fbpx
Category: Events
Home / Blog /
ARL Locations Holding Drive-Thru Pet Food Donation Drive

Donated Items to Support ARL’s Keep Pets S.A.F.E. Program

On Saturday, October 17, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will be holding a drive-thru pet food donation drive at its Boston, Dedham and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

The donation drive will be held from Noon-4 p.m.

Recipient of ARL’s Keep Pets S.A.F.E. Program.

Donated items will go in support of ARL’s Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday) pet food pantry.

The S.A.F.E. Program was established to help families cope with the ongoing struggles related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pantry is in need of: unopened/unexpired dry or wet dog and cat food; cat litter; and house-training pads. Masks or facial coverings are required for all drop-offs, and ARL requests that all dogs be left safely at home for this special donation drive.

Donations can also be made at home through ARL’s Amazon Wish List at bit.ly/ARLDedhamWishList, and financial contributions can be made by texting “PETS” to 44-321.

ARL Animal Care and Adoption Centers are located at:

Boston: 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116 (Please use Tremont St. Entrance)

Dedham: 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026

Brewster: 3981 Main Street (Route 6A), Brewster, MA 02631

ARL Holds Spay/Neuter and Pet Wellness Clinic in East Boston

Spay Waggin’ Returns to Boston after a Decade

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) unveiled its brand new Spay Waggin’ during a special spay/neuter and pet wellness clinic in East Boston Thursday, bringing expanded high-quality and accessible veterinary services to this historically underserved community.

The mobile clinic was held in collaboration with the Massachusetts Animal Fund, which provides eligible Massachusetts pet owners with spay/neuter vouchers to cover the cost of surgery and associated services, such as vaccinations.

For local news coverage from WCVB click here!

ARL provided free spay/neuter services for more than 20 animals, whose owners have been on the Boston waiting list for services for six months or more due to both demand and COVID-19-related restrictions.

“We’ve been on the waiting list for about a year,” said Dayanara G., who’s dog Blanca was spayed. “It’s very helpful, I rescued her so I didn’t have all the funds to get all her medical treatment. With COVID it was just so hard, a lot of the vets were closed so even just shopping around for them was hard.”

ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ was also on-site to provide low-cost basic and preventive veterinary care for at least an additional 20 animals whose owners were referred by community partner Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)’s East Boston location.

Additionally, the East Boston Shaw’s location, who offered it’s parking lot as a staging area for the clinic, also hosted a pet food and supplies drive during the week leading up to the clinic.

When picking up their animals, clients were able to take home the pet food and supplies collected via ARL’s Transport Waggin’.

Need for Services

For the estimated 16,000 pets and 40,000 residents living in East Boston, pet resources are extremely limited, with just one veterinary clinic and one pet supply store in the immediate area.

By establishing a monthly Spay Waggin’ location in the community beginning with this September clinic, and by adding ABCD’s East Boston location as a weekly location for the Wellness Waggin’ beginning in 2021, ARL will significantly increase East Boston residents’ access to basic veterinary care and spay/neuter.

“ARL is excited and humbled to be able to provide these essential services to pet owners in East Boston,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “East Boston was identified as an area of great need, which was further compounded by COVID-19. ARL’s new Spay Waggin’ will join the Wellness Waggin’ to increase our capacity to help, and our continued partnership with ABCD will further allow ARL to broaden its reach in this great community.”

The Spay Waggin’ joins ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ and Transport Waggin’ as ARL continues to expand its comprehensive community programs approach to help alleviate barriers to care, such as cost and lack of transportation, that prevent many pet owners from accessing basic veterinary care.

Brand New Spay Waggin’

The new Spay Waggin’ is a state-of-the-art mobile surgical unit, and is the third unit in the programs’ 20-year history.

Since 2000, ARL’s Spay Waggin’ program has served the South Shore, South Coast, and Cape Cod region, and has performed well over 60,000 spay/neuter surgeries during operation.

You Make Community Services Possible

While it is difficult to predict the on-going impacts of this global crisis, one thing remains constant – animals in our communities are still in need.

And with a great need for these ongoing and expanding community services, Champions Circle members are there to answer the call for help.

Champions Circle members provide steady support that sustains life-saving measures and second chances for homeless and at-risk animals all year long.

During unprecedented times like these when fundraising events have been cancelled or modified, monthly gifts are crucial to providing life-saving care and assistance to animals when they need it most.

By becoming a Champions Circle member today, you are ensuring that animals in need will the care they deserve, even during crisis.

Why does monthly giving matter?

  • Spreading out your donation in increments throughout the year makes your giving budget work harder and creates an even bigger impact for animals.
  • Monthly giving is a convenient, affordable, and efficient way to make a difference in the lives of animals in our community.
  • 60% of ARL’s funding comes in during the last quarter of the year- and most of it during the last 2 weeks in December – yet animals need help every day. Monthly support from Champions Circle donors provides animals with care and assistance when they need it most.

Use this secure link to join now, or call Derek at (617) 426-9170 x162.

Join by September 30th, and receive a special 2021 wall calendar!

Update: 2020 Virtual Lobby Day for Animals Postponed

UPDATE: This event has been indefinitely postponed due to ongoing actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We are hoping to reschedule the event before the end of the legislative session on July 31, 2020. Thank you for your understanding, please stay tuned for further updates.

State House suspends sponsored events due to COVID-19 precautions

Due to on-going precautionary measures put in place in regards to the continued spread of COVID-19, the 2020 Lobby Day for Animals that was scheduled for March 24 at the Massachusetts State House has been postponed.

In light of this postponement, ARL and its animal welfare partners have decided to take Lobby Day in a virtual direction.

As you may know, the Commonwealth has taken a number of actions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The State House informed our coalition late yesterday that all sponsored events—including Lobby Day for Animals—are being postponed for at least the next 30 days.

Ideally, we hope to reschedule this important event before the end of the legislative session on July 31. However, that will of course remain dependent upon the ongoing developments related to COVID-19, the potential for large events to impact public safety, as well as the ability of the State House to accommodate the number of events that will need to be rescheduled.

We will be cancelling the appointments we have made with your legislators, however, you can still take action for animals! 

  1. Please contact your state senator about several priority animal protection bills referred to Senate committees.
  1. Please contact your state representative about several priority animal protection bills referred to House committees.
  2. We will be hosting a Virtual Day of Action for Animals on Tuesday, March 24, including a lunchtime webinar and afternoon call-in to your legislators. Please register to join us for the webinar.
Take Action for MA Animal Protection Legislation

Join ARL at 2020 Lobby Day for Animals

Right now, Massachusetts legislatures are sifting through thousands of bills and deciding which ones should become law in the Commonwealth.

These bills cover everything from transportation, healthcare, education, animal welfare, among many others.

During the 2019-2020 legislative session, more than 90 animal welfare bills were filed, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is asking for your help in advocating on behalf of animals so the bills with the most impact can be passed.

It is crucial that elected officials hear from YOU – the people they represent about the issues most important to them.

Have Your Voice Heard

We invite you to join ARL, along with other animal welfare advocates, at the Massachusetts State Houses for the 2020 Lobby Day for Animals on March 24 to encourage law makers to take action to protect animals throughout the Commonwealth.

Advocating to legislators may be something you’re used to, or maybe it’ll be your first time. Regardless of your experience, it’s important to remember that animals cannot speak for themselves and rely on you to be their voice.

 We’ve Got You Covered

All attendees will get information before the big day, as well as a “how-to” day of and the ability to ask any questions.

The Legislature will see thousands of phone calls, emails, and letters over the next few months, so please join us for Lobby Day for Animals to ensure that animal welfare legislation receives the attention it deserves.

The Time is Now

The Massachusetts Legislature meets in a two-year cycle.

Our elected officials do most of their important work before July 31 of the second year of the session – which means that July 31, 2020, will be the deadline for controversial matters to be considered and voted on.

Legislation has to pass both the House and Senate with the same language, which can take days, weeks, or even months of conversation and compromise between legislators.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has a robust legislative agenda, focused on improving the lives of animals both in habitats and homes.

ARL supports a wide array of legislation supporting kennel regulations, improving citation enforcement for animals kept in cruel condition, ensuring animals from puppy mills do not find their way into Massachusetts pet stores, just to name a few.

We encourage you to take a look at ARL’s legislative agenda to see what bills we support and oppose.

There is strength in numbers and we are their voice!

Lobby Day Information

Lobby Day for Animals will be held at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and will being at 10:15 a.m.

There is a $10 charge for breakfast, lunch and to help offset the cost of the event. You must also register to take part in this event.

New England Patriots Cheerleaders Visit ARL

This past weekend, members of the New England Patriots Cheerleading squad spent some time at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center to make some cat treats and to spread some holiday cheer to some adorable adoptable puppies!

The visit to ARL was part of the Patriots Cheerleaders Holiday Service Day and was a perfect fit as several members of the squad are avid animal lovers. ARL thanks the Patriots Cheerleaders for spending a little time with ARL’s animals, staff, volunteers and even some lucky patrons!

ARL Partners with ABCD in Pet Wellness Program Expansion

Clinics being held in Dorchester, Roxbury, and soon Mattapan/Hyde Park

On Wednesday, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) announced a groundbreaking partnership with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), to bring pet wellness services directly to four Boston communities where they’re needed most.

The organizations hosted a special event at ABCD’s Roxbury location to mark the occasion and included a number of comments from stake holders and clients, as well as a ribbon-cutting.

Click here to see WBZ’s coverage of the event!

ABCD helps Greater Boston’s most vulnerable and at-risk individuals and families transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. Every year, the agency serves more than 100,000 individuals, families and the elderly.

The Need to Expand

In 2018, ARL’s 38 Pet Wellness Clinics in Dorchester’s Codman Square were an enormous success, serving 431 pets. The success, combined with the need for veterinary services, supported the fundraising to expand these clinics and in addition to the Dorchester and Roxbury clinics, an additional clinic will soon be added to serve Mattapan and Hyde Park. Clinics are held outside ABCD locations.

During ARL’s pilot program in Codman Square which began in 2017, the organization received direct feedback from the community on what barriers existed concerning pet ownership. Top responses included a lack of affordable care and access to services. ARL’s Pet Wellness Clinics drastically reduces these barriers.

For just $10, pets receive a physical exam; rabies and distemper vaccines; flea treatment and microchip. These services would normally cost upwards of $300 in a traditional veterinary clinic setting.

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston of course cares for animals in need, but also helps the people who love them,” said ARL President Mary Nee. “Cost or accessibility to care should never be a barrier to having a healthy and happy animal in the home and we are thrilled to be partnering with ABCD to bring these vital services where they’re needed most to help eliminate these barriers.”

“Making veterinary care accessible and affordable for everyone regardless of where they live or what their income is, is important,” said Sharon Scott-Chandler, Executive Vice President/COO of ABCD.

“Communities are stronger when pets are in them and what we see with ARL and ABCD is a shining example we hope others will emulate,” said Deborah Tucott, Acting President and COO of PetSmart Charities.

Keeping Pets Healthy in Loving Homes

The partnership between animal and human service organizations creates a larger reach to help those in need, and the end goal of ARL’s Pet Wellness Clinics are to keep animals healthy and in loving homes where they belong.

“I found out about this service at ABCD’s food pantry,” said Wellness Waggin’ client Iris Z. “(Today) is my second visit to ARL’s Wellness Waggin’; I really think it’s something we needed in the community and it’s been a wonderful experience for myself and my pets.”

“I absolutely love this service,” said Wellness Waggin’ client Sequoia J. “It’s a really good service to have for locals at an affordable price.”

Thank You

ARL wishes to express its extreme gratitude to ABCD for its partnership, and is also grateful to generous grants from PetSmart Charities and the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation, who made it possible for ARL to purchase and outfit its brand-new Wellness Waggin’. The vehicle is state-of-the-art, and features a separate exam and surgical area.

Wellness Waggin’

The Wellness Waggin’ makes weekly stops in Roxbury, Dorchester, and starting August 30 in Mattapan. Click here to schedule an appointment and to find out about these high-quality, low-cost services!

ARL Participates in Community Celebrations

Parades bring out the best in communities.

Pride, joy, unity, among others. For the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), whether it be Boston’s South End, Dedham, or Brewster, we are more than a service agency for animals – we are a part of the communities in which we reside and are honored to participate in celebrations that bring these communities together.

This past Friday, Dedham hosted its 52nd annual Flag Day Parade, and ARL was once again honored to march in this grand, patriotic event.

Flag day of course marks the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress and Dedham’s parade is one not to miss!

With thousands of onlookers, ARL was in the midst of more than a dozen marching bands, drum and bugle corps, jazz bands, bagpipers, and hundreds of marchers, floats and flag bearers.

This is an event that ARL is proud to be a part of year after year and is already looking forward to 2020!

Over in the South End, ARL marched in the 49th annual Boston Pride Parade, which attracts thousands every year to celebrate equality, unity and community.

The massive parade route cuts through the heart of downtown Boston, ending at City Hall Plaza. The theme for this year’s parade was “looking back, loving forward,” honoring the 50-year anniversary of the famous Stonewall Riots, which paved the way for the Pride Movement.

ARL was ecstatic for the opportunity to take part in this important annual event to celebrate with our friends, neighbors and community.

To everyone who participated in these special events – THANK YOU!

Volunteer Appreciation Week 2019!

Volunteers drive ARL’s mission

It’s one of the greatest weeks of the year at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), as the organization annually dedicates a week in April to heartily thank the hundreds of volunteers who truly make ARL an unwavering champion for animals.

Our Animal Care & Adoption Centers, Spay Waggin’, and administrative offices depend on volunteers to help with everything from feeding and training shelter animals, to providing care to community cats, to staffing special events, to general office support, and much more!

In 2018, nearly 550 volunteers dedicated an incredible total of 27,114 hours and the countless tasks that volunteers tackle on a daily basis has an immeasurable impact on the animals ARL cares for.

During celebrations in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham, ARL not only thanks every volunteer in attendance, but also hands out staff-nominated awards for those volunteers who shined the brightest during the past year.

The 2019 award winners are:

  • Best of Boston – Tori Reilly
  • Cape’d Crusader – Steve Chapman
  • Dedham’s Most Dignified – Janice Manwiller
  • ARL’s Unsung Hero – Kelley Mackinnon and Diane Toomey
  • All Other Creatures Big and Small – Denise Fritschy and Kevin Tenney
  • Admin’s Above and Beyond – Paula Dillon
  • Our Four Footed Friends Favorite Foster Parent – Sue Lowell

Volunteers at each ARL branch also had an opportunity to recognize an outstanding staff member:

  • Boston – Claire Humphries
  • Brewster – Becky Leuenberger
  • Dedham – Alicia Muller

Congratulations to our winners and THANK YOU to all of our volunteers who in the past year made such an incredible impact for animals in need!

Ready to Make a Difference for Animals in Need?

ARL is always looking for dedicated individuals willing to lend their hands, hearts, and time for animals in need. For more about the volunteer process and to see current opportunities, click here!

Meet the 2019 ARL Boston Marathon Team!

ARL’s 9th run with John Hancock Boston Marathon Charity Team

Thanks to the generosity of the John Hancock Marathon Nonprofit Program, two dedicated and compassionate runners will take on the world-renowned 26.2 mile Boston Marathon course to help animals in need.

Our runners aim to raise more than $20,000 for ARL’s animals and programs, all while taking part in the annual Patriot’s Day run from Hopkinton to Boston.

Learn more about why our team members chose to run for ARL and how you can support them below…

Annie Seneski

“I am running for ARL to give all animals a chance to find a happy home. Our dog, Daisy, was adopted from ARL this summer and we couldn’t imagine life without her.”

Support Annie at https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/animal-rescue-league-of-boston-boston-2019/annieseneski1

 

 

Allegra Manacher

“Since moving to Boston 3.5 years ago, I’ve been volunteering at the ARL and am extremely fond of the organization – its mission, people, and most of all, the animals we help. It is a great privilege to raise funds for my favorite charity.”

Support Allegra at https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/animal-rescue-league-of-boston-boston-2019/allegramanacher

 

 

 

A very special thanks to our dedicated runners who have trained hard and worked tirelessly to raise money for animals in our community.

The 123rd running of the Boston Marathon will be on Monday, April 15.

Show your support for team members by making a donation to an individual runner or on the ARL Boston Marathon Team fundraising page at https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/animal-rescue-league-of-boston-boston-2019

2018 Fall Educational Forum: ARL in the Community

Every autumn, members of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Leadership Council gather in Dedham to get an up-close glimpse of what ARL programs are doing to help animals in need. This year was all about ARL’s community programs to bring services directly to those that need them most.

Proactive vs. Reactive

Animal adoption is of course a facet of ARL that’s widely recognized, however as the world of animal welfare continues to evolve, we must be proactive instead of reactive; with the goal of keeping animals safe and healthy in their homes, not in a shelter environment. To be proactive, we must move beyond the walls of our shelters and into the communities that are in need our services.

What are Community Programs?

  • Law Enforcement – Investigates crimes of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect. In 2017, ARL’s Law Enforcement Department investigated cases involving nearly 3,000 animals.
  • Rescue Services – ARL is the only animal welfare agency in Massachusetts with a technically-trained department dedicated to animal rescue. In 2017, Rescue Services assisted nearly 2,000 domesticated animals and wildlife in need.
  • Community Cat Initiative – Launched in 2017, this program addresses the estimated 700,000 community cats living in harsh conditions throughout Massachusetts. In its first year, the program assisted 622 community cats, 78 percent of which found loving homes, while the remaining cats were returned to the field where they are monitored and fed by members of the community.
  • Spay Waggin’ – Serving eight locations throughout the South Shore, South Coast and Cape Cod, this mobile spay and neuter clinic offers high-quality and low-cost services and in 2017 surpassed 50,000 surgeries since being launched in 2000.
  • Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities – This on-going pilot project was made possible through a grant from the Cummings Foundation, and centers on bringing services to the Codman Square area in Dorchester, MA. The initiative includes a weekly, low-cost wellness clinic, as well as a number of partnerships, including the Codman Academy.

Two New Additions

Attendees at this year’s Fall Forum were also introduced to two new exciting additions to ARL’s community programs that aim to bring services directly to areas they’re needed most.

Transport Waggin’

Thanks to a generous donation from Leadership Council members Peter and Connie Lacaillade, this specially-equipped vehicle allows ARL to help more animals in need by providing a missing resource – mobile response.

The Transport Waggin’ will be able to pick up surrendered animals from owners that are unable to come to the shelter; assist concerned citizens who find stray animals in their communities; assist Animal Control Agencies and smaller rescue groups with transport; assist ARL Law Enforcement and Rescue Services; and transport existing animals in our shelter system for any outside needs or services.

Wellness Waggin’

Although not on the road as of yet, the Wellness Waggin’ will drastically increase ARL’s ability to bring veterinary services to communities where they’re needed most.
The vehicle will include an exam room and surgical suite, and is slated to be in operation every Monday, Wednesday and Friday – each day in a different location in the Boston metropolitan area.

By bringing these vital and affordable veterinary services to communities, we can eliminate part of the financial burden of pet ownership, prevent animal surrender, and allow animals to remain in their homes.

A Special Thank You

ARL wishes to thank our Leadership Council members who attended the annual Fall Educational Forum, and stay tuned for more exciting updates of our expanding community programs and initiatives!