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Strategic Plan Report

ARL’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan reflects our unwavering commitment to helping animals heal and thrive, keeping pets and people together, and protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. It will ensure we can continue to respond to the needs of animals and support a community in which animals are protected, safe, and healthy – in homes and out of shelters.

We’re excited to share the progress you helped make in 2024 towards our goals.

Together, we’re keeping pets and people together, delivering lifesaving care, expanding access to critical resources, and standing up for animals across Massachusetts.

ARL staff member petting dog


Our Goals


Goal 1: Provide high-quality care in our Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

Objective: Provide animals with the highest standards of care to help them heal and thrive in their new homes.

    • Found loving homes for 3,518 animals, 18% received behavioral support to help them thrive in their new homes.
    • Provided 6,300 veterinary exams and surgeries to shelter animals.
    • Helped 1,181 community cats (cats that live outdoors, a 32% increase over 2023.

Goal 2: Support animal health with our professional services.

Objective: Advance pet health and well-being through dog training courses and exceptional veterinary care.

    • Trained 871 dogs with 20% more course offerings, including shorter workshops focusing on common challenges pet owners face in daily life
    • Provided 2,122 animals with routine and life-saving care at Boston Veterinary Care (BVC).

Goal 3: Keep pets and people together.

Objective: Empower families and help more pets stay in their homes by expanding access to innovative community services, including low-cost veterinary care, temporary pet housing, and pet food.

    • Provided $6.7M worth of veterinary care to the community, including: 4,700 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries in Greater Boston, Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands; and 3,770 low-cost veterinary wellness exams in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and East Boston.
    • Saw a 24% increase in temporary housing clients, with 42 pets placed into temporary housing while their owners addressed housing and health needs.
    • Provided 255,194 pet meals to the community, a 100% increase since inception in 2020.

Goal 4: Improve the lives of animals.

Objectives: Lead the way for animal welfare by advancing laws and policies that benefit animals, providing training for local and state police and animal control officers, and creating the next generation of compassionate animal advocates through humane education opportunities for youth.

    • Played a key role in passing several bills, including: regulating pet daycare and boarding facilities; prohibiting the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks old; and making Massachusetts the fourth state to ban cat declawing
    • Assisted 1,300 animals by investigating cruelty, abuse, and neglect.
    • Provided 13 training sessions for 700 Animal Welfare professionals in 2024, including at the Massachusetts State Police Academy, veterinary and animal welfare conferences, and human service organizations.
    • Welcomed 216 youth at Humane Education events, an 18% increase over 2023.

Goal 5: Invest in our people.

Objective: Ensure ARL is a great place to work and volunteer by meeting high satisfaction standards and advancing diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and justice within our organization and the communities we serve.

    • Promoted 12 employees
    • Maintained an 86% volunteer satisfaction rate
    • Established the P.E.T. (Paws-itive Engagement Team) an employee engagement group that works together to create rewarding initiatives across ARL.

Goal 6: Invest in our infrastructure.

Objective: Enhance the capacity of ARL’s facilities to respond to the current and future needs of animals and pet owners in our community.

Supporter Spotlight: Julie Mackin & Dan Clevenger

Julie Mackin and Dan Clevenger have supported ARL for over 20 years as donors, and, for the past 16 years, as members of the Champions Circle. These two dog lovers have been married for 18 years, and share their home with their beautiful German Shepherd, Izzy.

Both Dan and Julie grew up with dogs, but their passion for German Shepherds came later in life. Before Izzy, they had another female Shepherd named Gretchen, who sadly passed away during the pandemic. Julie says if Dan had it his way, they would have at least two more in addition to their current pup!

Julie and Dan have a selfless nature and a strong desire to make an impact. As passionate animal lovers, they support a variety of local animal welfare and environmental organizations. Local charity is important to them, because they are able to see the impact of their support firsthand.

One of the ARL programs the Julie and Dan are particularly passionate about is the Spay Waggin’®, which provides high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services to animals and people in need. They admire the caring, unbiased, loving support ARL staff is able to offer people who may need a little extra help caring for their animal. The couple is so passionate about the work being done by the Spay Waggin’, that it is usually one of the first things they mention when talking about ARL with others.

They’ve chosen to support ARL with monthly contributions in particular because they find it easier for budgeting and think of it as an investment towards a better world for animals. Ideally, Julie and Dan wish there wasn’t a need for organizations like ARL, and that people and animals would have everything they need to live happy and healthy lives. But until then, they encourage others to invest in the change they want to see in the world by choosing to support organizations doing good work – and monthly giving is an easy way to do that!

Monthly Giving At ARL

The Champions Circle is a special group of 1,110+ dedicated donors who pledge their support with recurring contributions, sort of like a subscription for saving animals!

This reliable generosity provides the critical support needed to give animals food, sanctuary, medical care, love, and emergency rescue if they are in danger, all year long. Join today!

Meow Madness

Help Community Cats Compete for a Cause!

This March, we’re kicking off something special: Meow Madness! Inspired by the excitement of March Madness, we’re bringing you a bracket-style competition featuring some of our most beloved community cats. Each cat has their own story of resilience, charm, and triumph, and we want YOU to help them win.

Here’s how it works:

  • Meet the Cats: We’ll introduce you to our Meow Madness contestants—cats that have been a part of our community and have made a big impact.
  • Vote for Your Favorite: These feline finalists will face off in a bracket, and YOU get to decide who advances by voting on Instagram polls! Who’s your MVP?
  • Support the Cause: As you cast your votes, consider donating to help more community cats just like them. Your support ensures they get the medical care, food, and shelter they need to thrive.

Meow Madness Lineup

Meow Madness bracket graphic

 

1. YOGURT
Yogurt, now shortened to just Yogi, came into the care of ARL in July of 2022 in pretty rough shape. His abdomen was distended, he was very underweight, was infested with fleas and additionally, he had a fractured leg and a severe wound on his tail. After a leg amputation and a four-month WUO (wound of unknown origin) quarantine, Yogi quickly found his home with an ARL employee. He now lives with Cupcake, another ARL alum, and is described as speedy and mischievous. He loves playing with toys, running through tunnels, and climbing the cat towers. He likes to sit at the front window, waiting for his people to come home and will run to the door to greet them when he spots the car. His family says he’s been a fun and special addition to their household. Learn more about Yogurt’s story.

gray kitten


2. BOYLSTON
Boylston was brought into ARL by our Field Services team in April of 2021 and has made quite the home for herself at our Dedham location as our resident barn cat. She’s a hard-working girl who enjoys her routine of exploring the grounds during the day and coming in for dinner and a nice sleep at night. Over the years, she has warmed up to staff, now happily making her way into the shelter during the day for some scratches and lap time.
a tortie cat

3. BUZZ
In October 2022, ARL’s Field Services team assisted Fall River Animal Control in rescuing a community kitten in the precarious position of having what appeared to be a glass bowl or light fixture cover stuck on its head. Outside of being a bit dirty, Buzz Lightyear appeared to be in good health, and once available for adoption, it didn’t take her long to find her new family. Over the past few years, Buzz has formed a great relationship with her older brother, Sky, and recently welcomed a new orange baby brother named Luka to their cat crew. When she’s not sunbathing, playing, or eating, she’s finding time to fit in a few cat naps. Her adopter also says she’s the smartest of the three by a mile, always opening cupboards with ease and helping herself and her siblings to a few extra snacks! Learn more about Buzz’s story.
An orange kitten in a humane cat trap with a circular jar next to her

4. MIKE WAZOWSKI
During a scheduled stop along the South Coast for the ARL’s Spay Waggin’ in February of 2021, an 11-month-old community kitten from Westport, MA, came in to be neutered and was slated to be returned to the field. However, upon examination, our vet team diagnosed a severe upper respiratory infection. Unfortunately, this infection impacted one of his eyes to the point of rupture, meaning he would need the infected eye removed. After his surgery, the kitten was affectionately named Mike Wazowski in honor of the character from the Pixar movie Monsters Inc. Mike immediately won over staff and volunteers with his social, playful personality, and within two weeks, Mike also won over the heart of his new family and was off to his new home. Learn more about Mike’s story.
an orange cat with one eye

5. GRYFFINDOR
In April 2019, a Good Samaritan alerted ARL about a cat that was seen near a garbage dumpster and wasn’t moving. When our team arrived on the scene, the cat was able to move and was found inside the dumpster, lying atop a cardboard box. The cat needed immediate medical treatment and likely would have succumbed to his injuries sooner rather than later without intervention. The cat had suffered a broken jaw, was emaciated, and was in poor overall condition. He was fittingly named Gryffindor, representing courage, bravery, and determination. He had to have his jaw surgically wired and, because of a puncture wound, had to complete a four-month WUO quarantine. Gryffindor displayed amazing perseverance and was incredibly friendly to all who came in contact with him by revving up his purr, which undoubtedly helped him win over his new family. Learn more about Gryffindor’s story.
A tabby cat receiving a vet exam

6. LIAM
In July 2018, during a day-long spay and neuter clinic at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center, approximately 30 community cats were scheduled to have surgery. Among them was a 13-week-old kitten named Liam, who was found with ulcers affecting vision in both eyes. If left on the street, Liam likely would not have survived long-term due to his condition. Along with being neutered, Liam had one eye removed due to an infection, with the hope that the other eye would improve over time with just medication. Liam, now named Willie (One Eye Willie!), has been doing great over the past few years. His adopter said his personality has always been that of a “grumpy old man,” which is blatantly obvious when in the company of his puppy brother, Axel. But he does have a younger kitty sister who he enjoys playing and running around with! Learn more about Liam’s story.
A small gray and white kitten

7. BAGEL
Community cats are incredibly adept when it comes to finding a warm, safe place to escape the elements, and in early 2022, Bagel was a perfect example of this. This 3-year-old cat had found the comfort and safety of a storm drain in Fall River, but thankfully, just days before a historic blizzard descended upon the region, his feeder contacted ARL to assist. Upon arriving at ARL, Bagel ate up everything in sight and took a nice sigh of relief, relaxing in his nice, warm bed. Our vet team treated him for a list of medical needs, but he was a friendly, social boy that we knew, despite those medical needs, would have no problem finding a home. He is now “spoiled rotten,” according to his adopter. He remains active, zooming all over the place and playing with anything he can get his paws on, although he still loves the toys he came home from the shelter with. He loves a good snuggle and has been a rock for his new family during some difficult times. Learn more about Bagel’s story.

a white cat


8. TUCKER
Tucker arrived at ARL in December 2018 after being found as an injured stray in need of immediate medical attention. It was clear that Tucker had been wearing a collar he had tried to break free of, causing it to become lodged underneath his right leg and, over time, embedded with skin growing over it. Despite being in extreme pain, Tucker was social and friendly. His wound management would be extensive, and the healing process would be slow, which led to him being placed into a long-term foster home. After five months, this brave boy was finally ready to find his new family. It didn’t take long, and Tucker has been happily living in his new home ever since. Learn more about Tucker’s story
an orange tabby cat
ARL’s Keep Pets S.A.F.E. Program Celebrates Fifth Anniversary, One-Millionth Pet Meal Delivered

Program assists pet owners in need, and helps keep people and pets together

Today, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday), a program that provides numerous services to pet owners in need throughout Boston and plays a major role in the organization’s focus to keep pets out of shelters, and in homes with the people who love them.

The inception of the Keep Pets S.A.F.E. occurred during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although ARL’s shelter doors were shuttered, the organization knew it needed to continue to be a resource for the community as there were would be pet owners in the coming weeks and months who would be in dire need of assistance.

Keep Pets S.A.F.E. delivers pet food and essential supplies to clients’ homes and partner-supported community housing, and the program also inspired the creation of ARL’s Temporary Housing Initiative, which offers short-term care for pets due to unexpected life circumstances.

Keep Pets S.A.F.E. infographic

“When the world shut down, ARL went to work to find solutions to help pet owners in need and ensure that pets and people would stay together,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “While extremely proud of the impact that Keep Pets S.A.F.E. has had over the past five years, ARL realizes that when people struggle pets struggle, and we remain committed to these types of programs that keep pets in homes and out of shelters.”

An ARL staff member handing a bag of pet food to someone outside of the ARL Transport Waggin' II

Although the inception of the program derived during the pandemic, the demand for these programs over the past five years has not waned they have drastically increased. Requests for Keep Pets S.A.F.E. have increased 100 percent since 2020, and while fulfilling as many as possible, ARL is nearing capacity to be able to do so.

You Can Keep Pets S.A.F.E.

Here are two ways you can help us meet the urgent call for help from our community:

  1. Donate pet food.Pet food can be sent online through our Amazon wish list or Chewy list. Unopened, unexpired, shelf-stable pet food may also be dropped off at any of our three locations in Boston, Dedham, or Brewster (Cape Cod), Wednesday through Sunday, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm.
  2. Make a donation. today to help pets and the people who love them.

ARL is ready to help, but this important work is not possible without your support!

Anna Harris Smith Day

Celebrating 126 Years of Kindness

126 years ago today, Anna Harris Smith, a social worker from Dorchester, was called to action after seeing the cruel mistreatment of Boston’s working horses and the number of stray and homeless animals. She advocated for a centrally located shelter to care for them and remarked, “While getting dogs and cats off the street is work worth doing, the teaching of thoughtful kindness is the work that changes families, communities, and a nation”.

 

A historical photo of a woman sitting on a bench with dogs, outside.

Anna Harris Smith, ARL’s Founder

On March 13, 1899, thanks to Anna’s efforts, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) was officially incorporated and began helping millions of animals heal, find homes, and stay with their families while protecting them from cruelty and neglect.

In honor of her legacy of kindness and commitment to animals, we are excited to celebrate Anna Harris Smith Day with you!

2024: Kindness in Action

    • 255,194 pet meals provided to the community
    • 3,518 animals welcomed into new homes
    • 1,164 dedicated volunteers contributed 141,856 hours helping animals in need
    • 216 children and teens attended humane education events
    • 52 corporate groups with 610 employees contributed 1,818 hours
    • 38 volunteers received the Golden VOL-ley Award in recognition of their spirit of collaboration

Four Ways You Can Spread Kindness Today

    1. Stock ARL’s pet food pantry! Donate pet food through ARL’s Amazon or Chewy wish lists and have them shipped directly to ARL; or purchase them in-store and drop them off at one of our Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, or Brewster.
    2. Advocate for animals! Contact advocacy@arlboston.org to learn more about our legislative agenda and how you can contact your legislator and ask them to support bills that protect animals.
    3. Be kind! Do a random act of kindness in your community today. The possibilities are endless! Walk your neighbor’s dog, volunteer at your local library or nursing home, bring in treats for your coworkers, send a care package to a service member, give blood, or donate old sheets and towels to your local animal shelter.
    4. Pay it forward with a donation to Jeff’s Fund, which helps offset the cost of waived or reduced adoption fees to help animals who may be overlooked due to their medical needs, age, or personality, find the homes they deserve.
Valentine’s Card Shuffle

This year, surprise someone you care about—or yourself!—with a one-of-a-kind, animal-themed Valentine’s Day card that’s sure to delight.

Whether you’re sending it to yourself or surprising a loved one, your card could be:

  • Sweet and adorable!

  • Unexpectedly hilarious!

  • Just plain quirky (in the most lovable way)!

The only thing we can promise? It will be uniquely animal-inspired and guaranteed to make someone smile.

 How it works:
For a $25 donation or more, you’ll receive one mystery Valentine’s Day card. Choose to send it to yourself or let us deliver the surprise straight to someone special, your choice!

By joining in the fun, you’re not just spreading love—you’re supporting animals in need. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate the season of love while making a real difference.

 Don’t wait!
There’s only a limited number of mystery cards available. Shuffle up some Valentine’s Day joy before it’s too late.

I Want My Mystery Valentine!
Community Cat Match

We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of community cats in need of help. Because the need is so great, a generous donor has offered to match all donations for community cats, up to $20,000, now through June 30, 2025!

Your $9 to help local cats will become $18 and can provide TWICE as many:

    • ️Nutritious meals
    • Life-saving vaccines and medication
    • Toys and scratch pads that help cats engage and play

donate button

What is a Community Cat?

Community cats and kittens are feral, stray, and abandoned cats who live outdoors in the harsh elements. It is estimated over 700,00 cats roam free in Massachusetts with 70,000 in Boston alone.

Two small kittens sitting inside a garage

Why Your Support Matters

Without proper shelter and care, community cats are at serious risk of illness and injury. Extreme weather, like what we see in the summer and winter months, can be devasting for these vulnerable animals.

ARL is the only large animal welfare org in MA with a dedicated agent working with community cats and kittens.

But, with no government funding for this important work, cats must rely on financial support from people like you to get the care they need, when they need it most, 365 days a year.

ARL Field Services agent setting up humane cat trap. A black cat is in the background.

With your help, we can assess colonies and develop TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) plans for each cat. TNR is one of the most humane and effective ways to stop the cycle of homelessness among cats. Spay and neuter surgeries are low-risk and proven to improve the safety and health of these cats as well as the community as a whole. The plan also includes vaccines, and whether each cat will be returned to the colony, returned to their owner if microchipped, or admitted to an ARL shelter to be put up for adoption if they are friendly.

donate button

 

Two kittens sitting next to each otherMeow-o-meter: Tracking Impact

Thanks to cat lovers, the following progress has been made possible:

267 TNR’s in 2024
1,075 TNR’s in the last five years

798 Adoptions in 2024
2,713 adoptions in the last five years

 

 

 

Community Cat Adoptions 2020-2024

 

community cat adoptions from 2020-2024 graph

 

 

 

ARL Preparing to Take in Shelter Dogs from Los Angeles Fire Zones

ARL to reduce dog adoption fees this weekend as part of preparation

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is preparing to take in approximately a dozen dogs from Los Angeles animal shelters. This weekend, ARL is reducing all dog adoption fees by $100 to better prepare the organization for the arrival of these special dogs.

This special adoption event will take place through Sunday and apply to dogs of all ages at ARL’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham and Brewster.

The devastation and impact of the fires still burning in Los Angeles is unprecedented, and ARL is proud to be a part of a massive relocation effort to find homes for these animals, which will also create much-needed kennel space in L.A. shelters for animals who have been displaced or injured due to the fires.

ARL is coordinating with our national animal welfare partners to bring these animals to New England. In the next week, the dogs will be flown to Delaware, and ARL’s Transport Waggin’ will make the nearly 1,000-mile round-trip to deliver the dogs safely to the organization’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center.

The dogs will have to undergo a state-mandated 48-hour quarantine and be medically and behaviorally evaluated before being made available for adoption.

ARL will provide updates once the transport is completed.

Massachusetts becomes the 4th state to ban declawing

Governor Maura Healey signed into law a ban the cruel practice of declawing, an effort lead by Sponsor Senator Mark Montigny for several sessions.

Supported by animal protection organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and veterinarians across Massachusetts, this law will ensure that cats do not have to endure unnecessary and painful invasive procedures.

Declawing involves the amputation of bones on a cat’s foot or severing a tendon to prevent extension of the claws and often results in significant medical and behavioral problems for cats.

ARL has actively supported efforts to ban declawing in Massachusetts since the bill was first filed in 2019.

“The Governor’s signing into law a ban on feline declawing marks yet another achievement for animal protection this session. Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medical and behavioral problems. Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent cats in Massachusetts from needless pain and suffering. We are thankful to the Governor for her signature, bill sponsor Senator Mark Montigny for his tireless leadership on this bill and commitment to making Massachusetts a better place for animals, as well as Senate President Karen Spilka, Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and Chairs of Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Representative Tackey Chan and Senator John Cronin,” said Ally Blanck, Director of Advocacy at ARL.

 

Two people standing next to each other, one is holding a kitten. A cardboard cutout of a cat with a speech bubble is in front of them.

Ally Blanck, Director of Advocacy at ARL, with Senator Mark Montigny


In addition to the ban on cat declawing, the following were also signed into law in 2024:

  • “Ollie’s Law,” which requires reasonable rules and regulations for dog daycares and boarding kennels.
  • A law to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts took effect on January 1.
  • As of January 7, a dog’s breed can no longer be a factor in determining whether a family can adopt or foster children. This bill also removed restrictive language that hindered employees and contractors of human services agencies from reporting suspected animal cruelty.
  • S. 2908, a bill with provisions that ban the sale of animals under eight weeks and prevent the roadside/outdoor sale of animals was also signed into law on January 8.

The declawing law takes effect on April 8. Violation of the law is a fine and can also include disciplinary action by the veterinary board.

Learn more about ARL’s advocacy efforts. 

It’s Wicked Cold! ARL Reminds Pet Owners to Protect Animals From the Winter Chill

As winter sets in across New England, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) urges pet owners to take essential cold-weather precautions. Frigid temperatures can pose serious risks to the health, safety, and well-being of the pets we love.

Here are some things to keep in mind this season

      1. Prepare your dog for the elements. If you have a long-haired dog, allow their coat to grow out for the winter. For short-haired dogs, sweaters, coats, and booties can go a long way in protecting your pooch.
      2. Wipe off your dog’s paws and stomach. Sidewalks are treated with a number of chemicals. These chemicals can irritate your dog’s paws, and can be poisonous if ingested. When coming in from the cold, clean and dry your dog’s stomach to keep them healthy and warm!
      3. Keep outdoor trips quick. Bathroom breaks or walks, keep it short and sweet and keep your pets indoors as much as possible.
      4. Never leave your dog alone in a cold car. Many Massachusetts residents are aware that it’s illegal to keep an animal in a hot car, under the same law it’s ALSO illegal to keep your animal in a cold car (Ma. Ch. 140, Section 174F.  (a) A person shall not confine an animal in a motor vehicle in a manner that could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal due to exposure to extreme heat or cold). When going out, leave your animals at home.
      5. Pay attention to your pet’s grooming and health. An animal with a matted coat cannot keep him or herself warm! Long-haired pets especially during heavy periods of shedding, need extra help maintaining a healthy coat. Senior pets also suffer from increased arthritis pain in the cold, so check with your veterinarian on how to keep your pet comfortable.
      6. Keeping Warm During Power Outage. Provide your pets with extra bedding or blankets should the lights go out. For small animals, you can wrap a blanket around the bottom of their enclosure to add warmth but still provide ventilation.

    Additionally, it’s important to keep pets calm. The wind, cold temperatures and potential power outages can cause anxiety not only for us, but for our pets as well. Have plenty of treats and toys on hand to keep them occupied and calm.

    For more winter weather pet safety tips, please visit www.arlboston.org/winter-pet-health