Opening your house to a new pet is an amazing thing to do, and the day you come home from the shelter deserves celebration. But, if you’re not prepared, this day can end up being a last-minute scramble to buy supplies and afford adoption fees.
Luckily, we’ve prepared a guide for adopting a dog in Massachusetts. Follow along to get the low down on everything you need to support your new best friend.
Finding a dog in Massachusetts
Most U.S. households have at least one pet, according to The Humane Society, so adopting a dog will put you in great company. Dog ownership is a great way not only to make a new furry friend but also to get to know your neighbors and explore events in your area.
Start your search by looking through shelters in your county, either online (we’ve compiled a starter list below) or in person. As you browse their pictures and read dogs’ backstories, consider what type of pet works best for your lifestyle. Are you a small or big dog person? Do you need a running partner or a couch potato? Be honest with yourself, and you’re sure to find a great match.
Looking for a pet during the spring and summer months will increase your available options, as rescues usually see higher intakes during these times. Follow their posts online and social media to see if they schedule any adoption drives, as these often have discounted fees. You can also ask if they have any discounts for National Dog Day and Adopt a Dog Month.
Banned breeds in Massachusetts
Breed-specific regulation is illegal in Massachusetts, but only for municipalities. Private organizations—including businesses, landlords, and insurance companies—can prohibit certain breeds on their property. If you rent your apartment, condo, or home, consult your lease or contact your landlord to see if they’ll accept the dog you’re interested in.
The adoption process in Massachusetts
Shelters and rescues generally follow the same adoption process, outlined below:
- Find a dog you like and fill out an application.
- Once received, an adoption counselor will be in touch. If the counselor says the dog is still available, then you can schedule an appointment to meet them. These two steps can happen over the course of an hour (if you go to a shelter) or a few days (if you find your dog online).
- When the two of you meet, see how the dog interacts with you and others in your household. Note what you and your dog may need to work on in terms of behavior, such as jumping on strangers.
- If the dog is a fit, you can fill out the adoption paperwork. The shelter will use this information to contact your veterinarian and landlord, if applicable. If you don’t have a veterinarian, the shelter can recommend some.
- Once the paperwork is signed and the adoption fee paid, your adoption counselor will talk to you about proper dog ownership. This session will touch on topics like diet, training, and medical care.
- You’re ready to take your dog home!
Most shelters will spay or neuter any unaltered dogs that cross their doors, but this isn’t always possible. Some dogs are just too young to undergo the surgery, while others have medical needs that are more important.
If your pet of choice isn’t spayed or neutered before you bring him home, the shelter will issue you a voucher in exchange for a deposit of at least $40. You will need to use this voucher at a participating vet. Bring it back to the shelter alongside proof of surgery, and you’ll get your deposit back.
Licensing dogs in Massachusetts
All dog owners in Massachusetts are required to license their pets each year, assuming the animal is at least 6 months old. While this is a state-wide law, the actual licensing process can be done in your hometown.
To acquire a dog license, you’ll need either proof that your dog is vaccinated according to section 145 or certification from your vet that the dog is exempt from these requirements.
The first vet visit
The rescue should give you all the information they have regarding your dog’s medical history. Take this information to your first veterinary visit.
You’ll want to schedule a check-up within a week of bringing your dog home. This gives you the chance to catch anything the rescue may have missed, such as kennel cough or parasites.
How much it costs to adopt a dog in Massachusetts
Pet rescues and shelters rely on adoption fees to help pay for a number of operating costs, including facilities rent/mortgage, medical care, and standard pet supplies. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that adopting a dog can cost a few hundred dollars. Know that your money goes to providing the best care possible for countless companions.
To help you gauge how much it will cost to adopt a dog, below are rescue fees from three popular shelters in Massachusetts:
Great Dog Rescue New England
- Cost: $425 for adults and $495 for puppies 5 months and younger
- What it covers: spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping, two veterinary examinations, and testing for heartworm, Lyme disease, and Ehrlichia
Northeast Animal Shelter
- Cost: $150 for dogs 7 years and older adopted by seniors, $325 for dogs 7 years and older, $350 for non-spayed/neutered dogs ages 1 to 6, $450 for spayed/neutered dogs ages 1 to 6, $450 for dogs non-spayed/neutered dogs less than 1 year old, $550 for spayed/neutered dogs less than 1 year old
- What it covers: spay/neuter (if applicable), age-appropriate vaccinations (including distemper combo and rabies), deworming/preventative deworming, microchipping, veterinary exam and certificate (including testing for heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis), behavior evaluation results, free follow-up exam with participating veterinarians (must be used within seven to 30 days), free 30-day trial of Trupanion Pet Insurance, collar (for dogs older than 4 months)
Sweet Paws Rescue
- Cost: $485 for dogs 18 months and older, $525 for dogs less than 18 months old
- What it covers: spay/neuter, microchipping, deworming, and age-appropriate vaccinations
Where to adopt a dog in Massachusetts
Keep in mind that this is just a small number of places where you can adopt a dog in Massachusetts. There are dozens more, so don’t give up if you don’t find your next pet in these locations.
- Animal Rescue League of Boston: Operating for more than 120 years, the Animal Rescue League fights against the root causes of animal abuse by partnering with local law, state, and federal enforcement to investigate cruelty claims.
- Buddy Dog Humane Society: Hosts an annual fundraiser/festival, Woofstock, to support dogs, rescue groups, and businesses from across New England.
- Great Dog Rescue New England: A shelterless, nonprofit, all-breed rescue headquartered in Massachusetts and serving the entire New England area.
- Northeast Animal Shelter: Operating for more than 40 years, their variety of programs include Saving Homeless Pets Across America, Mother Animal Spay, and Senior Visitation.
- Sweet Paws Rescue: A foster-based rescue that works primarily within the poorest counties in Mississippi and Alabama, transporting at-risk animals from the south to Massachusetts.
Creating a care budget for your dog
Caring for a dog can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per year, depending on their age, medical requirements, training level and more.
Recurring expenses include:
- Food
- Toys
- Waste bags
- Treats
- Exams and vaccinations
- Dental care
- Dog walking services
- Boarding/pet sitting
- Parasite and flea/tick preventative
- Pet insurance
One-time purchases include:
- A leash and collar or harness (which you may get from the shelter)
- A crate and bedding
- Training sessions
- Grooming products
- Pet-friendly cleaning products
- Puppy pads
A note about pet insurance
If your dog is prone to health issues or older in age, pet insurance may save you hundreds in medical bills. Look at various insurance coverage options alongside your dog’s medical history and determine if insurance would be a good investment.
Getting ready for your new dog
Buy the essentials ahead of time so your dog’s introduction to their new home goes smoothly. Pet-proof your living space, then go grab the following:
- Food, bowls, and treats
- Collar/harness
- Leash
- An appropriately-sized crate
- Toys
- Grooming tools
- An enzyme cleaner (accidents are common in the first few days)
And then, bring home your new pet
Ready to have fun? Your dog certainly is! The two of you will soon share a unique bond that can’t be broken. And when your schedule gets tough, you can always rely on Rover’s qualified dog walkers and dog sitters in Massachusetts to have your back.