Blog Archives - Animal Rescue League of Boston

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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!

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

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.

Meow-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.

Shelter Cats Bond During Surgery Recovery

Shelter cats must go home together

A pair of cats transported to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in December forged a special bond after both animals received corrective eye surgeries, and now the cats are beginning the next chapter of their lives together.

Norma, a six-year-old Siamese, and Cream Soda, a three-year-old Tabby, arrived at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center through the ASPCA’s Relocation Program, which transports animals from overcrowded shelters to organizations like ARL who can provide care and adoption services.

Upon intake in early December, both cats were diagnosed with entropion, a condition where the eyelid is inverted, which can cause painful irritation and if left untreated, could result in corneal scratches, inflammation, discharge, or possible blindness.

ARL’s shelter medicine team performed multiple surgeries on the cats to correct the condition, and as the healing process began, Norma and Cream Soda were placed in the same kennel, and began leaning on each other for comfort.

When applying eye medications following surgery, the cats would provide strength and support for one another, and would constantly be found curling up together.

Two cats on a red blanket: one with a dark face and ears, and the other with orange and white fur, both looking at the camera.

With the post-surgery recovery lasting for weeks, the cats forged a strong bond, and when it was time to find them a new home, ARL decided that the two needed to go home together, to keep their bond intact.

After their heartwarming story appeared in local media, the pair received quite a bit of attention and have found their home together!

Norma and Cream Soda are thriving in their new home and ARL is thrilled that these special cats will spend the rest of their lives leaning on one another.

Making a Difference

When you support ARL today, you can help make sure animals like Norma and Cream Soda get everything they deserve.

Your generosity means you can be there for animals, every step of the journey home, as long as it takes.

From transports from overcrowded shelters or emergency rescues to veterinary care, enrichment, and behavior training, and finally adoption – you make it all possible.

Injured Stray Dog Recovering at ARL

Stray dog needed emergency surgery

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a Shih Tzu puppy that was found alone in Jamaica Plain just before the New Year and needed emergency surgery due to an eye injury.

The animal is recovering, but still has a way to go before finding his new home.

Louie after receiving emergency surgery.

Louie, an 8-month-old Shih Tzu, was found along a cold and damp Boylston Street in Jamaica Plain on December 28, and taken to a veterinary clinic for an initial assessment.

Boston Animal Care and Control was contacted to retrieve the dog, and because of the nature of his injury, contacted ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center to provide emergency care and support.

The dog did not have a microchip or identification tags, but had suffered from a ruptured corneal ulcer, causing extreme pain and discomfort; an umbilical hernia was also discovered upon examination at ARL.

ARL’s community and shelter medicine team performed surgery to remove the injured eye and repaired the hernia.

Louie is pain-free and recovering well, however, he will not be made available for adoption until he is healthy enough to go home.

ARL is a Resource

ARL is a resource to pet owners and to partners like Boston Animal Care and Control, but emergency services and surgery do come at a high cost.

To date, Louie’s cost of care is several thousand dollars, and ARL is seeking financial support to help offset the cost of his medical needs. Please consider donating today.

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.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’® Celebrates 80,000th Surgery

ARL partners with the YMCA of Greater Boston for special Spay Waggin’ clinic, improving the health and well-being of people and pets in our communities

Just before Christmas, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Spay Waggin’ celebrated its 80,000^th spay and neuter surgery during a special clinic in East Boston, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

ARL’s mobile vehicle, the Spay Waggin’, provides low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services, and during this special clinic, more than two dozen animals had the important surgery performed, surpassing the 80,000 mark since the Spay Waggin’ was first launched in 2000.

ARL is thrilled to have the opportunity and ability to provide this service to pet owners in East Boston as well as other Greater Boston communities, and to celebrate this occasion with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston is a resource for pet owners, and this is a momentous occasion for a program that is now in its 24^th year of service,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “We are proud of our work and the collaborative efforts of human service organizations like the YMCA of Greater Boston who helped innovative ideas become reality, helping countless pet owners in Boston.”

“We are proud and honored to partner with the Animal Rescue League of Boston to mark this important milestone,” said David Shapiro, CEO Y of Greater Boston. “We were energized to host the launch of this important innovation and outreach seven years ago, and it is incredibly meaningful to play a continued supporting role in collaboratively strengthening the bond between people and their pets, improving the health and well-being of both by removing barriers so all can better thrive in community.”

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ provides spay/neuter services throughout the South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands, and Greater Boston.

Without this program, this vital surgery for pets would financially be out of reach for many pet owners, and the Spay Waggin’ not only provides a low-cost option, but also brings accessible services directly where they’re needed most.

Make a Difference

As the year comes to a close, you have the power to make a life-changing difference for animals in need.

Your support helps provide food, medical care, and safe shelter to vulnerable animals, giving them the care they deserve.

Donate today and help us start the new year with hope, love, and brighter futures for the animals who need us most.

A True Home for the Holidays — Missing Cat Reunited with Family After Several Months

Microchip made reunion of missing cat possible

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) reunited a Maine family with their 10-year-old missing cat, several months after the cat got out and became lost during a family visit to Cape Cod.

Having the animal microchipped was what allowed for the reunion and for the cat to literally get back home for the holidays.

The cat, named Rosebud, had strictly been an indoor cat, but during the family’s visit to Brewster, Rosebud snuck outside and became lost.

Despite drastic efforts to find her, the family had to return to Maine, devastated in the thought that their beloved cat was gone and began mourning her loss.

However, on December 14, a Dennis resident contacted ARL’s Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center, saying the cat had been hanging around the property for a couple of months seeking food, and although the cat had a flea collar but no identification tags, the resident believed the cat was an owned animal and then brought her to ARL.

ARL’s staff scanned the cat for a microchip, and then immediately contacted the owners.

Needless to say, the family was stunned, but overwhelmed with excitement that Rosebud was still alive and arranged to make the three-hour drive the next day to pick her up and get her home.

Upon arrival in Brewster, Rosebud’s family stated they were still in shock and it wasn’t until they physically saw her that the shock wore off and the reality set in that the cat was alive and well and ready to go home for the holidays!

Despite being indoors all of her life, Rosebud tapped into her survival instincts, and wandered the Cape wilderness for miles, starting in Brewster, and winding up in Dennis where she was found.

Importance of Microchipping

ARL reminds pet owners that a microchip greatly increases the odds of being reunited with your pet should they go missing.

A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice that is programmed with an identification number unique to the animal.

It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and last the life of your pet with no maintenance required.

Make an Impact

More than 35% of ARL’s funding arrives in December – now is a critical time to give to ensure we are ready to help animals and the people who love them today and in the new year.

ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals like you to keep animals happy and healthy– YOU make our important work possible.

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. 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

ARL Caring for Injured Dog Who Needed Emergency Eye Surgery

Injured dog with bulging eye brought to ARL after being found outside vet clinic in Boston

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a one-year-old inured dog taken in from Boston Animal Care and Control after being found tied to a pole outside a local veterinary clinic and needing emergency surgery to remove an eye that dislodged from its socket.

Aside from the injury, the dog was very well cared for and ARL believes this is yet another example of a pet owner in crisis not knowing where to turn.

The dog, named Herbie, was found on December 11 outside of a veterinary clinic in Boston and brought to Boston Animal Care and Control.

Because he needed immediate medical attention, he was transported to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center where he was assessed.

His left eye was proptosed, meaning it dislodged from its socket, and needed to be removed surgically due to the severe damage.

This is not an uncommon injury for a small dog, and typically occurs as the result of trauma i.e. accident.

Other than the injury to the eye, Herbie is in excellent health, is very friendly, and well-groomed.

Herbie is healthy and will live a normal life.

ARL understands many pet owners are struggling and reminds the public that ARL is a resource.

In 2024 ARL has seen more than 700 animals surrendered due to housing-related issues, which is more than double from 2023.

Cost of pet care has risen drastically in recent years, and when a medical emergency arises, many pet owners are unable to pay for care, prompting some to make rash decisions, but with the best interest of the animal in mind.

Any pet owner facing difficulties can access our list of resources and programs including:

Accessible wellness care
Low-cost spay/neuter surgeries
Pet food and supplies
Temporary pet housing
Free pet behavior help

URGENT REQUEST: Animals still need you!

Time is running out and your year-end gift is needed now!

Rising costs have strained our limited resources – animals and the people who love them need you now.

Your donation can ensure animals in need have everything they need, including behavioral support, veterinary care, shelter, and adoption services, to help them find safe and loving homes to experience love and joy in the New Year.

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