Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center TJO provides animal control services for Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee Massachusetts. We respond to 3,000-4,000 animal-related calls annually.

Our staff and facility provide animal control services to three area cities -- Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke. We are one of the largest regional animal control programs in the state. It is our goal to make this region a model for other animal control services. We provide temporary housing for over 4,000 stray and abandoned animals each year. We also provide 10-day rabies quarantine housing for

unvaccinated animals that have bitten either humans or other domestic animals. Our primary service is that of public health and safety. We are well-versed in rabies and zoonotic disease issues for the safety of our citizens. We respond to animal-related calls 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Each TJO animal control officer is certified by the state of Massachusetts. All stray dogs are mandated by Massachusetts state law to be held for 7 days. In Massachusetts, there is no required holding period for cats. If unclaimed, animals are evaluated for both health and temperament prior to being made available for adoption. Dogs are evaluated more thoroughly for temperament to help ensure they will be safe, enjoyable companions. The facility has an in-house veterinarian four days per week, responsible for shelter animal wellness and sterilization surgery. We do not have veterinary services available to the public.

Hi everyone, we’d like to introduce our shining star, Tinkerbell!! We are all scratching our heads, wondering why she’s ...
05/29/2026

Hi everyone, we’d like to introduce our shining star, Tinkerbell!! We are all scratching our heads, wondering why she’s been with us since 3/8/26! Despite her lengthy stay, Tinkerbell has continued to remain a happy girl and LOVES the enrichment our amazing volunteers provide while spending time together. Volunteers say she enjoys a good walk and is easy on the leash, and takes great pleasure giving her paw in exchange for a yummy treat. She also loves food puzzles and spends time searching for the hidden goodies. She nudges trusted friends for ‘butt scratches’ and leans in for connection. She’s a sensitive, resilient girl who will blossom when she lands in a home that allows her to slowly decompress and learn about her new digs. Her best fit would be a home where she can shine as the only pet, and given the time and space to feel comfortable, she will offer a friendship like no other. To learn more about Tinkerbell, please read her full bio, as well as information about safe dog meets. (Thank you to our volunteer Giuseppe's Pet Care and Photography for a couple of these beautiful pics!)

Tinkerbell's Bio
https://24Petconnect.com/DetailsMain/SFTJ/A070045

Safe Dog Meets
https://www.tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com/what-we-do/safe-dog-meets

These animals have come into TJO over the past few days. We are hoping to get in touch with their owners. They are under...
05/28/2026

These animals have come into TJO over the past few days. We are hoping to get in touch with their owners. They are under our care and not currently available for foster or adoption. Animals available for adoption are listed on our website. The website is current and up to date.

If you recognize an animal in this post please call 413-781-1484.
Please remember that we are operating by appointment only for all services and appointments are made by calling 413-781-1484 x2.

Estos animales han llegado a TJO en los últimos días. Esperamos ponernos en contacto con sus dueños. En este momento no están disponibles para ser adoptados. Los animales disponibles para adopción están en nuestro web site. La informacion en nuestro web site es actualizada frecuentemente.

Si usted reconoce un animal en esta publicacion favor de llamar al 413-781-1484, recuerde que estamos operando con cita previa para todos los servicios, para citas favor de llamar al 413-781-1484 x2.

The countdown is on! Registration for the Foundation for TJO Animals Pets Rock event opens on June 1st! Mark your calend...
05/27/2026

The countdown is on! Registration for the Foundation for TJO Animals Pets Rock event opens on June 1st! Mark your calendar, tell your friends, and get ready to join the party.

On June 24th, the Foundation for TJO Animals invites you to take part in the Reese Fund: Day of Compassion, a 24‑hour da...
05/24/2026

On June 24th, the Foundation for TJO Animals invites you to take part in the Reese Fund: Day of Compassion, a 24‑hour day of giving dedicated to supporting the Reese Fund and the animals who rely on it.

In addition to online giving, they will be hosting an in‑person Pet Food Drive at TJO from 10 AM–2 PM to benefit their Pet Food Initiative. *If you’d like to get a head start, early donations are welcome.

Visit: https://www.tjofoundation.org/events/reese-fund---day-of-compassion for full details on how to participate and make an impact.

Hi TJO Community! We'd like to introduce you to Danielle, a sweet pup with soulful eyes who is struggling in the shelter...
05/23/2026

Hi TJO Community! We'd like to introduce you to Danielle, a sweet pup with soulful eyes who is struggling in the shelter setting, and would greatly benefit from being in a home away from the noises and varied schedule. Dogs who enter foster often need to be the only dog, but Danielle would likely do well with a well socialized pup who would enjoy her enthusiastic play style. She'll need time to decompress and learn to trust, but the time and care will be worth it! If you are interested in fostering, or fostering-to-adopt, feel free to read her full bio, and submit the foster application below. And who can resist those ears!! Thank you!

*To submit this foster application, please forward to [email protected]

Danielle's Bio
https://24Petconnect.com/DetailsMain/SFTJ/A070346

Foster Application
https://www.tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com/fileadmin/documents/pdfs/2026_FosterApplication.pdf

Looking for a fun night out with the family? Join the Foundation for TJO Animals for the annual BARK IN THE PARK event h...
05/19/2026

Looking for a fun night out with the family? Join the Foundation for TJO Animals for the annual BARK IN THE PARK event hosted by the Valley Blue Sox, and our friends at Teddy Bear Pools & Spas. Bring your pup to the game on June 19th for a fun night of baseball, vendors, dogs and fun. Proceeds from pet tickets and hot dog sales go to the Foundation for TJO Animals to benefit the animals in need at TJO!


valleybluesox.com

We are currently under a HEAT ADVISORY, from 11:00 a.m. Tuesday May 19 through 8:00 p.m. Wednesday May 20. With the onse...
05/19/2026

We are currently under a HEAT ADVISORY, from 11:00 a.m. Tuesday May 19 through 8:00 p.m. Wednesday May 20.

With the onset of hot weather, we would like to remind everyone of Massachusetts General Law regarding animals left outside in extreme heat and animals left inside vehicles during hot weather conditions.

Please see select sections of the MGL below.

While the law specifically references dogs, our Animal Control Officers serve Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke and respond to concerns involving domestic animals within our jurisdiction.

If you have concerns regarding an animal’s safety, please call 413-781-1484 ext. 1.

Under MGL 174E
(d) A person shall not leave a dog outside when a weather advisory, warning or watch is issued by a local, state or federal authority or when outside environmental conditions including, but not limited to, extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow or hail pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of the dog based on the dog's breed, age or physical condition, unless the tethering is for not more than 15 minutes.

Under MGL 174F
(e) After making reasonable efforts to locate a motor vehicle's owner, a person other than an animal control officer, law enforcement officer or fire fighter shall not enter a motor vehicle to remove an animal to protect the health and safety of that animal in immediate danger unless the person: (i) notifies law enforcement or calls 911 before entering the vehicle; (ii) determines that the motor vehicle is locked or there is no other reasonable means for exit and uses not more force than reasonably necessary to enter the motor vehicle and remove the animal; (iii) has a good faith and reasonable belief, based upon known circumstances, that entry into the vehicle is reasonably necessary to prevent imminent danger or harm to the animal; and (iv) remains with the animal in a safe location in reasonable proximity to the vehicle until law enforcement or another first responder arrives.

Address

627 Cottage Street
Springfield, MA
01104

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 3:30pm
Tuesday 12pm - 3:30pm
Thursday 12pm - 3:30pm
Friday 12pm - 3:30pm

Telephone

+14137811484

Website

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