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.
