Pioneer Valley Humane Society formerly the Greenfield Area Animal Shelter

What are Dixie Dogs?

Dixie Dogs are dogs who are transported from overcrowded shelters in Southern states (such as Kentucky) so they can get a second chance at life - here in New England!

Why does your shelter have Dixie Dogs?

If you have been searching for a dog in New England shelters, you already know that there are very few family dogs in need of homes in our local area. New England is the home of animal welfare, and we've been working on spay/neuter longer than other areas of the country. We no longer have shelters in New England that are euthanizing dogs who are healthy and non-aggressive.

The situation in the south and midwest is very different; there are many counties in these areas that take in thousands of dogs and puppies every year - dogs and pups who are healthy, friendly family pets - and euthanize nearly all of them. People in very poor areas of these states are not able to provide spay/neuter surgery for their pets. Transporting these dogs and pups to shelters in New England is their only chance at life.

What about cats?

Sadly, the situation for cats and kittens remains grim in New England. New England still euthanizes huge numbers of healthy, friendly cats and kittens because there are just too many. There are not enough homes for all that are born. There are many reasons why the situation is different for cats and dogs; they include people's attitudes towards cats (often perceived as less valuable than dogs); the fact that stray cats are tolerated and fed - and have kittens - while stray dogs are picked up by Animal Control; and cats' super-efficient breeding! Cats are very, very good at making kittens. We have many different spay/neuter assistance programs available to help our local cats.

Why is there a $100 transport fee for Dixies?

All Dixies have a $100 transport fee added to our regular dog or puppy adoption fee. This fee helps cover some of the extra costs associated with Dixie Dogs. We reimburse our Southern partner shelters for the vet bills for the dogs they send to us. Transporting the dogs up to Massachusetts is expensive. Once they arrive in Massachusetts, the state requires that they undergo a 48 hour quarantine. Then, they must be examined by a veterinarian and given a health certificate to ensure they are healthy. In addition, we treat all our Dixies with extra anti-parasite medications, because internal and external parasites are so prevalent in the South. It costs a lot to give a needy Southern dog a chance at life!

What's cool about the Dixie program?

- We save dogs' lives.

- Our Dixies are specifically chosen for their soft, gentle temperaments.

- We are able to match them up with local families who are looking for a loving family dog, and want to save a life by adopting.

- We help our southern partners by sending them supplies they desperately need to help local dogs - and financially support them as well, so that they can gradually improve their local conditions.