Dakin Humane Society
Our Mission
Dakin Humane Society delivers effective, innovative services that improve the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them. We envision a world where services supporting the human-animal bond are accessible to all and companion animals are no longer vulnerable.
Our Story
Since our inception in 1969, Dakin has grown into a national leader in animal welfare and a cornerstone of the Western Massachusetts community. We believe that people are inherently good and will make positive decisions for animals when treated with kindness and equipped with the right resources and information.
How We Help
As a community-supported 501(c)(3) organization, we rely entirely on private contributions from compassionate individuals rather than government funding. Our dedicated staff and nearly 600 volunteers provide essential shelter, medical care, and spay/neuter services to more than 20,000 animals each year. We utilize a blend of shelter-based care and foster homes to ensure every animal receives the support they need before finding their forever family.
Your Adoption Journey
We believe that every interaction is an opportunity to treat all beings with respect, and we are committed to helping you find the perfect animal friend to join your home. Our adoption process focuses on providing you with clear information about each pet’s history and preferences, ensuring a thoughtful, lasting match. Whether you are seeking a senior companion or a spirited kitten, our team is here to support you with behavior resources and guidance long after you leave our doors.
Join Our Community
Ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to visit our adoption center in Springfield, Tuesday through Saturday, to see all the wonderful animals currently waiting for their second chances. You can also explore our available residents in real-time on our website or reach out to learn more about our adoption process today.
- Staff empathy and dedication
- Efficient adoption processes
- Communication breakdowns
10/25 - Regional Notebook: Oct. 26, 2026 - Greenfield Recorder
Quabbin Photo Group to present nature photographer’s program, ‘I See You’ BELCHERTOWN — The Quabbin Photo Group will feature Dale Monette’s program “I See You,” a compilation of his nature photographs along with how he captured the images, on Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State St. “Throughout my […]
10/21 - Dakin Humane Society Names Marla Shelasky Associate Director of Development - BusinessWest
SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society has named Marla Shelasky associate director of Development, according to Director of Development and Marketing Molly Biechele. Shelasky will plan and implement strategies for all […]
9/24 - Fee-Free Shelter Dog Adoption Weekend Aims To Find 100 Pups Forever Homes
MSPCA-Angell said shelter space is short with dog adoptions down 19 percent year over year.
8/4 - Dakin Humane Society joins ‘Clear the Shelters’ reduced fee adoption campaign
Dakin Humane Society is taking part in the annual ‘Clear the Shelters’ nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign to find homes for animals.
7/30 - My Turn: Black cats treated like garbage - Greenfield Recorder
Guess what, there are approximately 80 million feral cats in the United States. We throw away cats and kittens like we do our garbage. I am not speaking without back up of some of these stats. We live near the South Deerfield grammar school and near the loud Amtrak rails. We end up with at […]
7/26 - Regional Notebook: July 27, 2026 - Greenfield Recorder
Franklin County students make HCC dean’s list HOLYOKE — The following Franklin County students were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Holyoke Community College: Jamie Lynn Chase of Buckland; Samantha Ann Melnik of Deerfield; Catherine Rose Freitag, Thomas Edward Martin, Nora Rose Noble, Christopher Rowell, Elizabeth Sanchez, Amber Michelle Taylor and […]
7/23 - Dakin Humane Society seeks urgent cat food donations for local families
The Dakin Humane Society is facing a critical shortage of dry cat food for its Pet Food Bank.
7/10 - Mikey the tabby looking for home after longtime stay at Dakin in Springfield
This black-and-brown, long-haired cat named Mikey is up for adoption in Springfield, with fees half off until July 11.
7/8 - Local animal shelters unite after virus outbreak forces TJO Adoption shutdown
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO) is currently managing outbreaks of canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia, which have led to th…
7/6 - Cat adoption fees 50% off at Western Mass. shelter this week
The Western Mass. shelter is halving cat adoption fees this week to help manage a surge in cats and kittens needing homes.
7/6 - Area Briefs: League of Women Voters requests book donations for annual sale - Daily Hampshire Gazette
League of Women Voters requests book donations NORTHAMPTON — Book donations are welcome from July 7-24 for the 75th annual book sale of The League of Women Voters of the Northampton Area. All categories of hardcover and paperback books in good condition are accepted except for textbooks over 10 years old. Books can be dropped […]
6/11 - Pet of the Week: Meet Tiger
It’s time for Mass Appeal’s Pet of the Week and today we’re introducing you to a 3 month old male kitten named Tiger.Lee Chambers is here from Dakin Humane Society to tell us more…
5/28 - Mass Appeal live at Dakin Humane Society
We’re live at Dakin Humane Society this morning with some important pet information for owners, fosters, and volunteers. With the warm weather we have some pet safety tips with Dr. Jack Muth …
10/23 - Smudge and his adorable white toes are ready to hit the road and head to your place! Adopt Smudge at Dakin- 50% off ALL adoption fees now through 10/24! We’re open tomorrow from 12:30 - 3:00!
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10/22 - OZZY is ready to find his adoptive family and set out on his next big adventure! Now through 10/24, adoption fees at Dakin are 50% OFF while we celebrate Subaru Loves Pets! 💙🐾
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10/17 - SWING is looking for a calm, patient adopter who can give him all the time he needs to warm up and let his personality shine! Dakin’s adoption center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:30 - 3:00 in Springfield!
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10/15 - UPDATE — ADOPTED! 🥳 WINDY is at Dakin Humane and she wants to meet you! We’re open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:30 - 3:00 at 171 Union St, Springfield! 💙
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10/9 - Meet BETTY at Dakin Humane! We’re open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:30 - 3:00 at 171 Union St, Springfield!
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10/5 - CINNA is now available from a foster home. If you’re interested in adopting this handsome guy, email us and include your phone number in your email! ➡️ Springfield@dakinhumane.org
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