The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter Builds a Brighter Future in Deerfield
We had the pleasure of speaking with Marcia Miller, President of the Friends of the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter, about an exciting new chapter for the shelter — a brand-new facility currently being built in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
Photo: Kendrick and Faith
Building a Bigger, Better Shelter
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter is growing — literally. Special permits have been approved for a new 7,000-square-foot facility in Deerfield, which will provide space for 20 dogs and include a dedicated sick ward for those needing isolation and special care.
This marks a major upgrade from the current Montague location, which can only house 8 to 10 dogs in limited space.
The new shelter will also welcome cats for the first time. Two cat rooms are being built — one for healthy cats and another for those that need to be quarantined. With this expansion, the shelter’s name will change to reflect its broader mission, though the new name has not yet been decided.
In addition to improved animal areas, the Deerfield building will feature offices for Animal Control Officers (ACOs) and shelter directors, who currently work in an extremely tight shared space. “They have made it work wonderfully,” Marcia said. “But to do the work the Sheriff’s Department asks of them, they need a bigger building.”
Photo: Bailey and Oliver
Serving Animals and the Community
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter was founded in 2012 after the Sheriff’s Department recognized a growing need for a local resource to care for stray, abandoned, or displaced animals.
The Sheriff’s Department provides the shelter’s foundation by covering employee salaries, insurance, and utilities. However, the Friends of the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter handles the fundraising and animal care costs, including food, veterinary care, and supplies.
Beyond housing adoptable pets, the shelter also supports the work of four Animal Control Officers who respond to animal-related incidents throughout Franklin County. These include cases where dogs are injured, involved in domestic disturbances, or where owners can no longer care for their pets.
Sometimes, the shelter also cares for animals whose owners are under legal investigation or incarcerated. These pets aren’t eligible for adoption but still require daily care, affection, and attention — often for extended periods.
This is at the heart of the shelter’s mission: “to protect and improve the lives of stray, lost and unwanted dogs by offering a safe, welcoming facility, providing care and enrichment, and finding a home best suited for each animal.” The shelter serves as both a lifeline for local animals and a crucial community service that helps people during difficult times.
Photo: Otis and Faith
Community Support Makes It Possible
The Friends group plays an essential role in keeping the shelter running and raising funds for the new building. Their recent “Sounds for Hounds” fundraising event was a great success, with a strong turnout and generous community support.
But their work is far from done. While construction continues in Deerfield, the Montague shelter must still be maintained — meaning fundraising is ongoing. Every dollar raised for the new facility has come directly from donations and community fundraising.
The shelter’s Fall Appeal Campaign is on the way. Those who have donated in the past can expect a letter soon, and anyone can give through the shelter’s website at any time.
Photo: Stitch
How You Can Help
The shelter is always looking for volunteers to help with everyday tasks like feeding and cleaning the animals, doing laundry, and socializing the dogs. Volunteers play a critical role in keeping the shelter running smoothly and ensuring the animals receive love and care.
All volunteers must complete a CORI background check, and details about how to apply can be found on the shelter’s website.
Community members are also encouraged to schedule appointments to visit the shelter. Spending time with the animals helps them adjust, trust, and thrive — and it’s one of the best ways to support their well-being.
Photo: Luke
Finding Forever Homes
Most of the dogs in the shelter are available for adoption, though some are temporarily ineligible due to ongoing legal or personal situations involving their owners.
Marcia praised the shelter’s dedicated employees for their exceptional ability to match pets with the right families. “These people have a gift for placing certain dogs with certain people,” she said. “I think that's one reason they don't have dogs returned to them.”
Photo: Polly
Looking Ahead
As construction continues, excitement is building for what’s to come. The new Deerfield facility will give the shelter the space and resources it needs to care for more animals than ever before, while introducing new programs and expanding its reach to cats as well as dogs.
Through the hard work of the Sheriff’s Department, the Friends organization, and the support of community members like you, the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter continues to provide hope — and second chances — for animals in need.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit the shelter’s website, fcrdogkennel.org, and become part of this important mission.
Photo: Yogi
Learn about other local non-profit organizations in my blog series, Notice Non-Profits.
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