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Quincy Animal Shelter Quincy, MA · Est. 1999
Quincy, Massachusetts · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Every animal
deserves a
loving home.

We've placed over 7,500 dogs and cats into loving homes since 1999 — all thanks to our incredible volunteers and community supporters.

Meet Our Animals Support Our Mission
96% Save Rate
7,500+ Homes Found
1999 Est. in Quincy
Dogs available for adoption at Quincy Animal Shelter A cat at Quincy Animal Shelter
🕐 Adoption Hours
Tue – Thu: 11am – 4pm
Friday: By Appointment
Saturday: 11am – 4pm
99 Quarry St, Quincy MA
Our Mission

Advocating for animals, strengthening community

Our mission is to advocate for animals by providing safety until home placement of those in our care. We promote spay and neuter programs as a means to control pet overpopulation and continually strive to be the leading community resource for education on proper animal welfare.

Quincy Animal Shelter is primarily a volunteer-run organization. Incorporated in November 1999 as a non-profit Massachusetts charity, we operate under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. Every animal receives age-appropriate vaccinations, is spayed or neutered, and microchipped before being placed in its forever home.

Our annual budget runs approximately $250,000 to provide services to animals in our care. Our capacity is up to 12 dogs and 15–25 cats depending on ages and conditions.

A person adopting a dog from the shelter
96% National Save Rate
Adoption Fees

Your fee supports our mission

All fees are non-refundable and are tax-deductible voluntary contributions. QAS accepts cash and credit cards. All animals are current on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and microchipped.

🐕 Dogs
Puppies (under 1 year)$500
Dogs 1–10 years old$375
Dogs over 10 years$250

All dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated (Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella), and microchipped prior to adoption.

🐈 Cats
Kittens (under 1 year)$275
Cats 1–10 years old$225
Cats over 10 years$125

Kittens are spayed/neutered when they reach a minimum weight of 2 lbs. and are at least 8 weeks old.

All Adopters Must Agree To:
✓ Provide a loving home with proper medical care
✓ Annual veterinary checkups including rabies vaccination
✓ Dogs kept leashed or in fenced areas outdoors
✓ Dogs licensed annually as required by local law
✓ Animal will not be used for experimentation or sold
✓ Return animal to QAS if you can no longer keep them
Get Involved

Many ways to make a difference

We save animals' lives thanks to generous volunteers, foster parents, event attendees, donors, and community supporters who get involved.

💛
Donate

As an almost entirely volunteer-run shelter, your donations are what keep us going. Support Mickey's Medical Fund or Wesley's Feral Cat Program.

Give today
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Foster

Open your home to kittens, puppies, or animals needing temporary care. We provide all food, litter, and medical care — you provide TLC.

Become a foster
🙌
Volunteer

Volunteers are the backbone of our efforts. Walk dogs, care for cats, assist with adoptions, or help at events. No prior experience needed.

Join the team
🛍️
Wish List

We always have a shopping list! Drop off donated items at the shelter or ship directly from Amazon. Gift cards, food, and supplies are always needed.

View wish list
🎪
Propose an Event

We encourage our volunteers and supporters to share ideas for events and fundraisers. Submit your event proposal to our Board of Directors.

Submit a proposal
🏷️
Sponsor a Cage

Become a Guardian Angel by sponsoring a feline cage or dog kennel in honor of a loved one or friend. Makes a great gift for any animal lover!

Learn more
🧒
Kids That Care

So many amazing kids that care! QAS thanks the many schools, Boy Scout & Girl Scout Troops, and individuals who go to great efforts for us.

Get inspired
🛒
Shop to Help

Check out programs and vendors QAS is affiliated with. Every purchase contributes funds to QAS — have fun shopping while helping a worthwhile cause.

Start shopping
Volunteer with a dog at Quincy Animal Shelter
Volunteer

Join our volunteer family

Volunteers are the backbone of our efforts. No prior animal experience is required — we provide all training. Currently filling slots for April.

Commit to a minimum of 6 months, working at least one 2-hour shift per week
Same level of responsibility as a paid position — animals and your team depend on you
Roles include: Adoptions, Dogs, Cats, Medical Care, Foster, and Community Cats
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and have access to email and texting
All open slots are expected to be filled shortly. Please check back in April for new volunteer opportunities.
Learn About Volunteering
Foster Program

Give a temporary home, create a permanent difference

We always try to foster kittens out of the shelter. It's typically a 5–8 week period, and we provide everything — you provide love and a safe space.

  • We provide all food, litter, and medical care
  • We take care of the adoption process
  • Prefer fosters in the Quincy area for emergency transport
  • Foster kittens, puppies, nursing mothers, or animals recovering from illness
  • Even limited fostering helps reduce shelter stress and saves lives
Foster Application (PDF) Foster Guidelines
A kitten in foster care
We need foster families now — contact us to get started!
Wish List

Items we always need

Updated November 2025. Drop off donated items at 99 Quarry Street, Tuesday–Saturday from 11am–4pm (Fridays by appointment). Or ship directly from Amazon or Chewy!

✅ We Gratefully Accept
  • Gift cards to Stop & Shop, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, or Walmart
  • Gift cards to Restaurants, Hotels, Spas, Hair Salons for our events
  • New or gently used small and medium-sized pet beds
  • Clean towels of any size
  • Paper Towels & Bleach
  • XL Contractor Trash Bags
  • Dawn Dishwashing Liquid & Liquid HE Laundry Detergent (no pods)
  • Purina Pro Plan Canned Puppy Food
  • Purina Pro Plan Adult Dry Cat Food & Dry Kitten Food
  • Healthy Dog Treats for Training
  • Fancy Feast Canned Kitten, Classic Pate & Gravy Lovers
  • Friskies Adult Canned Shreds & Gravy Lovers
  • Cat Litter — All brands, unscented preferred
  • Dog toys and Cat toys
📦 View our Amazon Wish List Chewy View our Chewy Wish List
✗ We Cannot Accept
  • Bedding, blankets, comforters, and sheets
  • Dog ramps, stairs, gates, or wire crates
  • Large pet beds
  • Used cat furniture, cat trees, feeders, litter boxes, or food bowls
Cash Donations

Your tax-deductible cash donations allow us to purchase items when needed. Checks can be mailed to:

Quincy Animal Shelter
P.O. Box 690088
Quincy, MA 02269-0088

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is your euthanasia policy?
We have one of the highest save rates nationally at 96% — the common standard for no-kill shelters is 90%. We only consider humane euthanasia in two circumstances: (1) when an animal is in extreme pain without hope of recovery, or (2) if an animal has an extreme or highly unpredictable behavior making them a probable threat to injure others.
Is QAS the same as Animal Control?
No. Quincy Animal Control operates separately from Quincy Animal Shelter. Animal Control is a city function. QAS is a nonprofit volunteer organization. Animal Control can be reached at (617) 376-1364 at 99 Quarry St, Quincy, MA.
When is QAS open for adoptions?
Our adoption hours at 99 Quarry Street are:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11am – 4pm
Friday: By Appointment
Saturday: 11am – 4pm

We are closed Sunday and Monday.
How do I surrender a pet?
Due to limited capacity, all surrenders are by appointment only — call (617) 376-1349. There is a minimum $50 surrender fee per animal. Please bring your pet's medical records. Animals previously adopted from QAS get first preference. We maintain a waiting list when at capacity.
What do adoption fees cover?
Your non-refundable adoption fee helps us continue our high level of care. All QAS residents are current on vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before being cleared for adoption. Fees are tax-deductible voluntary contributions.
I found a stray dog — what do I do?
If you find a dog without tags, please call Quincy Animal Control at (617) 376-1364. For lost or found pets, visit our Lost & Found album on Facebook or post to the Quincy, MA Lost and Found Animals Facebook group. You can also report through Helping Lost Pets and Missing Dogs Massachusetts.
Our Programs

Special programs making a difference

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Wesley's Feral Cat Program

Our feral cat program helps community cats in the Quincy area. Animal Rescue League of Boston assists QAS with Community Cats. Donations to this program can be designated on your donation form.

💊
Mickey's Medical Fund

A dedicated medical fund to help animals with special healthcare needs. You can donate directly to Mickey's Medical Fund — just indicate it on your donation form.

🏷️
Sponsor a Cage or Kennel

Become a Guardian Angel by sponsoring a feline cage or dog kennel in honor of a loved one or friend. A thoughtful gift for any animal lover. Download form

🎗️
"I'm Animal Friendly" License Plate

The MA special license plate funds go to nonprofit humane organizations and municipal animal control agencies for spay/neuter programs. Benefits your community and the animals. Apply here

🎖️
Pets for Patriots

Companion pet adoption for service and veteran members of the U.S. military. QAS's first Pets for Patriots adoption was finalized with a Quincy resident and U.S. Air Force reservist named Anthony. Learn more

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The Scoop Newsletter

Stay up to date with shelter news, featured animals, upcoming events, and success stories. Sign up to receive "The Scoop" and be part of our community of animal lovers.

Subscribe today
Resources

Get help & community resources

QAS is an unwavering supporter of animals in need and for the people who care about them. We strive to provide high-quality direct animal care and community resources.

🚔
Animal Control

Quincy Animal Control operates separately from QAS. For stray animals, wildlife issues, or enforcement matters, contact Animal Control directly.

(617) 376-1364

99 Quarry St, Quincy MA 02169

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Lost & Found Pets

Lost and found pets are posted on our Facebook "Lost & Found" album. Check local Facebook groups, Missing Dogs Massachusetts, and Helping Lost Pets for reunification resources.

View resources
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Surrendering a Pet

We know circumstances can make caring for your pet difficult. We always work to find the best home. Surrenders by appointment only. Min. $50 surrender fee per animal.

(617) 376-1349
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Dog License Info

Dog licenses are obtained at Quincy City Hall. Licensing your dog is required by local law and helps ensure your dog can be returned to you if lost.

Learn about licensing
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Financial Help for Pets

If you're struggling financially, resources include the South Shore Pet Food Pantry, Fairy DogParents for medical bills, and pet-friendly housing searches at People With Pets.

View all resources
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Feral & Community Cats

Animal Rescue League of Boston assists Quincy Animal Shelter with Community Cats. QAS also runs Wesley's Feral Cat Program to help outdoor community cats.

More information
Meet Us

Our team & our story

Quincy Animal Shelter was incorporated in November 1999 as a non-profit Massachusetts charity. Since then, we have placed more than 7,500 cats and dogs into loving homes throughout New England.

We are primarily a volunteer-run organization, relying completely on our volunteers and the community for support. As a "no kill" shelter, we make every effort to find the right home for every adoptable animal in our care.

Our annual budget runs approximately $250,000 to provide services to the animals in our care. Our dream is to eventually find a larger facility to continue our mission on a larger scale.

Phone: (617) 376-1349    Fax: (617) 745-5736
Email: info@quincyanimalshelter.org

Our Team
Executive Director
Sandra Sines
Director of Operations
Donna Knauber
Director of Intake & Adoptions
Liz Henderson
Medical Manager
Karen DeFrancesco
Feline Manager
Jackie Fitzgerald
Canine Manager
Maura Porter
Marketing Team
Georgia Clifford
Samantha Ribeiro
Event Coordinator
Emily Duff
Donor Giving
Lianne Busa
IT Manager
Dennis Gibbons
Animal Control Officer
Nicholas Malvesti
Leadership

Board of Directors

Sandra Sines
President

Sandra began volunteering at QAS in August 1999 and has held positions including Canine Manager, Adoption Manager, Shelter Director, Foster Mom, Scoop Editor, and Board Member. Since 2019, she has served as President of the Board of Directors. She works as an Auto Claims Manager for Quincy Mutual Group and recently earned her Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution from UMass Boston.

Lynn Buskey
Vice President

Lynn has volunteered as a dog walker at QAS since 2018 and has been involved in many QAS fundraising events. She is an attorney practicing estate planning and estate administration, licensed in Massachusetts, Florida, and New Hampshire. She holds degrees from Holy Cross, Suffolk University, and the University of Miami School of Law. Lynn lives in North Quincy with her two rescued Chihuahuas, Samantha and Charlie.

Bill Sempolinski
Treasurer

Bill has been a QAS Board member since 2006 and handles all tax and financial matters. He is a prior Advisory Board member of the Boys and Girls Club of South Boston and has been a small business owner in the greater Boston area for 30+ years. He volunteers at QAS because it is encouraging to work with a dedicated, thoughtful, motivated and hardworking group of individuals.

Lianne Busa
Recording Secretary

Lianne serves on QAS's Board of Directors as Recording Secretary, responsible for monthly meeting agendas, minutes, and annual MA government filings. She started volunteering in feline care in September 2019 and still spends her Saturday mornings caring for the cats. She was elected to the Board in 2021 and serves as Vice President in Proposal Development for BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

Visit Us

Find us in Quincy

Physical Address
Quincy Animal Care Center
99 Quarry Street
Quincy, MA 02169
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 690088
Quincy, MA 02269-0088
Phone & Email
(617) 376-1349
info@quincyanimalshelter.org
Adoption Hours
Tuesday – Thursday11:00am – 4:00pm
FridayBy Appointment
Saturday11:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday & MondayClosed
Directions

From the North (I-93 S): Take Exit 9, merge onto Bryant Ave toward W Quincy. Follow Quarry St — turn left at the Quincy Dog Park sign. The shelter is up the hill on the right at 99 Quarry St.

From the South (I-93 N): Take Exit 8 (Furnace Brook Pkwy). Follow Furnace Brook Pkwy to the second light at Quarry St. Turn right on Quarry — 1.8 miles. Look for the Quincy Dog Park sign on your left, then turn there.