Saving Lives

As animal-welfare professionals, all our work comes down to one fundamental objective: saving lives. In this section, you'll find programs that address the many ways we do this, including adoptions, return to owner, transfer, enrichment for shelter dogs and foster care.

"If we aren't able to help humans, we won't be able to help other animals. It's that simple."
Leslie Harris, Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society executive director, on why it's important to create a culture of understanding and respect in the shelter

Adoptions Programs, from Proven Effective to New & Intriguing We've assembled programs that take in the full scope of adoption and those that address some of the trickiest placements, including older animals and thoroughly independent cats.

This Richmond SPCA program helped make a major attitude shift within the organization and across the community -and saves puppies and kittens from almost certain death.

Canine Enrichment on a Shoestring
Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary developed this innovative program with a tight budget and limited staff hours in mind.

Give a Dog (or Cat) a Ride
Thinking you'd like to set up a transfer program to increase adoptions? Check out our step by step profiles and sample forms from two very successful programs.