adopter’s identification.

MAS also lists standard adoption fees by species and age group, and describes what is included with adoption for dogs and cats, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and heartworm testing for dogs.

What remains available online

Although adoption applications have been removed, MAS continues to maintain online resources that allow residents to:

• browse listings of animals available for adoption,
• review adoption hours, fees, and policies,
• use online forms and pages tied to other services and programs, including fostering information.

MAS’ website also references community-based rehoming listings hosted through third-party tools, where prospective adopters are prompted to follow on-screen steps to ask questions or apply, depending on the platform’s workflow.

Context: demand for placements and shelter operations

MAS describes itself as the City of Memphis’ municipal animal services and sheltering agency and reports handling thousands of animals annually through shelter care and foster placements. On its website, MAS also reports annual intake and field-service volumes and publishes summary performance indicators, including a stated save rate.

The shelter’s homepage additionally indicates that MAS is open to the public for adoptions and fostering while noting that dog intake remains closed. The adoption-application change comes as MAS continues to emphasize in-person matching between adopters and animals at the shelter.

MAS’ website notice states that online adoption applications are no longer available and that in-person visits are the preferred route to adopt.

What prospective adopters should expect

Based on the process currently published by MAS, prospective adopters should plan to visit during adoption hours, bring a government-issued photo ID, and be prepared to complete payment by credit or debit card. Those seeking details about a specific dog are directed to use an online inquiry form before or instead of visiting.

MAS has not publicly provided, on the affected pages, a detailed explanation for why online adoption applications were removed or whether the change is temporary or permanent.