Our Mission

Our mission is to provide humane professional care of unwanted, abandoned and stray animals in the Greater New Bedford and Fall River regions. We also educate the public, concerning animal welfare and advocate for humane treatment of animals everywhere.

Since opening our doors in 1911, the Animal Rescue League of New Bedford (a private 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization) has been serving needy animals throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. We have been located location at 31 Ventura Drive, North Dartmouth since 2003, and operating under the new name of The Humane Society & Shelter – SouthCoast,  We service the City of Fall River, Town of Dartmouth, Town of Wareham, Town of Marion, and overflow from the City of New Bedford for stray and abandoned animals. We also take in owner surrenders when we have room.

Many people even mistakenly think that the Humane Society of the United States runs all humane societies. They do not! Our Humane Society & Shelter – SouthCoast is not affiliated with any other Humane Societies. The Humane Society of the United States  help animals like through legislation and in disasters, but do not have a shelter themselves.

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