If you’re like a lot of people in Western Massachusetts who want to bring a new dog into the family, you’d rather go to a reliable animal shelter than buy from a pet store. There are a lot of reasons to prefer animal adoption over pet stores, from wanting to help an animal in need to a simple matter of budget.
If you’re looking for a place to adopt a dog in Western Massachusetts, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here’s a list of some of the best options in the area.
Dakin Human Society
The Dakin Human Society is a community-based non-profit that provides numerous support services for animals in Western Massachusetts, including medical care, spay/neutering services, behavioral services, and adoptions. In addition to dogs, animal lovers can find cats, rabbits, and other animals to adopt too!
Where Is It?
The Dakin Humane Society has two locations, in Springfield and Leverett.
Springfield
171 Union St, Springfield, MA 01105
Leverett
163 Montague Rd, Leverett, MA 01054
Contact Information
- Springfield: (413) 781-4000
- Leverett: (413) 548-9898
- Dakin Humane Society Website
Rainbow Rescues
Rainbow Rescue is a volunteer-run non-profit rescue organization that runs fostering and adoption services in Western Massachusetts. They have dogs, cats, horses, and other animals available for adoption.
If you’re interested in temporarily fostering a dog before it is permanently adopted, they also offer volunteer opportunities for pet fostering.
Where Is It?
Rainbow Rescues doesn’t have a central kennel, as all dogs are kept in foster homes. It has a location in Chicopee, where meet-and-greets are held.
Contact Information
- (413) 612-2744
- info@rainbowrescues.org
- Rainbow Rescues Website
Berkshire Humane Society
A private, independent animal welfare organization since 1992, the Berkshire Humane Society that offers animal adoption services in addition to dog training, summer camp activities for children, and more. They offer dogs, cats, and other small animals for adoption.
Where Is It?
214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201
(A second location, Purradise in Great Barrington, is cat-only.)
Contact Information
- (413) 447-7878
- Berkshire Humane Society Website
Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center
The Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center provides animal control and adoption services for the cities of Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke. This includes emergency response for injured or aggressive animals, housing, and adoption for a variety of puppies, dogs, and other animals.
Where Is It?
627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104
Contact Information
- (413) 781-1484
- info@tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com
- Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center Website
Great Dog Rescue New England
Great Dog Rescue New England is a non-profit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group headquartered in Massachusetts. Serving dogs and people across New England, they specialize in finding homes for abandoned and homeless dogs, in addition to community outreach and other charity activities.
Where Is It?
Great Dog Rescue New England has no central location. Dogs are housed in temporary foster homes across the area, and volunteers work from their own homes.
Contact Information
Other Resources for Pet Adoption in Western Massachusetts
In addition these shelters and organizations, there are numerous other avenues for Western Massachusetts residents to find and adopt a new dog.
What to Do When You Bring Your New Dog Home
Getting a new dog is an exciting experience, and there’s plenty to know and do. The organizations listed above usually provide some information and guidance on how to make your dog feel comfortable in their new home, and properly socialize with any other pets or family members you may have. You may also want to read our post on what to do when you bring a new dog home for additional information.
DogWatch Hidden Fences Can Help with Safety and Training
One more thing to consider when you bring your new dog home is installing a hidden fence from DogWatch of Western Mass.
A humane option for keeping your dog secure in your yard or in the home, hidden fencing from DogWatch is also cheaper and less intrusive than traditional fencing. DogWatch also offers professional obedience and boundary training in Western Massachusetts, perfect for new members of the family.