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Welcome A New Pet During the Holidays?

Animal Rescue League of Boston Offers Tips and Resources for Families

At a time when many families are welcoming new pets into their homes, Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) shares expert resources and advice about settling furry family members into a new environment. Resources include ARL’s Pet Behavior Helpline – a free service that can answer basic pet behavioral questions. Whether it’s excessive barking, crate training, house soiling, or another issue, pet families with questions can call the Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or via email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org.

“It’s very special to welcome a new family member to the household, especially during the holiday season. These first few weeks as a family are very important and ARL is here with the resources and guidance to make the experience positive and joyful for pets and their new families,” says ARL Animal Behavior Manager, Laney Nee.

Tips for Early Days With Dogs and Cats

  • Have a ‘safe space’ for your new pet set up and ready for them – somewhere they can call their own that may contain their special toys, bedding, scratching trees for cats or a crate for dogs – this space helps them get comfortable.
  • Less is more when introducing your pet to their new life, so be aware of all the new things your pet is experiencing and recognize when they might be overwhelmed and need a break.
  • Go back to basics with house training for dogs and provide easy access to food, water and litter boxes for cats until they get used to their new spaces.

Tips for Daily Routines

  • Create a routine for you and your new pet right from the beginning.
  • Change can be overwhelming so creating a routine for your new dog is a key to success. The routine should have set times for potty breaks, meals, walks, playtime, and independent time in their own space with special toys and treats which get put away till the next time they are back in their safe space.
  • A routine can help ensure your new cat has the opportunity to follow their instincts which includes their need to hunt, catch, eat, groom, and sleep. There are many ways to accomplish this with many homemade items such as boxes, egg cartons, paper bags, toilet paper and paper towel rolls for treat puzzles.

Tips for Relationship Building

    • Get active
      • Sniffari walks– let your dog stop and sniff!
      • Explore a new neighborhood – the usual neighborhood walks can get boring and routine – consider walking or driving to a different neighborhood to explore.
      • Two toy fetch – alternate tossing two toys to your dog while walking.
    • Keep them engaged
      • Use a snuffle mat or wrap some treats up in a towel and let dogs use their nose to snuffle around and find all the food, or make a “licky mat” with canned food, peanut butter or cream cheese – smear it on a lick mat and they can spend time licking it until it’s all gone.
      • Enroll in dog training classes and teach your dog new skills, ARL has a variety of offerings at our Dedham Campus.
      • Interactive play for cats can be done with wand teaser cat toys, chasing little play mice or balls with bells or make a small investment for automated toys that move if the cat walks past them or interacts with them.

Helpful Videos

“Name Game for Dogs”: incorporate this game into your routine to create a bond and help your new dog respond quickly when you say their name. Watch a demonstration.

“Greeting Exercise”: practice this with family and friends so your dog can learn to greet people and other dogs politely. Learn more.

ARL Hosts Adoption Event To Celebrate Hill’s Milestone

Waived Adoption Fees for Boston Pets Ages 1+ Through December 14

ARL is teaming up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Hill’s) to offer WAIVED adoption fees for animals at ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center one year and older through December 14th! Adopters will also receive a New Pet Parent Kit from Hill’s, which includes a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet, a coupon and post-adoption tips.

The event is part of Hill’s “Sweet 16 Million Adoptions Celebration,” which honors the milestone of 16 million pet adoptions supported by the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program since its inception in 2002.

“We are thrilled to join Hill’s in this national celebration by offering waived adoption fees at our Boston location. This partnership ensures that more deserving animals like Fiona find the comfort of a home this holiday season.” said ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino.

The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program provides discounted, science-led nutrition to over 1,000 North American animal shelters every day, including for the dogs and cats at ARL. As a proud partner of the program, ARL is excited to join shelters nationwide in celebrating this achievement and help deserving shelter pets in Boston find homes this holiday season. During the adoption campaign, Hill’s will contribute up to $200,000 to offset adoption fees at select Food, Shelter & Love partner locations in the United States and Canada.

ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Cape Cod (Brewster) are open Wednesday through Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.

View all of ARL’s adoptable animals looking for a home for the holidays!

ARL Receives Largest-Ever Donation For New Boston Shelter

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) received a $2 million gift from Arthur and Paula Rabe on November 13, 2025.

The contribution will go towards the ARL’s capital campaign to construct a new three-story, 35,000 square foot $48 million facility in the South End.

“Our Boston shelter is the heart and soul of ARL, but it is outdated and no longer meets the standard of care that animals deserve and that we can provide,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President & CEO.

A revamped facility will better meet the needs of local animals, including transports from across the country. ARL has seen an increased demand for animal services in the last five years due to the ongoing housing crisis, food insecurity and high cost of veterinary care. ARL has had a 100% increase in the number of pet meals provided to owners facing barriers, and a 104% increase in low-cost wellness exams for pets in the community.

ARL began construction on the new facility over the summer after announcing the project in October 2024. ARL is working with Animal Arts, a Colorado-based architecture firm dedicated to creating animal spaces for animal welfare organizations and veterinary hospitals, and Boston-based architect Jonathan Garland with JGE to design the building’s exterior.

“This new building will provide an accessible, affordable center so people who desire an animal can share their lives with one,” said donor Arthur Rabe.

The Rabe family has contributed to the ARL Boston since they adopted their cat Jill in 2007. They reside with their son Logan and their other cat Paul in Chestnut Hill.

ARL Partners with New England Patriots for Training Camp Adoption Event

As the New England Patriots kicked off the first day of training camp, a special adoption event at Gillette Stadium with the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) kicked off a lifetime of love for more than three dozen families who took home a new furry family member.

ARL joined two other animal welfare organizations to find homes for 41 puppies and young adult dogs, the first such event to held at Gillette Stadium during training camp.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his wife and ARL board member Dr. Dana Kraft have a deep love for animals, particularly their dog Heisman, and the adoption effort was largely spear-headed by Dr. Kraft.

“Dana is on the board of ARL and she mentioned to me that the number of dogs in shelters is higher than it’s ever been,” said Mr. Kraft. “I don’t know if that’s because of what’s going on with the economics of our country right now, but I do know how these dogs can bring so much happiness and love.”

The adoption event included a press conference the previous day where players and head coach Mike Vrabel brought two ARL puppies to the podium to answer questions from the media.

The kickoff of training camp also included a special moment where players and coach Vrabel walked onto the field with some of the adopted puppies to present them to their new families.

As fans filed into training camp, they were able to meet and interact with all the available animals, talk with adoption staff, and also learn more about the programs and services that ARL offers.

The event was tremendously successful, and ARL wishes to thank the Patriots for their partnership and passion to help find homes for as many animals as possible.

What a way to kick off the 2025-2026 season!

ARL Caring for 8-Week-Old Community Kitten Found in Car Engine Compartment

ARL reminds the public to be aware of community cats and kittens

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is currently caring for an eight-week-old kitten that found itself in a precarious position and was discovered in the engine compartment of a vehicle in Belmont, MA.

Fortunately, the kitten was not injured in its hiding place and is now ready to find his new home.

ARL wishes to remind the public that community cats seeking shelter inside the engine compartment of a vehicle is not uncommon, and to take some extra precautions before entering your vehicle, particularly if there are community cats around your property or neighborhood.

The kitten, now aptly named Chevy, was reported to Belmont Animal Control when the kitten was heard mewing in the vehicle owner’s driveway.

The Good Samaritan popped the hood to investigate, and seeing daylight, the frightened kitten scampered from engine compartment and found an old fox den to hide in.

Once on-scene, the Belmont Animal Control Officer used a YouTube video of a kitten mewing to lure Chevy out, and was able to safely handle him and place him in a carrier for transport.

The community kitten was brought to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center where he received a veterinary exam and a quiet place to decompress from his ordeal.

The kitten was deemed healthy and also lucky, as he was uninjured while hiding in the engine compartment.

 While under two pounds upon intake, the kitten quickly gained a little weight, has been neutered and vaccinated and is available for adoption at ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center, which is open to the public from 1-6 p.m.

Chevy’s adventure is the third instance of a cat finding refuge in the engine compartment in less than a year for ARL.

It’s also important to note that each instance did not happen during winter months, when it’s more common to see this activity.

ARL reminds the public, particularly in areas where community reside, to conduct a visual check of their vehicle and to bang on the hood before entering to scare off any animal that may be seeking shelter under the hood.

ARL is the only local large animal welfare organization with a dedicated community cat program. Learn more about ARL’s efforts to help these vulnerable animals.

Dog Seeking New Home After Being Surrendered Due to Medical Cost

Rising cost of pet wellness care is an ongoing issue for pet owners

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is looking for a loving family to take in a nine-year-old mixed-breed dog recently surrendered due to medical costs.

Pebbles was surrendered to ARL due to medical cost.

This type of surrender is becoming more commonplace, as according to a recent report compiled by PetSmart Charities and Gallup, seven out of 10 pet owners have forgone veterinary care due to financial constraints, a clear sign that pet owners across the country are struggling with the increasing costs of care.

Pebbles was surrendered to ARL this past week, and her thorough veterinary exam revealed gastrointestinal inflammation, an ear infection, skin infection and irritation due to allergies, and because she’s an older dog, arthritis was also diagnosed in her knees and hips. 

The gastrointestinal, and chronic ear and skin issues have been treated and resolved, and Pebbles is now ready to find her new home.

ARL aims to keep people and pets together and offers a multitude of community-based, low-cost pet wellness services, however, animals like Pebbles that have chronic conditions that require medication and more frequent trips to the vet can be a costly, and the organization understands that the cost of this ongoing care can become overwhelming.

In these instances, surrender is sometimes the best option for both the animal and people involved, and ARL encourages anyone facing these types of struggles to reach out to its Animal Care & Adoption Centers, located in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster.

Learn more about ARL’s services.

ARL Caring for Cats and Kittens Rescued from House Fires

House fire cats and kittens brought to ARL through referral from the American Red Cross

Over the past few weeks, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has stepped up to help families following house fires, providing services from temporary pet housing to pet food and supplies.

The pet owners were referred to ARL through the American Red Cross, a national organization dedicated to helping during times of emergency, to help the families when they had nowhere else to turn for their pets.

Kittens at ARL after being rescued from a house fire.

Following a house fire in Boston last week, ARL took in two cats for temporary shelter while the family picks up the pieces and transitions to new housing.

ARL’s Temporary Pet Housing program is a critical service that keeps pets and people together, and this family who lost their home will be reunited with their beloved animals once situated.

The program gives pet owners peace of mind, knowing their animal is safe and well-cared for, allowing them to focus on finding and settling into a new situation.

 Two weeks earlier, another family lost their home due to fire in Brockton.

Following the disaster, the family was able to turn to ARL to provide two adult cats and kittens with care and new homes through adoption.

ARL further assisted in this time of crisis by providing pet food and supplies to the family’s remaining pets.

 Pets are family, and ARL works diligently with pet owners to find the best solution for both the animals and people involved.

Pet owners who are unable to care for their pets due to unexpected life circumstances, or need help with pet food and supplies, can call (617) 426-9170 or email info@arlboston.org to see if they’re eligible for the ARL’s Temporary Pet Housing program.

ARL Provides Community Kitten with Life-Saving Care

Community kitten suffered from traumatic leg injury

 An 8-month-old community kitten recently received a life-saving surgery at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and while not ready for adoption quite yet, she is well on her way to finding the home and life she deserves.

Community cats comprise of friendly strays, feral cats, or owned cats that are allowed outdoors to roam.

Alice after surgery.

Community cat colonies usual form due to a conducive environment like an established food source or protective shelter.

The kitten, named Alice, was living among a colony of community cats in Fall River, and ARL’s Field Services Department was contacted after the kitten was seen with a significant limp.

Once on-scene, ARL trapped the kitten and transported her to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for an assessment.

Alice’s thorough veterinary exam revealed a previous traumatic injury to her rear leg, causing pain, swelling, and deformation of the limb and joint.

The severity of the injury was beyond repair, and ARL’s veterinary team determined that amputating the leg would give Alice the best chance at a normal, pain-free life.

After surgery, Alice was placed into foster care to fully heal, and will soon be made available for adoption.

With her injury, she likely would not have survived a life living outdoors, as her limited mobility made her more vulnerable to predators and other outside dangers.

Alice is one example of the thousands of community cats and kittens ARL helps annually.

ARL’s Community Cat Program assesses cat colonies throughout Massachusetts, formulating Trap-Neuter-Return plans which includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and whether each cat will be returned to the colony, or admitted to an ARL shelter to be put up for adoption if they are friendly.

 In 2024, ARL’s Community Cat Program helped nearly 1,200 community cats and kittens, with nearly 800 of these animals finding new homes.

How You Can Help 

Without proper care, community cats are at serious risk of illness and injury and ARL is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated agent working with community cats and kittens.

ARL’s intake of these animals continues to increase every year, and the organization is currently offering a donation match to help ARL continue this important work.

From now through June 30, 2025, all community cat donations will me matched dollar-for-dollar to help twice the numbers of community cats in need!

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March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month!

There’s more than just cats and dogs at ARL

Many people assume that animal care & adoption centers only have cats and dogs, but here at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) we have a knowledgeable staff and are able to accommodate a variety of animals including guinea pigs.

And they are just waiting for to find their perfect match!

If you’d like to adopt a guinea pig (or other small animal) from the ARL, make sure to bring a photo of the cage that your new pet will live in to make sure it’s a good size and shape for a guinea pig.

Just like any other pet, guinea pigs require special care and attention. Familiarizing yourself with their daily and long-term needs before adding one to your family is also an important step in the adoption process.

Learn more about guinea pigs

Guinea pigs can make great companions for both first-time or experienced pet owners, however they require a bit of patience and a gentle hand.

Once they are comfortable with you and their new surroundings, their personalities really shine through!

Guinea pig care tips (PDF)

Two guinea pigs eating a piece of lettuce

Adopt a Rescue Guinea Pig Month Fun Fact

Guinea pigs communicate through a variety of behaviors and sounds. These small animals will make a squealing or whistling sound, for example, to communicate anticipation or excitement–usually before they eat! Meanwhile, a deep sounding purr indicates your guinea pig is comfortable and content.

Pair of Puppies Found Tethered to Tree Near ARL Dedham Campus

Incident an example of a pet owner in crisis

 The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recently found new homes for a pair of 4-month-old puppies found tethered to a tree near ARL’s Dedham campus – there was no malicious intent but is yet another example of a pet owner in crisis.

ARL acknowledges that many pet owners are facing tremendous challenges – and when people struggle, pets struggle.

Sid and Poppie in Dedham.

The rising cost of pet care, the housing crisis and financial hardship are all having a tremendous impact and are unfortunately causing some pet owners to make difficult decisions, and in some cases, take drastic actions.

The puppies, Sid and Poppie, were discovered on the grounds of the Nobles and Greenough School, right next door to ARL’s Dedham campus on February 12 and were brought to ARL immediately upon being found by Dedham Animal Control.

The Mastiff-type dogs were wearing matching leashes and collars, and are in good condition – their coats are clean, nails are trimmed and they are both healthy.

 “ARL realizes many pet owners are struggling, and we want the public to know that ARL is a resource,” stated Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “Through community-based programs and services and reinvesting in the City of Boston to rebuild our animal care and adoption center, ARL’s goal is make every effort to help keep pets in homes and out of shelters, and when surrender is the only option, to offer a safe, judgement-free environment to help pet owners through this difficult decision.”

 If you are a pet owner in crisis, ARL urges you to contact the organization to learn more about what resources may be available to help keep pets in homes and out of shelters.

If surrender is your only option, ARL understands that while difficult, surrendering an animal in-person not only protects the animal, but allows ARL to gather information to help the pet move quickly through the shelter system.

Learn more about how to properly surrender an animal at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.