We are so sorry, but we not able to accommodate adoptions to Massachusetts addresses.
The adoption of dogs from outside of Massachusetts by Massachusetts residents is very hard to facilitate due to burdensome animal importation requirements mandated by the state, even on animals from neighboring states like RI.
We sincerely apologize to those Massachusetts residents who wish to open their homes to a homeless animal from our rescue but are faced with this barrier. We are committed to providing a superior and efficient adoption experience for our dogs, volunteers and adopters, and the current regulatory climate in Massachusetts does not allow for that experience with our organization. There are many reputable rescues and adoption facilities located in Massachusetts; see here for a list of licensed groups.
If you are finding it difficult to adopt a pet in MA, or are frustrated by our inability to adopt to you, we would like to ask that you share your pet adoption experience with your state legislators. Only with your help will we be able to see changes in these regulations so that we may continue our mission to reduce the suffering of companion animals in Massachusetts.
More information on this:
While historically we have been able to follow and adapt to the numerous legal MA adoption regulations no matter how challenging or arbitrary they have been, our experience has shown that MA importation requirements:
- add no inherent value to the SOSARL adoption experience;
- do not increase the safety or health potential of the animal;
- do not increase the success rate of our adoptions;
- create additional paperwork/documentation/vetting tracking work;
- create additional stress (kenneling, handling and exams) on our dogs during an already very trying transition period;
- create additional [busy] work for and stress on our volunteer Adoption Counselors (we have a limited number of counselors) who are already maxed out;
- create additional transport and foster/RI ISO work for our volunteers;
- create barriers to matchmaking and efficient placement into adoptive homes;
- create additional burdens on our veterinary partners, who could otherwise be dealing with actual sick/in need animals, rescue or private;
- create additional expenses to adopters.
It is for these reasons that we have regrettably chosen to suspend all adoptions to MA addresses until these barriers are removed.