About us

The Tennessee Humane Animal League (THAL) is a 501(c)3 organization devoted to the placement of homeless or surrendered dogs and cats through the Pet Placement Center (PPC). THAL was formed in 1983 and became incorporated as a non-profit in 1984 by Bonnie Marcus, Barbara Dahl, and Mary Babian. Their intent was to help the homeless dogs and cats housed at Pet Placement Center which first operated at the now closed Red Bank Animal Shelter. At that time, they could only help animals and residents within the city of Red Bank. In 1994, they purchased a home together and moved Pet Placement Center to the facility we now have on Dayton Blvd. This move also allowed us to expand our reach and help animals without city restrictions.

Now PPC is the oldest no-kill animal adoption center with a physical facility in Hamilton County, Tennessee. We survive entirely on donations and fundraising activities. PPC is a private adoption center and does not contract with any municipal entity. Once an animal comes to PPC, that animal will remain safe with us until adopted into a responsible, permanent home. It is also our policy to accept returned pets regardless of their age or health. In this way, we always know our animals are safe. The majority of the dogs and cats sheltered at PPC come from owners who can no longer take care of their animals, surrounding municipal shelters, or other local rescue organizations.

None of our achievements would be possible without the continuous community support that is integral to the survival of PPC. All of this work is accomplished by a deeply devoted core of volunteers, Board of Directors, and of course, our staff.