Dakin Humane Society

12/09/2025

There are quite a few cats at Dakin and in our foster homes who have 50% OFF adoption fees! Get to know them by checking out their online profiles at https://www.dakinhumane.org/adopt-a-pet

Make a connection in person — our adoption center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:30 - 3:00. To inquire about animals listed as “in foster”, email us!
✉️ [email protected]

Featured felines: Mackerel, Loki, Sadie, & Puff

12/09/2025

Mami, a beautiful tortoiseshell cat with golden eyes and a rosy pink nose was just under a year old when she arrived at Dakin’s Community Spay/Neuter Clinic. Her person, Fabiola, had recently learned from her sister about the “I’m animal friendly” license plate program through the Massachusetts Animal Coalition.

“I was so relieved when I found out they could help me,” Fabiola said. “At the time I wasn’t working, but I knew I didn’t want Mami to have kittens.”

Thanks to the support of this program, Mami received her surgery and bounced back quickly. Today, she’s thriving and deeply loved. “She’s such a playful cat,” Fabiola said. “She and the dog have fun together, but at the end of the day, I’m her favorite person. She’s my little companion, and I’m so grateful for her.”

Dakin is incredibly grateful to the Massachusetts Animal Coalition for their support and to all those who choose to purchase an “I’m animal friendly” license plate that helps fund spay/neuter surgeries throughout the state.

12/08/2025

While Ti**le the Wish List Elf took a dip in our bin of cat toys, he noticed that our collection of "mouse" toys is really dwindling! Dakin's cat residents LOVE to play with these plush and rattle mouse toys, and after many rambunctious play sessions, they need to be replaced!

Make a shelter cat's day — donate a package of exciting mouse toys from our online wish lists! All the cats (and Ti**le) thank you! 💙🐾

Amazon Wish List ➡️ https://buff.ly/gzsH03W

Chewy Wish List ➡️ https://buff.ly/AhJfMcN

12/08/2025

This week’s Spay/Neuter Clinic Patient of the Week has been awarded to a little lady with wiry whiskers and soulful eyes. Congrats, Pequeña! 💙🐾

12/07/2025

When two devastating apartment fires in Holyoke displaced nearly 100 families, Dakin was called on to support our local partner, Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, in meeting the urgent needs of impacted pet owners.

On Wednesday, Dakin delivered essential supplies to TJO including pet food, bedding, crates, and other items to help families keep their animals safe and cared for during the crisis.

Alanna Regan, Dakin's Adoption Center Manager shared, "Our hearts are with everyone who was affected by these tragic fires. During difficult times, we always want to be a reliable resource for our community and the organizations we work alongside."

By responding quickly and working together with other organizations, we were able to ensure that both people and their pets had the basic resources they needed in the immediate aftermath of the fires.

12/06/2025

Cardboard scratchers for cats? Good lookin' out, Ti**le!
Dakin’s Wish List Elf has begun his work! ✨

After lots of success with cardboard scratch pads in our Lion's Den, an area of the shelter for feral kittens, we're looking to expand the fun to our several large "colony" rooms for adult cats in the adoption center.

Scratch pads offer an additional level of enrichment for cats during a stay in the shelter, while also serving their instinctual need to keep their claws in shape, stretch, and communicate through scent with other cats.

We have very few of these cardboard scratchers, and would love to stock up our colony rooms and provide them for our feline residents! Ti**le asks that you check out cat scratchers on our Amazon wish list! 💙🐾 https://buff.ly/gzsH03W

12/05/2025

Everyone, say hello to Callie! 👋

This sweet, sensitive 8-year-old girl is looking for a calm, quiet home where she can truly shine. She’s a one-person cat—nervous with new people at first, but once she chooses you, she’s all in.

With her person, Callie becomes an affectionate companion who loves pets, cozying up on the couch, and settling into full-on couch-potato mode. In her previous home, the other cat caused her a lot of stress, so she’s ready for a space that’s all her own. She’s also nervous around young children, so an adult-only or older-kid household will help her feel safe and confident.

Meet Callie and all available animals at Dakin! The adoption center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:30 - 3:00 at 171 Union St, Springfield.

12/05/2025

It all started on a snowy December night in 2019 when we found a trail of glitter in our front lobby. We had no idea where it came from, but the next morning, it all became clear…

It all started on a snowy December night in 2019 when we found a trail of glitter in our front lobby. We had no idea where it came from, but the next morning, it all became clear.

12/04/2025

Dakin friends, you made Giving Tuesday SO special for animals in need!

We can’t thank you enough for your generous support. Because of you and over 350 animal heroes, we EXCEEDED our goal!

Counting our match, made possible by a very kind anonymous donor, more than $80,000 was raised to support Dakin's many programs and resources that provide for thousands of animals every year.

This outpouring of kindness means:

• More animals will find homes
• More medical services can be available for animals with extraordinary needs
• Dakin will continue to be the safe place where animals and people can turn when they need help

You led with your heart this Giving Tuesday and it’s hard to find the words to truly express our gratitude.

From ALL of us,

THANK YOU! 💙🐾

12/04/2025

⚠️COLD WEATHER ADVISORY ⚠️

Dakin friends, there’s frigid weather headed our way, with lows in the single digits. Keep dog walks very short and all cats indoors during periods of extreme weather.

More cold weather safety tips for pets ➡️ https://www.dakinhumane.org/blog-full/cold-weather-safety-prep-your-pets

12/04/2025

This past summer, Maria brought her bright-eyed, six-month-old orange kitten, Sumo, to Dakin’s Community Spay/Neuter Clinic for his neuter surgery. It wasn’t her first time trusting Dakin with a beloved animal companion. Years earlier, she brought her dog, Nala, in for her spay.

“When I called about Sumo’s surgery, they told me the cost, and I worried a little,” Maria recalled. “Times are tough right now, but they told me about the Massachusetts Animal Coalition grant, and that I could apply for help. Soon after, I learned we had been approved. I was so grateful—we were able to schedule Sumo’s surgery the next month.”

Maria wanted to make sure her playful kitten was neutered, not only to prevent unwanted behaviors, but also, if he ever managed to slip outside, he wouldn’t be responsible for litters of vulnerable kittens. Thanks to the support she received, Sumo got the care he needed and bounced back fast.

Today, the nine-month-old “little monster,” as Maria lovingly calls him, is thriving at home. “I’ve had him since he was a tiny kitten,” she said. “He’s so attached to me, and such a wonderful companion. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

Dakin is incredibly grateful to the Massachusetts Animal Coalition for their support and to all those who choose to purchase an “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate that helps fund spay and neuter surgeries throughout the state.