Our Featured Springfield, MA Partner: Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center provides comprehensive animal control services and programs to our communities for the protection of animals, public health and safety, and the environment. The Thomas J. O’Connor facility believes in providing a second chance to animals that are not reclaimed by an owner. Our center has a full-service adoption service, a service rarely offered through municipal animal control programs. TJO has an in-house veterinarian two days per week, responsible for shelter animal wellness and sterilization surgery. Adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and screened for other health concerns. Each animal is then placed into the adoption area to await a new home. Every animal is microchipped at the time of adoption. The first step is to fill out an adoption application, answering some basic questions about yourself and your household.

This will help the adoption counselors facilitate the matchmaking process. Most adoptions take at least 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The Adoption Center is a busy place, so please be patient and allow yourself enough time for our process. What we will need to know when you adopt a new companion:If you own your home, please bring some item of verification (tax bill, water bill, or mortgage statement.) Please also be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance policy. Some policies restrict coverage for certain dog breeds.If you DO NOT own your place of residence, please be sure the property owner will consent to have a pet on his/her property. We will verify with landlords over the phone before sending a new companion home, so please have the appropriate name and phone number available.Other pets already living with you will need to be up-to-date on vaccination. This is to decrease the risk of spreading infectious disease from one animal to another.It is important to understand that your new companion will be a member of your family.

This can mean a 10-15 year commitment from you! Please bring along family members so we can make sure it will be a good match before you make a commitment. Also, if adopting a second dog, please bring your current dog with you---we can let them spend some time together and give you some suggestions on surviving the adjustment period.Cbr 150 Fi Headlight BulbPlease be sure you have considered the financial obligation involved in caring for a companion animal. Munchkin Cat Breeders UsaThis includes routine veterinary and emergency care, in addition to food, supplies and training. Umsteigen T-ShirtsThe adoption counselors can give you an idea of basic costs involved for each type of animal.Many animals adopted from shelters can require an immediate visit to the veterinarian.

Because of the volume of un-vaccinated animals entering a shelter’s care, the risk of transmissible contagious diseases can be quite high. Kennel cough in dogs, and upper respiratory infections in cats are the two most common diseases that your newly adopted companion may experience. You must ask yourself if you have the financial means to care for your new friend, beyond the initial adoption costs.Please be honest with yourself about the actual time you have to train, groom, and exercise the companion animal you have chosen. Some things to consider: Do you work long or erratic hours? Do you like outdoor activity? Who will care for your pet while you travel? Will your pet be the appropriate size when he or she is full grown? When adopting into a home with children: Are you adopting to teach your child responsibility, or are your adopting because you have a responsible child? Are your children comfortable around the animal you’ve chosen? Will YOU still remain committed to this animal when the children lose interest?

Take the time now to consider these things and find the best match for your lifestyle!We thank your for offering your home to a “pre-loved” companion. We hope he or she will be a wonderful addition to your family and your home!Search and see photos of adoptable pets in the Springfield, Massachusetts area Our Featured Springfield, MA Partner: About Dakin Humane SocietyDakin Humane Society is a community supported animal welfare organization that provides shelter, medical care, spay/neuter services, and behavioral rehabilitation for more than 20,000 animals each year. Since its inception in 1969, Dakin has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in the Pioneer Valley and a national leader in animal welfare.Our MissionDakin Humane Society delivers effective, innovative services that improve the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them.What We BelieveWe believe people are good and will make good decisions for animals when they are treated with kindness and understanding, and when they have enough information and resources.

Hours for our Springfield and Leverett facilities;Sunday 12:30-5:30 pmMonday CLOSEDTuesday 12:30-5:30 pmWednesday 12:30-5:30 pmThursday 12:30-5:30 pmFriday 12:30-5:30 pmSaturday 12:30-5:30 pmCome by and visit! , for a map and directions. See our adoptable animals! /adopt-a-pet.html#!/What you'll need to doVisit the Dakin adoption centers and fall in love with all of the animals. Narrow down your list to just one or two animals (hint: this is the hardest part!). Talk with an adoption counselor to learn what we know about the pet and decide if she will be a good match for your home.If you rent your home, talk to your landlord before coming to see us—it will make things easier!If you are thinking about adopting a new dog, we recommend bringing in all members of your family (including your current dogs) to be sure everyone gets along.For the safety of your furry new friend, bring a cat carrier if adopting a cat, or a collar and leash if adopting a dog. We have these available for sale if you don't have them with you at the time of adoption.