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ARL Pups Visit Red Sox and Most Iconic Play Yard in Boston

Boston Red Sox employees enjoy an ARL playdate

This past week, a trio of lucky pups in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), took a day trip to Fenway Park to brighten the day of more than a dozen employees of the Boston Red Sox.

The event, held in an event space inside Fenway, was part of an employee wellness effort, to give workers a chance to step away from their desks for a little bit and spend some time with dogs and to learn a little more about ARL’s programs, services and mission to help animals in need throughout Boston and Beyond.

These types of employee events are wonderful initiatives, as spending time and petting an animal offers a host of mental health benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood.

ARL thanks the Red sox, and is thrilled to have had the opportunity to further spread the joy that animals provide, and to partner with another iconic Boston institution, although we should point out that being founded in 1899, ARL actually predates the Red Sox, who were established in 1901!

For Vincenzo, October and Sersi, it was a chance to get out into the world, meet new people, and have a little fun!

The pups enjoyed running around the outdoor space, playing and accepting treats, pets and toys from Red Sox employees.

The day ended with the pups getting a glimpse at the diamond from the famed Green Monster seats.

ARL Hosting Fee-Waived Small Animal Adoption Event

Small animals make wonderful companion pets

This weekend, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will host a fee-waived adoption event for small animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, and hamsters, at all three of its Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

For those thinking of adding a small animal (or two) to the family, it’s a perfect time to do so!

ARL hosting a fee-waived small animal adoption event this weekend.

The event will run from Friday, November 8, through Sunday, November 10 at ARL’s Boston, Dedham, and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

Hours of operation are 1-6 p.m.

Currently, ARL has nearly three dozen small animals available for adoption, with many more in foster care waiting their turn.

The organization has seen a dramatic rise in small animal surrenders in the past few years, particularly guinea pigs.

Small animals make wonderful pets – they’re social, relatively quiet, great for small living spaces, and may be an option for those living in properties that may not allow dogs or cats but do allow small animals.

ARL’s Adoption Forward process, a conversation-based, application-free process designed so the needs of both the animal and adopter are understood and compatible with one another, will remain the same for this special adoption event.

Visit an ARL Animal Care & Adoption Center from November 8 through November 10 from 1:00pm-6:00pm:

Boston: 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116
Dedham: 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026
Brewster (Cape Cod): 981 Main Street (Rte 6A), East Brewster, MA 02631

Prospective adopters must bring a photo of the enclosure their pet will live in to ensure it meets our requirements.

Stray Dog Likely Hit by Car in Care of ARL 

Stray dog required amputation of severely fractured leg 

A one-year-old dog found as a stray and in need of an emergency surgery after likely being struck by a car is currently in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and recovering well following the trauma. 

The dog, now named Vincenzo, was found in Roxbury and initially rescued by Boston Animal Control.

He was later transported to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center after receiving initial treatment at an emergency veterinary hospital.

Not only was he suffering from a fractured leg which was likely the result of being hit by a car, he was emaciated, and during his initial exam at ARL, he was diagnosed with a heart murmur.

Vincenzo was in a tremendous amount of pain due to his injury, the fracture had begun to heal incorrectly, exacerbating the pain and impacting his gait and quality of life.

ARL’s shelter and community medicine team decided amputation was the best course of action, and following his surgery, Vincenzo is healing, is on a refeeding plan to gain weight safely and slowly, and is also starting to discover something he had likely been without previously – toys!

Vincenzo is currently in foster care and ARL’s veterinary staff continues to monitor his heart murmur, but it’s expected this affectionate and playful pup will be ready to find his new home sometime in the next week.

Critical Care

Vincenzo’s injuries were not only severe, but impacted his quality of life.

ARL’s shelter and community medicine staff provides the highest standards of animal care and are able to respond quickly to help animals like Vincenzo.

With surgery, diagnostics and other medical needs, Vincenzo’s cost of care is well into the thousands, and ARL relies solely on the support of like-minded individuals like yourself to make it possible to help Vincenzo and animals like him.

You can help Vincenzo and animals like him receive everything he needs to recover and find the home he deserves.

ARL Hosts Boston City Councilor at Mattapan Wellness Waggin’® Visit

Wellness Waggin’ helps keep pets in homes and out of shelters

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) hosted Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepén at its weekly Wellness Waggin’ stop in Mattapan, to showcase ARL’s efforts to help keep pets happy, healthy, and in homes and out of shelters.

Pet owners are struggling, and ARL is thrilled that Councilor Pepén had the opportunity to see first-hand the organization’s efforts to provide essential services for pet owners in need.

ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ served its first clients in 2019, and serves pet owners in Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, East Boston and Hyde Park.

The Wellness Waggin’ provides low-cost, comprehensive pet wellness services for pet owners in communities that face barriers including lack of access to veterinary care and financial hardship pertaining to pet care.

“Because of this, she’s been able to actually keep the dog and be able to continue to afford giving him services, keep up-to-date with any vaccinations, keep up-to-date with the physicals,” Pepén said after speaking with a dog owner using the service. “So this is, quite frankly, life changing.”

To date, the program has served nearly 17,000 since its inception, 11 percent of which are from Mattapan.

In partnership with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ makes weekly stops at ABCD locations in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, with rotating stops in East Boston.

For 10 dollars, pets receive the following services:

  • Physical exam
  • Rabies vaccine
  • Distemper vaccine
  • Flea treatment
  • Microchip

Not only does the Wellness Waggin’ provide low-cost veterinary services as the aforementioned services would cost upwards of 300 dollars in a traditional veterinary setting, but with its mobility, low-cost, high-quality veterinary care is more accessible than ever for pet owners in these communities.

ARL is a Resource

It has never been harder to own a pet in Boston.

Aside from being the fourth most expensive to live in the U.S., it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the country for veterinary care.

ARL is a resource for pet owners, and the Wellness Waggin’ is just one arm of the organization’s community programs to assist pet owners.

Other programs include the Spay Waggin’®, Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday), Temporary Pet Housing, just to name a few.

ARL to Recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition with Animal Advocate Award

Animal Advocate Award winners exemplify compassion and commitment to advance ARL’s mission

During its upcoming Paws to Celebrate event its historic Dedham Campus, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition, for the company’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing for animals not only in ARL’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers, but throughout the communities ARL serves.

ARL’s Animal Advocate Award honors distinguished philanthropists and compassionate organizations who have made outstanding contributions to ARL and actively advance the well-being of animals in our community.

ARL is thrilled to recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their extraordinary generosity and achievements in improving the health and wellbeing of animals.

They not only help meet the unique nutritional needs of the animals in our Animal Care & Adoption Centers, they also transform the lives of pets in our community by supporting our pet food pantry and pet adoption.

They are committed to good and their impact extends across the globe!

“We are fortunate to have Hill’s as a partner and supporter. They do so much for animals and the field of animal welfare, and often do not get the recognition they deserve,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino.   “We are honored to present Hill’s with our Animal Advocate Award.”

ARL will present a representative of Hill’s Pet Nutrition with the award on Sunday, October 20, during its annual Paws to Celebrate event at ARL’s Dedham Campus, which is a gathering of like-minded ARL supporters to celebrate their contributions and see first-hand how their support and involvement is helping animals in need, and the people who care for them.

Yes, let’s talk about dogs and cats!

The following is an op-ed written by ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino 

Dogs and cats have received an unprecedented amount of media coverage over the last few weeks, but for all the wrong reasons.  And the online memes and songs about pets have kept the conversation going. The comments can be painful, but provide an opportunity to share more about the importance of the human-animal bond and its impact on Greater Boston.

At the turn of the 19th century, Anna Harris Smith, a social worker from Dorchester, was called to action after seeing the cruel mistreatment of working horses and the number of stray and homeless animals in Boston.  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.”

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. Not only did Anna witness the impact on animals, but also saw the effects this cruelty and neglect had on children and adults.

In the first 125 years since our founding, ARL has provided over 6 million animals with care. Our animal care and adoption centers not only provide a temporary home for animals in need, but veterinary services, dog training, behavior help, humane education, humane law enforcement, and community programs.  With kindness and compassion, we now help care for more than 20,000 animals annually.

However, today’s economic challenges, such as the rising cost of living and the housing crisis, are felt all across the Commonwealth.  And, when people struggle, pets also struggle.

Recent studies and data show that these issues deeply affect the animals we love and threaten to separate people from their pets due to cost of care, lack of access, and limited support.  For example, across the US, 12% of people have surrendered a pet because they couldn’t afford veterinary care and 14% of pets end up in shelter due to housing issues[1].  In fact, Boston has been listed as one of the least pet-friendly cities in America, ranking as among the highest for veterinary costs[2].

Scientific research also repeatedly cites the profound positive impact of pet ownership on individual well-being and community health[3].  Pets help reduce conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and contribute to improved mental health, particularly among veterans, seniors, and children.

Pets are family for nearly 50% of Massachusetts households[4], which is why we are doing everything we can to keep pets in homes with the people who love them. From pet food and supplies, to affordable care, to temporary pet housing, and more, we are answering the call for help so that pets can stay where they belong – with their families and out of shelter.

In recent years ARL’s programs and services have expanded and evolved, reflecting emerging issues, advancements in veterinary and animal care, and community needs.  Today, animals in our care are staying longer, have increased medical and behavioral needs, and require more time and financial resources than ever before to treat their unique needs.  And every day we push our boundaries by going beyond sheltering to address the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who love them.  Through partnerships with communities facing barriers and leading human service organizations in Greater Boston, we help animals heal and thrive, keep pets and people together, and keep families together.

As one of the largest nonprofits in the Commonwealth we are now writing the next chapter in our long history and reinvesting to the city of Boston, its residents, and its pets, for the next 125 years and beyond.  We have committed to rebuild our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center at our current home in Boston’s historic South End with a new facility, a critical and long-term investment which will provide animals with the highest standards of care for generations.

Today’s challenges for pets and their families are more complicated, more nuanced, and more urgent than ever before, requiring action, innovation and collaboration, and most of all, more compassion.  We must all recognize the intersection between animal welfare and human health, and continue to reimagine how we can work together to make our communities a better place for pets and people.

Dr. Edward Schettino is President & CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston

[1] https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/pet-debt-report/

https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/pet-shelter-relinquishment-081224/

[2] Most Pet-Friendly Cities in 2024 (wallethub.com)

[3] https://habri.org/assets/uploads/Health-Care-Cost-Savings-Report.pdf

[4] https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/us-pet-ownership-statistics/

ARL Joins Governor Healey for Ollie’s Law Bill Signing Ceremony

Ollie’s Law to establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities

Today, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), along with other animal welfare organizations and stakeholders, joined Governor Maura Healey at the Massachusetts State House for a bill signing ceremony for Ollie’s Law – which will establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities in the state.

Pictured left to right: ARL’s Media Relations Manager, Mike DeFina; Allison Blanck, ARL’s Director of Advovavy; Governor Maura Healey; ARL’s President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino

For the past two legislative sessions, ARL advocated heavily for the passage of this legislation to help establish across-the-board, reasonable regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities, including home-based kennels, to help prevent situations where an animal can be injured, sometimes fatally.

Ollie’s Law was born out of tragedy.

In 2020, Amy Baxter brought her Labradoodle Ollie to a Western Massachusetts doggie daycare facility, only to receive a text shortly after saying Ollie had been attacked by other dogs.

He was severely injured, and sadly died of his injuries two months later.

While the facility was shuttered by town officials, Baxter was stunned to learn that there were no state regulations regarding boarding facilities, and soon took up the fight to help ensure tragedies like this never happen again.

This signing ceremony marks a tremendous victory for pet owners across the Commonwealth.

“ARL is immensely thankful to the Governor for her signature on Ollie’s Law,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “Through the dedication of animal advocates and the support of the legislature, including bill sponsors Representative Brian Ashe and Senator Mark Montigny, Ollie’s Law creates a path to reasonable regulation to protect pets in daycare and boarding facilities across Massachusetts. At ARL we believe pets are family and we grateful that more pets and pet parents will benefit from this important law. Ollie’s Law will lessen the burden on consumers, creating clear standards and allowing for enforcement by both municipalities and the state when there are violations.  With pet ownership at historic highs, we know that there are more pet parents than ever who need these services. This law is crucial to keep Massachusetts a leader in animal protection.”

“Pets are family who provide boundless love and affection that we are lucky to receive,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), lead Senate sponsor of Ollie’s Law.  “For this reason, it is critical that we ensure all businesses entrusted with the care of our family adhere to proper health and safety protocols no matter what town they operate in across the Commonwealth.  Too often, we have heard devastating stories of pets like Ollie who have been injured or killed due to negligent care.  These people have no place caring for such precious creatures and it’s time that we implement consistent standards across Massachusetts.”

“With the passing of Ollie’s Law, we take a vital step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our beloved pets. It is bittersweet as the tragic passing of Ollie made us painfully aware of the lack of safety regulations in dog day care facilities. This legislation sets practical standards for kennel care and reaffirms our commitment to treating all animals with the love and respect they deserve. The collaboration of individuals from all facets of the industry as well as pet owners was critical in crafting a bill that ensures consumers will have peace of mind when choosing pet care.  I would like to thank Ally Blanck and the ARL team for their hard work and commitment to this legislation.  Their assistance in navigating through the process combined with experience and a passion for animal rights was invaluable.”, remarked State Representative Brian Ashe.

What the Law Will Do

On the surface, Ollie’s Law will establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities, however, the law is comprehensive.

Ollie’s law will do the following:

  • Reinforce existing requirements for municipalities in defining what a boarding facility is and maintains protections regarding inspections
  • Adds the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to the list of authorized enforcement for commercial boarding facilities, allowing them to step in when a municipality can’t or won’t
  • Requires facilities report injuries to animals or people, MDAR will provide a form which can also be filled out by the public. Following an investigation, these reports will be made public
  • Authorizes MDAR to establish regulations for boarding facilities which may include:
    • Administrative: licensing, inspection, compliance and enforcement, use of best practices and operation
    • Animal Safety: provider and staff to animal ratios, fire and emergency planning, group sizes and supervision, minimum housing and care requirements, indoor and outdoor physical facility requirements, utilities
    • Employee Safety and Training: body language interpretation, breed familiarity, dog handling, insurance, proper education and training of dog daycare staff, operational safety standards, risk management, and consumer education and protection
  • Establishes an advisory committee to assist with development and review of regulations and will consist of MDAR, licensed commercial boarding or training facility owners, animal control officers, kennel associations, veterinary professionals, members of the public, dog behavior experts, and shelter and rescue organizations (including ARL)

ARL’s Board Safely® Campaign

Spurred by heartbreaking stories much like Ollie’s, since 2019, ARL has offered the public help through the “Board Safely” campaign.

This important safety campaign provides pet parents a checklist of considerations before selecting a boarding facility.

Before you choose a boarding facility or doggie daycare, please visit ARL’s Board Safely page to help advocate for the safety of your beloved pet!

ARL to Recognize Pillar of Boston Nonprofit Community with Animal Advocate Award

Award winners exemplify compassion and commitment to advance ARL’s mission

During its upcoming Paws to Celebrate event at the iconic Hampshire House, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will recognize Grace Fey, a fixture of the Boston nonprofit community for her exceptional commitment to the organization’s focus in expanding access to pet wellness care throughout the Metro Boston area.

ARL’s Animal Advocate Award honors distinguished philanthropists and compassionate organizations who have made outstanding contributions to ARL and actively advance the well-being of animals in our community.

ARL is thrilled to recognize Grace Fey with this award for demonstrating profound generosity and an unwavering commitment to making a difference for animals and the people who love them.

She is a staunch supporter of expanding access to care for pet owners, ensuring pets can stay with the families who love them.

Grace is a shining example of compassion in action, inspiring us all to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals.

“Grace is a visionary, seeing the interconnection of human and pet health,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “Grace’s power of connection has led to transformational partnerships within Greater Boston.  She understands that when non-profits work together their strengths are amplified and their reach is extended to create a healthier community for both pets and people.”

ARL will present Grace with her award on Tuesday, October 1, during its annual Paws to Celebrate event at the Hampshire House, which is a gathering of like-minded ARL supporters to celebrate their contributions and see first-hand how their support and involvement is helping animals in need, and the people who care for them.

ARL Seeing Explosion in Community Cats and Kittens Intake

Community cat intake up 30 percent over 2023

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) continues to see a steady influx of kittens born in the wild from communities throughout Massachusetts, and to date, ARL has taken in 833 community cats in 2024, a 30 percent increase over 2023.

Kitten specific intake has also seen a 30 percent increase in 2024 as well.

Since May 1, ARL has taken in nearly 600 community cats, 117 in September alone, the majority being kittens, and the organization is seeing no slow-down in the numbers of kittens being born in community cat colonies over the coming weeks and months.

ARL is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated Community Cat Program, focusing on community cat colonies in numerous communities throughout the state.

Once colony is assessed, a trap-neuter-return plan is formulated, and ARL will provide these animals medical care, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and finding homes for the vast majority.

For those cats that are truly feral, they are returned to the colony they were found, healthy and no longer able to reproduce, which will help end the cycle of homelessness among the colony.

With relatively mild winters become the norm in Massachusetts, there is no such thing as kitten season anymore, and caring for these animals is now a year-round effort.

Community cats are incredibly resourceful, and litters of kittens can be born anywhere a mom cat can find a dry, warm and safe environment.

ARL advises anyone who notices a colony or kittens in and around their home or neighborhood, to contact ARL’s Field Services Department for assistance at (617) 426-9170 x563.

ARL does not receive any government funding for this important work, so these cats and kittens must rely generosity of people like you to get their best chance for a happy and healthy life.

To help support their care, please visit support.arlboston.org/communitycats.

Rescued Neonatal Kittens Find New Homes

Neonatal kittens raised by surrogate mother cat

A pair of neonatal kittens who were saved by the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and just a day old when they were found in a driveway in Hyde Park have defied the odds and are now ready to find their permanent homes, thanks in large part to the care provided by a surrogate mother cat.

It was a hot July day when a resident discovered the neonatal kittens in a driveway, and shocked by the discovery, contacted ARL’s Field Services for assistance.

It’s unknown whether the mother cat had abandoned the kittens or that something had happened to her.

ARL responded quickly, rescued the kittens, and brought them to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for critical care and treatment.

At approximately one-day-old, the kittens were literally helpless.

The umbilical cords were still attached, their eyes were closed and were far too young to care for themselves.

While initially bottle-feeding the kittens, a long-term solution was needed.

ARL did have a young cat in foster care who had given birth a couple of weeks prior, and ARL staff introduced the idea of seeing if the cat, named Victoria, could serve as a surrogate mother to the kittens.

The kittens were introduced to Victoria, who immediately took them in, and for next nine weeks, cared for them as if they were her own.

The kittens, now named Willie Nelson and George Strait, are happy, healthy and ready to find their new homes at ARL’s Dedham facility.

The pair also made fast friends with their adoptive brother Tim McGraw, who is also looking for his new home.

The stars aligned for these two kittens, and ARL is thrilled that they will now have the opportunity to live the long lives they deserve.

ARL’s Community Cat Program

At ARL, we are focused on community cats; those that live outdoors and are unowned, but are a part of our local communities.

It is important to remember that cats living in community colonies are not all considered “feral” but consist of a combination of feral, shy, and friendly stray cats all living together.

Previously, the animal welfare term “feral” was often associated with “bad cats” or “other cats.”

While feral cats are different in the sense that they have not been properly socialized with humans, they are biologically the same as owned house cats.

Community cats face many challenges living outdoors.

Without proper shelter and care, they are at risk of illness and injury. Additionally, without spay/neuter surgery, these cats can produce many litters and continue the cycle of large colonies of unowned cats. 

It is estimated that over 700,000 cats roam free in Massachusetts with 70,000 in Boston alone.

Our Rescue Agents will respond to the call of residents who report a colony of cats, investigating the colony to determine the number of cats and kittens residing in that area, the cats’ overall health status, and whether or not a local resident is feeding them regularly and can continue.

After the initial assessment, a TNR (Trap-Neuter- Return) plan is formulated for that particular colony.

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.