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Mobile Spay Waggin’ Assists Martha’s Vineyard

ARL’s Spay Waggin’, Martha’s Vineyard ACOs, and dog owners working together

spay waggin dr. quigley

ARL shelter veterinarian Dr. Kyle Quigley, getting ready to assist patient Mabel, a Shetland Sheepdog

Earlier this month, ARL’s mobile Spay Waggin’ made a special trip to Falmouth to assist Edgartown, Oakbluffs, and Vineyard Haven Animal Control Officers (ACOs) in a first-of-its-kind effort to provide island residents with high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services.

Read all about this special event, as covered by The Vineyard Gazette.

Barbara Prada, an animal control officer in Edgartown for 32 years, explained that for some pet owners on Martha’s Vineyard, “getting their animals spayed or neutered was so out of reach for them financially,” and they have no options for assistance.

Currently, there are no veterinary clinics on the island that accept Massachusetts Animal Fund vouchers, which cover all the costs of spay or neuter surgery for state residents in financial need.

The Spay Waggin’ does accepted Massachusetts Animal Fund vouchers and regularly travels to Cape Cod.  All of the spay and neuter surgeries were paid for using the vouchers.

The ACOs accompanied 9 dogs on the ferry from the Vineyard to the host site in Falmouth, courtesy of Falmouth ACO Al Turner and the Friends of Falmouth Dogs.

With the help of the ACOs, Spay Waggin’ staff evaluated all the animals and prepared them for surgery.  All the animals received a post-operative evaluation and went home with instructions for their owners for care at home.

spay waggin helping martha's vineyard

ARL vet tech Bonnie Morrissey and community and shelter vet outreach coordinator Cheryl Traversi prepping for surgery.

Of the many dogs that were spayed/neutered, the most notable were mother and father Pit Bull-type dogs who had parented 22 puppies in the last 7 months!

The ARL’s Spay Waggin’ and Vineyard ACOs hope to arrange another visit in the coming weeks to help more pet owners in financial need.

For a schedule of the Spay Waggin’s upcoming stops on the South Shore and Cape Cod, visit arlboston.org/spay-waggin

DID YOU KNOW? Animal control officers in Massachusetts may request Massachusetts Animal Fund vouchers for homeless animals being cared for in  a municipal animal control shelter, for pets owned by residents who have demonstrated financial need, or for feral cats in your community.

Up to five vouchers may be requested on one form, and the requests must be made for specific identified animals – no general requests accepted. Learn more about the Mass Animal Fund’s spay/neuter voucher program.

 

 

Impressive Turnout for Humane Lobby Day 2015!

ARL participated alongside notable local and national animal welfare organizations

On May 13, 2015, staff and volunteers proudly represented the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) at Humane Lobby Day held at the Massachusetts State House. Strong attendance of both state representatives and citizen animal advocates reinforced to legislators how important animal welfare is to their constituents.

ARL staff standing behind table

ARL staff and volunteers participated in Humane Lobby Day 2015 at the Massachusetts State House to show support for the cause of animal welfare and to thank legislators who have helped push through important laws impacting animal rights.

ARL staff and volunteers welcomed all Humane Lobby Day participants to speak with us about who we are and the important work that we do in the community. All were impressed by ARL’s courageous Rescue Services team, our awesome adoptable shelter pets, and our continuous efforts to educate the public about animal welfare and safety.

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ARL staff spoke with state representatives and citizen animal advocates about what makes our local organization unique.

A big THANK YOU to our fellow Humane Lobby Day partners- The Humane Society of The United States, MSPCA, and ASPCA for giving animals a voice and asking state legislators to pass laws that benefit both animals and humans alike!

Lincoln, a rescue dog

MSPCA rescue, Lincoln, stole the show. He was adopted by Massachusetts State Senator Karen Spilka after meeting one another at last year’s Lobby Day!

The Animal Rescue League of Boston will continue to support legislation that enhances and improves protections for animals, and to oppose reforms that endanger the welfare of animals in Massachusetts. Continue to check our legislative agenda for updates on the status of legislation impacting animal welfare in Massachusetts.

May is Tick and Flea Awareness Month

6 helpful tips to protect your pet from sneaky parasites

As the days get longer and warmer, pets and their owners are eager to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Although spring is the start of picnics, strolls through the park, hiking, and other outdoor activities, it also marks the beginning of tick and flea season.

Ticks and fleas are small parasites that live off the blood of cats, dogs, humans, and other mammals.

tick

Photo courtesy of avma.org

Ticks typically hide in leaves or grass and climb onto an unsuspecting animal when it brushes by. If a tick burrows into your pet’s skin, they may transmit serious illnesses, such as Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Areas with sandy soil, trees, rivers, and the presence of deer usually signify a dense tick population.

Fleas are much more agile and can jump from one animal or object to another with ease. Flea eggs are resistant to many cleaners and flea control products, which means they have the ability to grow into an adult and cause risk to your pet. A flea bite can cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), Anemia, Tapeworm, and Rickettsiosis, which may result in skin conditions, lethargy, or other serious health effects.

Keep your pet covered with these 6 helpful tips:

  1. Tick and flea preventative should be administered year-round starting at 8 weeks of age. Although ticks and fleas tend to show up in the warmer months when more time is spent outdoors, larvae and adults can hide out in a multitude of places, such as other animals, bushes, and shrubbery, as well as in flooring, carpets, and sofas in your home.
  2. Don’t give ticks and fleas a chance to invade your home. Outdoors, cover waste bins, crawl spaces, and overgrown grass and shrubbery where ticks, fleas, and infected wildlife could hide. Indoors, vacuum carpets and sofas frequently and periodically wash your pet’s blankets, bed, and fabric toys in hot water and dry on high heat.
  3. Pets are good about hiding the “evidence.”  Cats, in particular, are very good at grooming adult fleas and ticks off of themselves. Just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there.
  4. Make “tick checks” part of your routine. When you settle down with your pet for their daily scratch session, pay extra close attention. If you spot a tick, remove it right away with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull directly outward with steady force. Don’t forget to disinfect the bite area thoroughly after tick removal.
  5. Your pet may not show symptoms of being bitten by a tick or flea right away. In most cases, you will not actually see a tick or flea unless your pet has an allergic reaction to the bite(s). Only a blood test taken by your pet’s veterinarian can confirm an illness was transmitted by a tick or flea.
  6. Don’t wait, start now. If you haven’t already, ask your veterinarian about starting a preventative tick and flea treatment plan for your pets.
We Need Your Help! Foster a Kitten, Save a Life

The ARL is seeking on-call foster families for neonatal kittens

four cute neonatal kittens

Foster a neonatal kitten, save a life! If you live in South End or in close proximity to Dedham, apply to be an on-call volunteer today!

If you live in the South End of Boston or in Dedham/very close proximity to our Dedham shelter and have a flexible schedule, a cozy home, and big heart, please read on….

Our Boston and Dedham shelters developed the On-CallNeonatal Kitten Foster Program in response to the need for trained individuals to care for abandoned nursing kittens found in Massachusetts each year, primarily between the months of May through October.

The term “neonatal” refers to a kitten during its0-4 weeks of life. Kittens at this stage are very delicate and are completely reliant on their mother for protection, warmth, and nutrition.

When a neonatal kitten comes in without a mother, it’s up to human caregivers to step in to provide care for these little ones.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the on-call neonatal kitten foster program:

Q: What do neonatal foster volunteers need to do?

A: We’re looking for foster families who are available on-call to take in one to three kittens at a time for a minimum of 4-5 weeks, with some flexibility on an emergency basis.  Prior experience preferred, but not necessary.

You need to be able to stay with the kitten(s) for a significant part of the day and dedicate bottle-feeding time every 2-4 hours.

Q: Will I get training?

A: Yes, absolutely!  We will provide you with:

  • Foster care orientation
  • Neonatal kitten bottle feeding training
  • A bottle and KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement) formula starter kit

We also provide emergency contacts, so you have access to support 24-hours a day when you are fostering kittens in your home.

Q: Where will I need to go to pick up kittens?

A: We are looking for foster volunteers who live close to our Boston shelter located at 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA, and our Dedham shelter located at 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA.  Because kittens frequently come in at the end of the day, we need volunteers who live in close proximity who can quickly and easily come pick them up.

Q. How do I apply to become a neonatal kitten foster volunteer?

A. Click here to fill out a foster volunteer application

For more information about the ARL’s Neonatal Kitten Foster Program, contact:

CCurran@arlboston.org at our Boston Shelter

BFinn@arlboston.org at our Dedham Shelter

Though caring for neonatal kittens requires time and patience, helping a fragile newborn become a healthy adoptable kitten is an extremely rewarding experience!

Additional fostering opportunities

We’re also looking for foster families to care for:

  • Cats with medical conditions
  • Cats with behavioral challenges, such as litter box training and fearfulness.
  • Dogs with behavioral challenges, such as anxiety and fearfulness.

Training is always provided!

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Awareness Month

Animal cruelty comes in many forms, including physical abuse, neglect of basic care, abandonment, dog fighting, and animal hoarding. Because many studies have demonstrated a strong link between cruelty to animals and other forms of domestic and community violence, prevention plays a critical role in improving the safety and welfare of both animals and people in Massachusetts.

Know your state’s animal cruelty laws

In 2014, the ARL’s Center for Animal Protection assisted in over 300 animal law enforcement cases. Unfortunately, this is a small number when you consider the startling statistic that 4 out of 5 animal cruelty cases go unreported.

We all have a role to play in prevention. Be aware and get to know the animals in your neighborhood. If you suspect animal cruelty, call your local authorities right away.  Help raise awareness and educate others about this issue.

Learn the 7 most common warning signs of animal cruelty and take action!

While most of us recognize that punching, kicking, burning, choking, or hitting an animal with an object are acts of animal cruelty, there are also several more subtle warning signs of animal cruelty to watch for that could indicate mistreatment, neglect, or abuse:

  1. Howling or barking for a sustained period of time or hearing an animal cry in pain with higher pitched, more persistent vocal sounds than usual.
  2. Singed, matted, chronically or excessively dirty hair or fur.
  3. Wounds, unusual scars, hair loss, frequent limping often on different legs, or signs of improper nutrition such as weight loss or prominent visible ribs.
  4. Animals kept caged or tied with little room to move for long periods of time or without regular interaction with people
  5. Lack of protection from the weather or fece- or debris-strewn living areas for animals.
  6. Collars, leashes, or halters so tight they visibly dig into the animal’s face or neck.
  7. A large number of animals coming or going from a property.

If you know of or suspect animal cruelty, report concerns to your local authorities. Click here to learn more about how you can prevent animal cruelty. 

Do You Have Feral Cats In Your Neighborhood?

Help keep them safe by building a simple DIY cat shelter in your yard

A “feral” cat is defined as a cat that has had little or no human contact since birth. Many were initially former domestic cats that were either lost or abandoned. In many cases, these cats still depend on human caregivers for food and shelter.

Learn more about ARL’s Community Cat Program

Some feral cat colonies find shelter for themselves under sheds and uninhabited buildings. Living in these structures poses a risk for these cats because their safety is usually uncertain.

To help keep the feral cats in your neighborhood safe from the elements and potential predators, consider building your own shelter. DIY shelters are inexpensive and simple to build. Please keep in mind, there are many ways to build feral cat shelters.

Watch this video to learn how to build your own feral cat shelter:

 

 

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.

guinea pig

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!

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.

 

ARL Assisting Bridgewater PD Dog Investigation

Providing Forensic Assistance in Breaking Case

Bridgewater Police today release information about two deceased pit bull-type dogs found on Sunday, March 15, by a local resident out walking his dogs.   Both dogs had wounds on different parts of their bodies that could be consistent with dog fighting, though their origin has not yet been confirmed.

The Police turned to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL)  for forensic assistance to determine potential causes of the wounds.  The ARL will provide findings from the necropsy of the two dogs to the Bridgewater Police within the next several days.

In the meantime, anyone with information about this case should immediately contact the Bridgewater Police Department at (508) 697-6118.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING – Because 4 out of 5 cases of animal cruelty go undiscovered, the public plays a critical role in prevention.  Thank you to the concerned citizen who contacted police after finding the two deceased dogs.

You saw something.  You said something.  And it made a difference in your community.

 

Dog Rescue – Pulled from Icy Stream

ARL Rescue Team on the scene to help

Thanks to fast efforts from his caregiver, park rangers, and the ARL’s rescue services team, a family dog is warming up after he realized a little too late that it wasn’t a good day for a swim.

Energized by the warmer temperatures and sun as he was playing at West Roxbury’s Millennium Park on Tuesday afternoon, the happy-go-lucky dog decided to take a dip in the inviting stream running on the outskirts of the park.

icy dog rescue after

ARL senior rescue technician Danielle Genter gave the chilly dog a towel rub down after his rescue from a stream.

After one pass across the stream, he decided that the water was just a little too cold for his liking.  Unfortunately, an icy shelf stood between him and dry land, and he seemed none to eager to swim back across.  Searchers found him hanging on the icy shelf waiting for help.

Working alongside the dog’s caregiver, Boston Park Rangers, and the Boston Police, senior rescue technician Danielle Genter extended a catch-pole across the narrow stream to grab hold of the dog.

The grateful pup got the picture and allowed Danielle to move him off the ice, back across the water, and on to solid ground.  He hopped right in to the awaiting warm vehicle to get a towel rub down.

The dog appears to be doing well and our rescue team recommended he get a check-up with his veterinarian to make sure all was well.

With fluctuating temperatures, the snow and ice are definitely starting to melt! While this is a happy sign that Spring is just around the corner, it’s also a sign to stay alert with your pet.

Keep your dog on a leash and if you’re walking near “frozen” ponds, lakes, or streams, remember ice is not always uniformly thick or stable.  In addition to the dangers of falling through thin ice, also remember dogs don’t consider the water temperature before bounding in for a swim.  For more winter pet health and safety tips, visit arlboston.org/winter-pet-health

SPECIAL THANKS to Boston Park Ranger Sergeant Al Hurd and the Boston Police Department who provided help and assistance to our rescue team today!

It’s Hip to Snip! Helping Feral Cats in Greater Boston

How Spaying and Neutering Feral Cats Prevents Animal Homelessness

Do you know a “neighborhood cat?” Maybe there’s a familiar feline around the city streets near your work or around your block? One that you see roaming around abandoned buildings, restaurants or dumpsters?

Often these cats are known as “feral.”  They have either lived for an extended period of time with little or no human contact or away from human contact long enough to revert to a wild state.  As a result, they cannot easily adapt back to living indoors with people as pets.

feral cat clinic volunteer

A volunteer checks on a feral cat waking up from spay/neuter surgery during a Fall ARL Fix-A-Feral clinic

Sometimes these cats have been abandoned or put outside by previous owners.  Other times they are the offspring of stray or other feral cats.

While ferals tend to avoid human contact because they aren’t properly socialized, they often live in cat colonies in close proximity to humans.  Especially during the winter when food supplies can be scarce, they frequently rely on people to provide them with food.  Dedicated volunteers around the state feed, monitor, and support many – but not all – colonies.

“There are several feral cat colonies all around Massachusetts,” says Maryann Regan, the ARL’s director of shelter operations. “These colonies grow in numbers when owned cats who are not spayed or neutered are put outdoors or abandoned.  Their offspring have offspring, the cycle continues, and the number of feral cats grows.”

Spaying and neutering feral cats is an important part of solving the problem of animal homelessness.

According to Maryann, “studies have shown that humanely trapping, spaying/neutering, and releasing–or what people in animal welfare call ‘TNR’–feral cats back to the colonies where they have been living is one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of homeless animals in our community.”

feral cat friendly

The ARL evaluates all cats during the clinic to find “friendlies,” stray cats who could re-adjust to living with people as pets.

Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor in 2013, the ARL launched Fix-a-Feral clinics to spay and neuter feral cats in Greater Boston.   During the clinics, cats receive a behavioral screening to identify any “friendlies,” stray cats who have more recently joined a colony.  With support from our shelter staff, the friendlies have a very good chance of getting used to living indoors with people again and finding a new home.

In addition to getting spayed or neutered, cats going through the clinic also receive vaccines and other medical attention as necessary.

In 2014, over 250 feral cats in the greater Boston area came through our TNR clinics.  Our Spay Waggin’ also spays and neuters feral cats on the South Shore and Cape Cod, where sizable colonies also exist.

This winter has been especially hard on feral cats in our community, and you can help!

Fun Fact: In one year, an unspayed female cat can have as many as 6 litters of kittens. Spay/neuter efforts for feral animals not only decrease the number of homeless animals born each year, but they also reduce or eliminate unwanted “nuisance” behaviors such as fighting, yowling, and spraying.