Sweetpea’s mission is to rescue stray, abandoned, or mistreated dogs and cats from Massachusetts, with a focus on Central Massachusetts. We do not import animals from out of state. Part of our mission is to provide education and training to the community in support of the ethical and kind treatment of animals.

We follow a strict no-kill policy. We only take on animals we can support until they are placed in a loving home or live out their life, we will never euthanize an animal to make room in the shelter for a more adoptable one. Only a terminally ill or dangerous animal would be put down.

By focusing on local dogs and cats in need instead of dealing in “inventory turns” of out-of-state animals we provide a special benefit to the community. Animals already in the community often become displaced because of family tragedies – a death, loss of a job, loss of stable housing, or the need to move into a care facility. When possible, we will take in those animals and help them find permanent homes, avoiding the second tragedy of pet euthanization.

We also believe that education, training, and local services are vital services that Sweetpea Friends of Rutland Animals can provide. We have hosted rabies clinics and pet CPR classes, and partnered with local stars like Aaliyah, a local Girl Scout Gold Award recipient who made her Gold Award project about animal behavior. You can see more about Aaliyah’s project here.

As we prepare to return to operation, we will have volunteer opportunities working with the animals and supporting the shelter. We’re excited about the opportunity to engage with more of our community as re-opening approaches.

We invite you to support our no-kill, Massachusetts community-focused organization with a donation. Your donation may be used to help us cover the bills on the property, like mortgage and utilities and, once those obligations are met, will be put towards projects that help us return to operation. .

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