Dog licenses, rabies shots and leashes in Nashville
Nashville and Davidson County run a combined government, and its animal ordinances apply countywide.
At a glance
| Topic | What Metro says |
|---|---|
| Rabies | Animals must have a current rabies vaccination from a Nashville-area veterinarian or other licensed provider |
| License | Order online through the Metro licensing portal; allow 7 to 9 business days for the tag |
| Low-cost clinics | Annual clinics offer a three-year license and vaccine bundle |
| Parks | Leashed dogs are welcome in all Metro Parks |
| Aggressive dogs | Metro Parks may restrict an aggressive dog and its handler |
Sources
The Metro Animal Care and Control licensing page describes the vaccination requirement, the online ordering steps and the Harding Place shelter pickup for a tag needed immediately. The Metro rabies information page explains the annual clinic bundle; check it for the current price, since fees change. Metro Code Title 8 covers dogs, vicious dogs and other animal control rules (see the Metro animal ordinances (Title 8)).
For walking, the Metro Parks dog park page says leashed dogs are welcome in all Metro Parks, lists strict leash and waste rules at Metro dog parks and reserves the right to restrict aggressive dogs.
Elsewhere in Tennessee
Counties and cities, including Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga, set their own ordinances. Call local animal control for the rules where you live.
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