Adopt

My name is RICO!

Posted 12 hours ago

My basic info

Breed
Chihuahua
Color
Black
Age
Adult
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
22114629-A069374

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

OTHER PETS: Rico was neutral around other dogs, and didn't have a lot of interest in saying hello. He could get along well with another mellow dog in the home, but as always he must meet any dogs he'll be living with prior to adoption. [Likely (Must Meet First)]

OWNER EXPERIENCE: Rico would do best with someone that has an established relationship with a vet, and experience or willingness to learn about positive reinforcement. [Some Experience]

KIDS: Rico is comfortable with handling and hasn't shown any signs of resource guarding while at TJO. He would likely be a good match as a family dog, but as always interactions between children and dogs should always be actively monitored to ensure that both parties remain comfortable and safe. [Likely (Must Meet First)]

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Rico has not shown much interest in playing, but he does enjoy short walks around the block! While he's fairly independent, he will seek out his favorite people when he wants attention and is happy to spend time out in the sun. It's also possible that once his eye is removed and he receives a dental, his energy level will change. A combination of regular, moderate exercise and plenty of mental enrichment such as food puzzles and games will help meet his needs. [Couch Potato / Good Walking Buddy]

VETERINARY CARE: Rico currently needs one of his eyes removed and has signs of dental disease. He would likely do best with someone that has an established relationship with a primary veterinarian. [Above Average]

LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED: Positive reinforcement training will help Rico to not only learn his basic cues & skills, but also help him to bond with his new owner. [Minimal]

GROOMING: Due to his fur texture and length, Rico will need to be brushed routinely in order to prevent him from becoming matted. He may also do well with professional grooming appointments to help keep him clean and comfortable. [Routine Brushing]December 10, 2025, 9:52 am
Shelter

Contact info

Pet ID
22114629-A069374
Contact
Address
627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

Our shelter operates on a walk-in, first come, first served basis. The first step is to fill out an adoption application, answering some basic questions about yourself and your household. This will help the Animal Welfare Specialists facilitate the matchmaking process. Most adoptions take at least 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The Adoption Center is a busy place, so please be patient and allow yourself enough time for our process. THANK YOU!

What we will need to know when you adopt a new companion:

Other pets already living with you will need to be up-to-date on vaccination. This is to decrease the risk of spreading infectious disease from one animal to another.

It is important to understand that your new companion will be a member of your family. This can mean a
10-15 year commitment from you! Please bring along family members so we can make sure it will be a good match before you make a commitment. Also, if adopting a second dog, please bring your current dog with you---we can let them spend some time together and give you some suggestions on surviving the adjustment period.

Please be sure you have considered the financial obligation involved in caring for a companion animal. This includes routine veterinary and emergency care, in addition to food, supplies and training. The adoption counselors can give you an idea of basic costs involved for each type of animal.

Many animals adopted from shelters can require an immediate visit to the veterinarian. Because of the volume of un-vaccinated animals entering a shelter’s care, the risk of transmissible contagious diseases can be quite high. Kennel cough in dogs, and upper respiratory infections in cats are the two most common diseases that your newly adopted companion may experience. You must ask yourself if you have the financial means to care for your new friend, beyond the initial adoption costs.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT: Please be honest with yourself about the actual time you have to train, groom, and exercise the companion animal you have chosen. Some things to consider: Do you work long or erratic hours? Do you like outdoor activity? Who will care for your pet while you travel? Will your pet be the appropriate size when he or she is full grown? When adopting into a home with children: Are you adopting to teach your child responsibility, or are your adopting because you have a responsible child? Are your children comfortable around the animal you’ve chosen? Will YOU still remain committed to this animal when the children lose interest? Take the time now to consider these things and find the best match for your lifestyle!

We thank your for offering your home to a “pre-loved” companion. We hope he or she will be a wonderful addition to your family and your home!

Go meet their pets

Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Thursdays 2:00 PM- 7: 00 PM
Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and holidays

More about this shelter

The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center provides comprehensive animal control services and programs to our communities for the protection of animals, public health and safety, and the environment.

The Thomas J. O’Connor facility believes in providing a second chance to animals that are not reclaimed by an owner. Our center has a full-service adoption service, a service rarely offered through municipal animal control programs. TJO has an in-house veterinarian four days per week, responsible for shelter animal wellness and sterilization surgery. Adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and screened for other health concerns. Each animal is then placed into the adoption area to await a new home. Every animal is microchipped at the time of adoption.

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