Thomas J O'Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center

Luis Roman

2024-03

I am utterly disgusted by my experience with TJO Animal Control Center. After my beloved cat went missing, I was relieved when someone found him and brought him to the center. However, my relief quickly turned to horror when they accused me of not being his owner, citing a microchip registered to someone else.I explained that the original owner willingly gave him to me due to her children's allergies and that I had temporarily entrusted him to a friend due to changes in my landlord's pet policy. Despite providing all the necessary paperwork, including adoption records, they callously gave my cat away, claiming he wasn't mine.Heather, the supervisor, and Cindy, her employee, showed no empathy or interest in my heartfelt explanation. They callously dismissed my anguish and proceeded to rob me of my beloved companion.I implore anyone reading this to steer clear of this heartless establishment. These people are devoid of compassion, acting as nothing more than selfish thieves. Avoid TJO Animal Control Center at all costs and seek assistance elsewhere for your beloved pets. I will be escalating my complaint to the executive director and sharing my harrowing experience on social media.Save yourselves the pain and anguish – look elsewhere for your pet needs.Sincerely,~Luis R.

Ashley Rochester

2024-03

My soon to be ex-husband dumped my dog here. After finding out, I went here and got her back. The staff was so gracious and she was in great shape. I am so thankful for the staff at TJO. Beyond grateful for these people and their establishment for housing my dog and taking care of her. Thank you thank you so very much!!!!!! I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for a safe, loving animal in a wonderful environment with caring staff.

Bella Blue

2024-04

The staff aside from one were very helpful and happy to see people interested in their animals. They take great care of them, the animals respond well and are relaxed. The dogs love the staff and respond well to attention.

Lizandra Nieves

2023-06

I love this place. I love everyone who works for the welfare of the animals they care for so perfectly well. I am very happy to be able to adopt Ms. Claus as she has filled my life with happiness 💕

Dale Flynn

2024-01

Tjoconner is amazing at what they do. I have adopted multiple dogs and cats from here and therefore it is easy to recommend them and give them a 5 star rating. I strongly recommend them to everyone and they make the addition to your family extremely easy and smooth with anything you may need

Bonnie Germain

2023-09

I stopped in TJO the other day looking for a donation of dry food for my rescued cat, Chloe. I'm unemployed, no money to buy food and litter, and you cannot use SNAP for pet food. TJO was very kind and donated a couple of bags of dry food for my cat, Chloe. I received a box of clumping b letter from a separate donation. Chloe was so excited to see what I brought home for her. She understands. Thank you so much for your kindness and help.Bonnie and Chloe

Sara Settimio

2023-05

I’ve had my dog now for 5 years and truly don’t get why they first told me she was untrainable and aggressive when in reality she was just scared because the couple who initially adopted her ended up returning her not even a week later. They allowed an old couple to adopt a 6 month old puppy and when she was brought back they tried to get me to not adopt her claiming she was “too aggressive and doesn’t get along with cats”. Clearly don’t listen to anyone that works there, whatever they tell you about the pet you want to adopt is for sure the complete opposite. The fact that they’re a kill shelter should tell you everything.

Steve B (C2C)

2024-01

Stopped in the other day to help volunteer. Everyone was so nice. The place was very clean and the animals all appeared well cared for. The people that work here have such big hearts!!

Heather Gillespie

2024-01

I dropped off two dogs i found today on the street. Coincidentally, they are similar to my two dogs but there are clear differences. Lori pulled up my personal facebook and pulled up a picture of my dogs, and seemingly accused me of trying to anonymously surrendermy own two dogs, even after i told her multiple times the two dogs i brought in were not mine. The owners did come and pick up the dogs maybe an hour later. this has left a bad taste in my mouth, and just wanted to share that i am disappointed as i was just trying to do what was best for the dogs and felt attacked. I sent an email explaining what happened with no response.

Jeff Benoit

2023-12

Cindy was great she new exactly what my mom could handle for a cat she suggested a three legged cat named Sheba and it has worked out great. Sheba has shown my mom love and it has made my mom happier. We want to thank TJO for a great experience.Jeff Benoit

Bruce Boutin (Bruce)

2022-05

This is where I got my last medical compared your dog. Her was Lady. I'm just got out of surgery and I'm spine when it was time impound a doctor named Dr Atkins she does home euthanasia. It was the most wonderful experience I ever had. I will definitely go back TJ O'Connor for my next companion

Nicole Edson

2023-06

Best place to get any animal they're very clean very nice and very respectful people. This was the cat that you guys had whose name was Nelly and now her name is Skyler Williams

Lynne Easton

2024-02

Tj O'Connor was a great place to adopt our beautiful new kitty. He's such a sweet little guy, and the process was not difficult at all.

peggy acosta

2024-01

It'd Christmas waitted 4 months to get my kids a kitten and came here first right so because u know u want to help right and not go to breeders every month u came checked on a kitten and so I ask the lady that help there how about this cute little kitten here she says will do u have kids I say yes they are the ones I've been coming every week and past months before Christmas she says iam so sorry but it says here on his chart it will do better with no kids and so I said and how about this one no I don't think so this cat has dibities and this kitten yes sure but it comes as a pair okay will I guess I'll come back lady says okay iam so sorry though no problem so I come back something no don't do well with kids will I got in my car Christmas is over still no friend especially after thier father leaving them for another women and don't want to have anything to do with them and will no father and that adorable kitten to cheer them up and lay with them at night so I sat in my car I cried single mom cant give that much so this is what they only wanted but they didn't get it so what else is thier to do go to another animal shelter price goes up to 300 from 150 so let me see I dried my tears will I guess criglist it is .marry Christmas kids.

Rachael Frank

2019-05

Had heard great things about these guys, and even worked with a local friend to send some of our strays in to them. All were adopted out–which is awesome.Our favorite stray went missing and turned up, obviously starving (she was basically skin & bones). Figured TJO could help her.Brought her down. The staff refused to look at her (literally) and wouldn't examine her. They spend more time trying to "discredit me" (saying no cats ever came in from my house, even though I can literally prove otherwise) and trying to convince me that there is "no hope" for this cat and it would be "more humane" to put her to sleep (because it's getting cold outside) than to try and treat her and let her back out.When I wasn't buying any of that idiocy–they tried to coerce me into surrendering the cat to them with the promise that they would, "take care of her" after I left. AKA "put her to sleep when I step out the door."That was back in December (2018).I'm eternally grateful that they were such lazy humans; because of them, Spare Cat got to see Dr. Ricksgers (our regular vet) and is happy and healthy after being fed and receiving some antibiotics.She's still mostly feral, but can absolutely live inside with humans with no problem (she just doesn't like being pet.), she uses her letterbox like a champ, she can go for her regular vet visits with no problem, and she even plays with her toy mouse at night (when she thinks no one is around.)The lesson here is: don't take any animals you DON'T want put to sleep into TJO.

Laurena Hernandez

2024-02

Got our last baby hereHe was wonderful! Passed away last MayCenter was very clean. Staff was nice and helpful

Linda Payne

2020-05

I adopted two of the greatest dogs. TJO made it very easy. They do not charge much at all. I would highly recommend them if you're looking to love an abandoned pup.

Dan Hall

2020-05

My dog escaped twice from or back yard over the the last 3 years, both times he ended up at T.J.O.C. it was kind of a process to get him out of doggy jail do to the fact that he had no license. The fact is that they kept him safe and took great care of him. You can tell when you go in there that all of the staff just really care about animals. We are happy to have are babies back.

David B

2024-03

Nothing more than a puppy mill without the metal cages , animals are nothing more than $$$$ sitting in a holding bin waiting for the first person in line with cash in hand . “Gotta get them out the door”. What a motto for a rescue ! Sad to see how bad it’s gotten here - won’t drop off donations here ever again

Lisa Kessler

2023-05

My Casper was a rescue and he is the most precious kitty. I would like to find a furry companion for Casper since his buddy Casey passed.

Cassandra K

2020-05

Adopted a cat from here. Hadn't it been for the staff's suggestion we wouldn't have chosen to meet her, turns out she is a perfect match for our family. Animals appear to be well taken care of, staff is friendly, prices are affordable. Overall great experience. Only negative would be the wait times.

Miguel Colon

2023-11

Do not trust this place! We were supposed to pick up our dog the next day, but instead TJ O'Connor decided to euthanize our dog! This place is truly evil and sickening and I pray that one day this place gets shut down.

Tim P

2022-05

TJO offers services the Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee. These are some of the most compassionate people you were going to find. Doing a very hard job with very limited resources. They do an outstanding job, servicing the community and maintaining a professional clean facility.

Edith McLaughlin

2021-05

I adopted my boy Finnley as a companion for my older dog Riley. They were wonderful about making sure I knew he was a handful before I got him but he was great with me. He has responded well to training and is a cuddle bug, and loves everybody except for the trash men.

Lindsey G

2023-06

The staff is very rude and very disorganized. When we originally went in the first time with an appointment to look at 2 kittens, I was let in by the executive director after she asked what I was there for. She then proceeded to her office without telling us where to go or even telling anyone we were there. We stood there for a few minutes waiting for someone to acknowledge my boyfriend and me. Finally a man asked if he could help us then said Cindy is with someone but she will be right with you. The message was never relayed that we were there waiting. Eventually she realizes we are standing there. We go to see the 2 kittens who happen to be in a cage next to 3 other kittens. We got yelled at, not asked politely not to touch both sets of kittens as we could get them sick. Understandable, but still could have been nicer. They give us a few minutes alone and I hear Cindy yelling are they done?! Get them out of there! We do decide to adopt the 2 kittens we went to see and after signing the paperwork and she is scheduling for me to pick them up after being fixed and she was again very rude insisting I get there before 4 on Tuesday and I inform her I work until 3:45 . This is unacceptable to her apparently and I begin to ask about a Thursday since they're open later and I didn't even get to finish my sentence before she snaps no because the longer they stay there the more likely they are to get sick. I end up being able to leave work early that day and get there before 4 and I'm still there waiting at 4:30 which is what time I would have originally gotten there that was considered too late in the day as she would be feeding and medicating animals. My bf had also ended up meeting me there and when he got to the door another girl rudely asked what he wanted and when he told her she just said oh and let him in. All because she was already dealing with someone .The whole time we are there waiting to get the kittens, they are trash talking other people who have come in for one reason or another after they were no longer in the building.

Clifford Gorneault.

2022-05

We adopted Blanca today ,It was a great day The staff,especially Matt were very helpful with everything we needed to do to adopt our new family member Thank you again for making the process easy and enjoyable and thank you for Blanca

Angie Ramirez

2019-05

First time I rate any organization with a 5-STAR. TJOC is the very first. Highly organized, protocols followed, hygienic, you take your adopted pet with more than basic vaccinations, flee and ticks first month included, spayed and neutered.Knowledgeable staff at TOC go over the clinical record with you. Explained in detailed and follow up how are you doing with your animal companion.You also can share your pictures and experience at thier Facebook page.I've visited about 4 shelters in West Massachusetts. All of them desorganized barely hygienic, staff is rude.

Katherine Cooley

2023-07

We are very thankful for TJO - we love our kitty that we adopted from them.The reason for the lower rating: I was not informed that the cats at the shelter were sick and that I would be bringing home a sick cat until I arrived the day of adoption. Cats inevitably get sick - especially in shelters. I would just like to have known ahead of time, especially because I have c-PTSD and OCD - surprises can be very triggering/stressful to me. Hence why I was getting an emotional support animal for home.As someone with a very traumatic past with FIV/FeLV cats (lost them both unexpectedly, 6 months apart), I am glad the shelter tests for FeLV. I am however upset that they do not test for FIV. While cats can live healthy lives with FIV, if a positive kitty comes into the shelter, they are now at risk of getting the other cats infected through saliva/bites. If it is a cost issue, I would have gladly paid for the testing. If it is because the lack of reliability in testing, then why would I bother testing them at my vet, if the test is so unreliable?I think owners have a right to know if they are taking home a sick kitty that will inevitably need more medical (financial) care in the future. Some people will not be able to provide that. Thankfully, there are options nowadays but not everyone is lucky to have the options that I have.I was also not able to interact with the cat I came to visit before adopting. Cindy opened the cage and said to not touch him because I would get him sick. I love this cat so much and do not regret adopting hi. However, we did not know he wouldn't like to be touched, pet, or brushed before adopting him. It's difficult having an emotional support animal who I cannot look to for physical comfort. They need to let adopters interact more with the cats somehow - maybe suggest masks, washing hands, gloves, whatever.Secondly, I was sitting with my kitty waiting to see the vet at the shelter and the director, Lori, was talking to a woman on speakerphone. After they hung up, Lori preceded to talk badly about the customer on the phone to those around her. She was also rude to staff - condescending towards Cindy, the adoption coordinator.Lori does not have the communication skills to be in a leadership position. With all the complaints towards her, I am unsure why she still has this position. I see in a review below, she was seen talking badly about clients she just had been working with. I can imagine she is protecting all of the hate she has for herself onto clients. Sounds like she needs to find a good therapist and another job. She was absolutely miserable.

LNH

2022-05

The "Girls Of Greatness" had their first Community engagement experience. Donated items to pets in need. Great volunteer name Marilyn! Very helpful and informative 🙏❤!!

NANCY

2024-04

So nice and so appreciative of donations received for the sweet shelter pets.