Learn more about adopting our pets if you live in Massachusetts.
Yes. Massachusetts has arbitrary state-mandated importation quarantine requirements. To learn more about barriers to pet adoption in MA, please read below. While we sincerely apologize to those Massachusetts residents who wish to open their homes to a homeless animal that is not MA-eligible, 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.
The State of Massachusetts requires that all dogs entering the state must be quarantined for a minimum of 48 hours per Animal Health Emergency Order, 1-AHO-05. This is required of all dogs entering the state, regardless of their health, age, vetting status, etc; ARNE complies with this order.
NOT ALL ARNE PETS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ADOPTION IN MA.
ARNE is approved to use specific facilities to meet this quarantine requirement; which facility is used and the timing of the quarantine period will be determined by facility availability and other factors at ARNE’s discretion once the adoption is finalized.
Please note that quarantine space may not be immediately available for your dog and this space can only be secured after the adoption is finalized.
You will be responsible for picking your pet up from the isolation facility/vet after it is approved for release. The dog will not be released to you until it passes the vet check upon completion of quarantine. Should the dog not pass the vet check, ARNE will bear any additional vetting/boarding costs until the time the dog is released and will be in touch with you as soon as possible with new details for their release date.
When you pick up your dog, a representative from ARNE may not be on-site. You will be given a copy of all of your dog’s vetting paperwork. If you have any concerns about the health of your dog, please call ARNE immediately and prior to going home with your dog at 401-317-9172. Should you not be able to pick up your dog directly following the vet check, you will be responsible for additional boarding expenses. Please advise info@arne-ri.org immediately if this is the case.
Currently, there is no additional charge to MA residents for quarantine costs. ARNE covers these costs ($150-$170 per pet) with adoption donations. ARNE adoption donations help to defray ARNE’s expenses for food, sheltering, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, quarantine, and veterinary care.
Please note: Adoption donations and quarantine fees are NOT refundable. Please carefully read the adoption contract to understand this policy. If you choose to cancel the adoption before taking possession of the dog, your deposit/ adoption donation WILL NOT BE refunded. If you have any questions or concerns about this requirement, please discuss this with your ARNE Adoption Coordinator. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation with MA State compliance.
