BARC, INC aka Belchertown Animal Relief Committee

07/24/2026

Al was taken in by Belchertown Animal Control with an eye injury. Ointments and other treatments weren't helping and his eye needed to be removed. We're proud to have funded his care at Westbrook Veterinary Hospital and are thrilled that he's been adopted and renamed Pirate!💙🐾

Help us save more cats like Pirate. Donate today: www.mvmacharities.org

Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts

07/21/2026

Way to go Belchertown Animal Control!

Received this in the mail today after they reached out requesting data for the 3d year in a row. This is the 3d year we have been recognized.
We are fortunate in this area to not have to euthanize for space. New England animal welfare advocates have gone to great lengths to push for spay/neuter and responsible pet ownership. With the support of our community we are able to find homes for the animals that come into our care.

07/15/2026

Have you ever wondered why your cat "makes biscuits" on your lap?

Kneading is a behavior that starts in kittenhood while nursing. As adults, many cats continue to knead when they feel relaxed, safe, and content. Cats also have scent glands in their paw pads, so kneading may help mark familiar people and places as part of their territory.

While not every cat kneads, those that do are usually showing that they're comfortable and trust you.

Does your cat love making biscuits? We'd love to hear about it in the comments!

07/13/2026

Happy Birthday Oliver Belchertown Police Department Comfort Dog! I hope you had a great day sweet boy! 💙🐾🎈

Happy 3rd Birthday to this handsome guy! I don’t even know where to start. 3 years of putting smiles on peoples faces and bringing happiness wherever we go. I literally can’t go anywhere without you and not have someone ask me “where’s Oliver?”! Seeing the kids faces light up when you walk into a school, being out at community events and having everyone look for you and ask about you makes my heart so happy. You are the best copilot, coworker and buddy anyone could ask for. You continue to amaze me every day. Sometimes I ask so much of you and you are always willing to give 100%. I don’t remember what life was like without you. I sure am glad Boonefield Labradors was willing to give me and The Belchertown Police Department a chance to start this program. Oliver, you have been such an asset to our department and I love every day I get to be with you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported us and believed in us along the way from our amazing community and surrounding communities. I can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store for you. ♥️🐾

💙 Valerie Austin

07/10/2026

Can you help? We are in search of Christmas patterned fabric? (cotton, please) Do you have any that you want to get rid of? Message us or you can drop off at Belchertown Animal Control.

07/06/2026

Want to know what we're up to? Interested in becoming a volunteer? Join us this Thursday, July 9 for our Monthly Board Meeting. We meet at Belchertown Animal Control, 165 George Hannum Rd., at 6:30pm.