fbpx
Blog
Home / Blog
ARL Caring for Cats and Kittens Rescued from House Fires

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

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

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

Kittens at ARL after being rescued from a house fire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strategic Plan Report

ARL’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan reflects our unwavering commitment to helping animals heal and thrive, keeping pets and people together, and protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. It will ensure we can continue to respond to the needs of animals and support a community in which animals are protected, safe, and healthy – in homes and out of shelters.

We’re excited to share the progress you helped make in 2024 towards our goals.

Together, we’re keeping pets and people together, delivering lifesaving care, expanding access to critical resources, and standing up for animals across Massachusetts.

ARL staff member petting dog


Our Goals


Goal 1: Provide high-quality care in our Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

Objective: Provide animals with the highest standards of care to help them heal and thrive in their new homes.

    • Found loving homes for 3,518 animals, 18% received behavioral support to help them thrive in their new homes.
    • Provided 6,300 veterinary exams and surgeries to shelter animals.
    • Helped 1,181 community cats (cats that live outdoors, a 32% increase over 2023.

Goal 2: Support animal health with our professional services.

Objective: Advance pet health and well-being through dog training courses and exceptional veterinary care.

    • Trained 871 dogs with 20% more course offerings, including shorter workshops focusing on common challenges pet owners face in daily life
    • Provided 2,122 animals with routine and life-saving care at Boston Veterinary Care (BVC).

Goal 3: Keep pets and people together.

Objective: Empower families and help more pets stay in their homes by expanding access to innovative community services, including low-cost veterinary care, temporary pet housing, and pet food.

    • Provided $6.7M worth of veterinary care to the community, including: 4,700 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries in Greater Boston, Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands; and 3,770 low-cost veterinary wellness exams in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and East Boston.
    • Saw a 24% increase in temporary housing clients, with 42 pets placed into temporary housing while their owners addressed housing and health needs.
    • Provided 255,194 pet meals to the community, a 100% increase since inception in 2020.

Goal 4: Improve the lives of animals.

Objectives: Lead the way for animal welfare by advancing laws and policies that benefit animals, providing training for local and state police and animal control officers, and creating the next generation of compassionate animal advocates through humane education opportunities for youth.

    • Played a key role in passing several bills, including: regulating pet daycare and boarding facilities; prohibiting the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks old; and making Massachusetts the fourth state to ban cat declawing
    • Assisted 1,300 animals by investigating cruelty, abuse, and neglect.
    • Provided 13 training sessions for 700 Animal Welfare professionals in 2024, including at the Massachusetts State Police Academy, veterinary and animal welfare conferences, and human service organizations.
    • Welcomed 216 youth at Humane Education events, an 18% increase over 2023.

Goal 5: Invest in our people.

Objective: Ensure ARL is a great place to work and volunteer by meeting high satisfaction standards and advancing diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and justice within our organization and the communities we serve.

    • Promoted 12 employees
    • Maintained an 86% volunteer satisfaction rate
    • Established the P.E.T. (Paws-itive Engagement Team) an employee engagement group that works together to create rewarding initiatives across ARL.

Goal 6: Invest in our infrastructure.

Objective: Enhance the capacity of ARL’s facilities to respond to the current and future needs of animals and pet owners in our community.

ARL Provides Community Kitten with Life-Saving Care

Community kitten suffered from traumatic leg injury

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

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

Alice after surgery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How You Can Help 

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

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

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

donate button

Press Release: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to More Than a Year in Prison for Dogfighting

Sentence adjudicates first-ever federal dogfighting case in District of Massachusetts

The following is a news release distributed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Hanson, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing dogs at his Massachusetts home for participation in a dogfighting venture.

John D. Murphy, 51, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to one year and one day in prison, with the last three months to be served in community confinement, followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 and ordered prohibited from possessing pit-bull type dogs. In November 2024, Murphy pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture, in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Murphy was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.

View local news coverage on this story.

“Dog fighting is a brutal and inhumane form of entertainment and is associated with other organized criminal activity, including illegal gambling,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to holding violators accountable. We commend the collaboration between federal and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

“The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare,” said Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region.

In 2021, Murphy was identified discussing dogfighting on recorded calls with a New York-based dogfighting target. A subsequent search of his Facebook accounts revealed Murphy’s years-long involvement in dogfighting. Murphy communicated with other dogfighters via Facebook where they discussed the results of dogfights, injuries sustained by fighting dogs, as well as breeding dogs. Murphy also belonged to private dogfighting Facebook groups used to share fight results, buy and sell fighting dogs and exchange information on training and conditioning fighting dogs, among other things.

Photos and videos found on Murphy’s Facebook account showed a pit bull-type dog with scarring and discolorations on its head and leg consistent with that of dogfighting as well as a photo of a pit bull-type dog restrained in a breeding stand. Videos from his account showed pit bull-type dogs physically tethered to different treadmill-like devices that dogfighters commonly use to physically condition dogs for dogfights. One of the videos depicted a live raccoon caged in front of the carpet mill, to serve as a stimulus for the pit bull-type dog to run faster and harder.

In June 2023, a search of Murphy’s residence in Hanson revealed that he was keeping nine pit bull-type dogs at his home. Several of the dogs had scarring consistent with being involved in organized dogfighting.

Animal fighting paraphernalia was also found during the search of Murphy’s residence, including:

  • Flirt poles, used to entice a dog to chase a stimulus;
  • Spring poles, used to build a dog’s jaw strength and increase aggression;
  • Several treadmills, slat mills and carpet mills, used to condition dogs to build stamina and muscle;
  • A jenny mill, used to develop a dog’s endurance and musculature by enticing the animal to run on a circular track;
  • Rabbit training scent for dogs;
  • Break sticks, used to force a dog’s bite open, specifically at the termination of a fight or while training;
  • A dog bite sleeve;
  • Disposable skin staplers, used to attempt to close wounds resulting from dogfights;
  • Several types of steroids and painkillers;
  • Fertility medications and a breeding stand, used to restrain female dogs during breeding;
  • Printouts of fighting dog pedigrees; and
  • Dog fighting literature, DVDs and CD-ROMs.

A forensic examination of Murphy’s cell phone revealed significant additional evidence of his involvement in dogfighting. This included multiple dog fighting videos and WhatsApp messages between Murphy and other individuals discussing elements of dog fighting. In one of the messages, Murphy expressed his anger over having animal control called to his property and the 25 years he invested in breeding and conditioning dogs, and asserting that he will “never never never” quit what he is doing with the dogs.

In March 2024, the United States also filed a civil forfeiture complaint against 13 pit bull-type dogs, seized in June 2023 from Murphy’s residence and another residence in Townsend, Mass., that were possessed for participation in an animal fighting venture. In September and October 2024, the Court ordered the dogs to be forfeited to the United States.

To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at: https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.

U.S. Attorney Foley; ENRD Acting AAG Gustafson; USDA-OIG SAC Parker; Geoffrey D. Noble, Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Karen L. LoStracco, Director of the Animal Rescue League of Boston – Law Enforcement Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Marshal’s Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Maine State Police; New Hampshire State Police; Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor; Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and the Hanson, Boston and Acton Police Departments.

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department is comprised of Special Massachusetts State Police Officers who enforce the animal cruelty and neglect laws of the state. In addition to conducting our own investigations, our department works with local, state and federal partners regularly, providing expertise, training and resources for animal cruelty and neglect investigations,” Stated ARL Law Enforcement Director Karen LoStracco. “These partnerships are vital to ensuring the protection of animals through reducing duplicative efforts, eliminating gaps in enforcement and standing together for animal welfare and advocacy. We appreciate the perseverance of the USDA OIG’s office in pursuing dog fighting investigations and charges under the federal Animal Welfare Act and we value the strong working relationship we have established. Dog fighting is an especially brutal and inhumane act and we are grateful to be called upon for our expertise and resources in protecting the welfare and safety of these animals.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office and Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Environmental Crimes Section, prosecuted the case. Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Caitlyn F. Cook of ENRD’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section are prosecuting the civil forfeiture case.

Supporter Spotlight: Julie Mackin & Dan Clevenger

Julie Mackin and Dan Clevenger have supported ARL for over 20 years as donors, and, for the past 16 years, as members of the Champions Circle. These two dog lovers have been married for 18 years, and share their home with their beautiful German Shepherd, Izzy.

Both Dan and Julie grew up with dogs, but their passion for German Shepherds came later in life. Before Izzy, they had another female Shepherd named Gretchen, who sadly passed away during the pandemic. Julie says if Dan had it his way, they would have at least two more in addition to their current pup!

Julie and Dan have a selfless nature and a strong desire to make an impact. As passionate animal lovers, they support a variety of local animal welfare and environmental organizations. Local charity is important to them, because they are able to see the impact of their support firsthand.

One of the ARL programs the Julie and Dan are particularly passionate about is the Spay Waggin’®, which provides high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services to animals and people in need. They admire the caring, unbiased, loving support ARL staff is able to offer people who may need a little extra help caring for their animal. The couple is so passionate about the work being done by the Spay Waggin’, that it is usually one of the first things they mention when talking about ARL with others.

They’ve chosen to support ARL with monthly contributions in particular because they find it easier for budgeting and think of it as an investment towards a better world for animals. Ideally, Julie and Dan wish there wasn’t a need for organizations like ARL, and that people and animals would have everything they need to live happy and healthy lives. But until then, they encourage others to invest in the change they want to see in the world by choosing to support organizations doing good work – and monthly giving is an easy way to do that!

Monthly Giving At ARL

The Champions Circle is a special group of 1,110+ dedicated donors who pledge their support with recurring contributions, sort of like a subscription for saving animals!

This reliable generosity provides the critical support needed to give animals food, sanctuary, medical care, love, and emergency rescue if they are in danger, all year long. Join today!

ARL Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center

New Animal Care & Adoption Center to increase ARL’s ability to provide critical services

 On Tuesday,  the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) took a major step forward in the organization’s vision for the future, by breaking ground on its new Animal Care & Adoption Center in Boston, located in the South End neighborhood ARL has called home since 1956.

While a fixture in Boston’s South End for nearly seven decades, the current Animal Care & Adoption Center no longer meets the standard of care our animals deserve and severely limits the organization’s ability to evolve and adapt to the needs of animals and pet owners – not only today, but for decades into the future.

The special groundbreaking ceremony included a number of local and state elected officials, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, as well as those directly involved with making this vision a reality.

The new state-of-the-art, three-story facility will enable ARL to provide animals with the highest standards of care to help them heal and thrive, remain accessible with a central location near public transit, and cement ARL’s role as the leading resource for pets and pet owners within the City of Boston.

The new building will feature: 

  • An Animal Care & Adoption Center
  • Shelter & Community Veterinary Hospital
  • A hub of support services for pet owner services
  • Boston Veterinary Care, ARL’s outpatient veterinary clinic
  • A center for dog training classes
  • Flagship location for ARL’s Humane Education Program
  • Infrastructure for ARL to adapt to the current and future needs of animals and pet owners

Construction of the approximately $48 million facility is slated to begin in late spring 2025, with completion expected in 2026. Importantly, there will be no disruption to ARL’s services during construction, as the existing Animal Care and Adoption Center will remain fully operational.

The exterior design of the new facility, created by Boston-based JGE Architecture + Design (JGE), will seamlessly blend with the South End’s distinctive architecture.

Animal Arts, a Colorado-based firm dedicated to the design of animal care facilities, is the Architect of Record for the project and is working with ARL to ensure that every aspect of this world-class facility aligns with the organization’s mission to be an unwavering champion for animals in need.

As Construction Managers, Commodore Builders is overseeing every phase of the project — from preconstruction planning to on-site execution — to ensure a seamless and efficient build. 

“Our new facility isn’t just a building; it’s a symbol for our commitment to animals and the people who love them,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “The new, world-class Animal Care & Adoption Center will provide animals with the highest standards of care for generations.”

“Designing a facility that honors ARL’s deep roots in the South End while supporting its critical mission was a responsibility we embraced wholeheartedly,” said JGE President and Founder Jonathan Garland. “Our goal was to create an exterior that feels both timeless and forward-looking—one that integrates seamlessly with the neighborhood’s historic charm while providing a welcoming, modern space for animals and the people who care for them.”

“The Animal Arts team is excited to see ARL’s dream of a facility that reflects their commitment to animal welfare come to life and we look forward to seeing the new building, and all the services it will house, strengthen ARL’s support for Boston’s animals and their human caretakers,” said Sarah Boman, Principal with Animal Arts. “We are honored to play a role this historic moment for ARL.”

“The work that the Animal Rescue League does in helping animals in need is awe-inspiring, and we are honored to be part of such a special project with them,” said Commodore Builders Project Executive Paul Maneen.

ARL would additionally like to thank all of its internal and external partners including ARL’s Foundation for the Future Steering Committee, The Strategy Group, QPD, the City of Boston, the South End Landmark District Commission, among many others, who helped the organization make this vision a reality.

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month

Did you know… it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to spread Heartworm disease to your pet?

Heartworm disease

Heartworms.
Source: www.heartwormsociety.org

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal illness for cats, dogs, and ferrets, as well as other mammals. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected animals. Heartworm may result in lung disease, heart failure, or other organ damage.

Although this sounds scary (it is!), Heartworm disease can be avoided altogether with the necessary preventative measures.

Protect your pet by reading these 6 FAQs about Heartworm:

  1. How can Heartworm disease spread to my pet? Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes carrying the parasite Dirofilaria Immitis. When an infected mosquito bites a cat, dog, ferret, or other mammal, larvae are transmitted into the bloodstream and ultimately settle in the heart, arteries, blood vessels, and lungs after a period of months.
  2. Which pets are at risk? Any pet in an area with mosquitos is at risk for Heartworm disease.
  3. What symptoms should I look for? Signs of Heartworm disease can be very subtle or very severe depending on the case. Symptoms may include persistent cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, decreased appetite, vomiting, and weight loss. As the disease progresses, an animal may experience fainting, seizures, difficulty walking, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Kittens, puppies, and senior pets face the highest risk of developing the more severe symptoms.
  4. How is Heartworm disease diagnosed? It takes approximately 6 months after being bitten by an infected mosquito for your pet to test positive for Heartworm. A veterinarian can make a diagnosis by doing a physical examination and running blood tests.
  5. Is Heartworm disease treatable? For dogs in the US, there is treatment available. Unfortunately for cats in the US, there is currently no approved treatment. The good news, however, is that many Heartworm-infected cats are able to fight the infection themselves and can be monitored every few months, while waiting out the worms’ lifespan. Medications can also be given to help alleviate some symptoms, such as coughing and vomiting.
  6. How can I prevent my pet from contracting Heartworm disease? There are several FDA-approved medications* on the market available for both cats and dogs. Your pet should begin a heartworm preventative around 8 weeks of age, which should be taken year-round. Dogs should be tested for Heartworm every 12 months and regular check-ups for all pets are key to early detection.

 

*Always consult with your veterinarian before administering any type of medication to your pet.
Meow Madness

Help Community Cats Compete for a Cause!

This March, we’re kicking off something special: Meow Madness! Inspired by the excitement of March Madness, we’re bringing you a bracket-style competition featuring some of our most beloved community cats. Each cat has their own story of resilience, charm, and triumph, and we want YOU to help them win.

Here’s how it works:

  • Meet the Cats: We’ll introduce you to our Meow Madness contestants—cats that have been a part of our community and have made a big impact.
  • Vote for Your Favorite: These feline finalists will face off in a bracket, and YOU get to decide who advances by voting on Instagram polls! Who’s your MVP?
  • Support the Cause: As you cast your votes, consider donating to help more community cats just like them. Your support ensures they get the medical care, food, and shelter they need to thrive.

Meow Madness Lineup

Meow Madness bracket graphic

 

1. YOGURT
Yogurt, now shortened to just Yogi, came into the care of ARL in July of 2022 in pretty rough shape. His abdomen was distended, he was very underweight, was infested with fleas and additionally, he had a fractured leg and a severe wound on his tail. After a leg amputation and a four-month WUO (wound of unknown origin) quarantine, Yogi quickly found his home with an ARL employee. He now lives with Cupcake, another ARL alum, and is described as speedy and mischievous. He loves playing with toys, running through tunnels, and climbing the cat towers. He likes to sit at the front window, waiting for his people to come home and will run to the door to greet them when he spots the car. His family says he’s been a fun and special addition to their household. Learn more about Yogurt’s story.

gray kitten


2. BOYLSTON
Boylston was brought into ARL by our Field Services team in April of 2021 and has made quite the home for herself at our Dedham location as our resident barn cat. She’s a hard-working girl who enjoys her routine of exploring the grounds during the day and coming in for dinner and a nice sleep at night. Over the years, she has warmed up to staff, now happily making her way into the shelter during the day for some scratches and lap time.
a tortie cat

3. BUZZ
In October 2022, ARL’s Field Services team assisted Fall River Animal Control in rescuing a community kitten in the precarious position of having what appeared to be a glass bowl or light fixture cover stuck on its head. Outside of being a bit dirty, Buzz Lightyear appeared to be in good health, and once available for adoption, it didn’t take her long to find her new family. Over the past few years, Buzz has formed a great relationship with her older brother, Sky, and recently welcomed a new orange baby brother named Luka to their cat crew. When she’s not sunbathing, playing, or eating, she’s finding time to fit in a few cat naps. Her adopter also says she’s the smartest of the three by a mile, always opening cupboards with ease and helping herself and her siblings to a few extra snacks! Learn more about Buzz’s story.
An orange kitten in a humane cat trap with a circular jar next to her

4. MIKE WAZOWSKI
During a scheduled stop along the South Coast for the ARL’s Spay Waggin’ in February of 2021, an 11-month-old community kitten from Westport, MA, came in to be neutered and was slated to be returned to the field. However, upon examination, our vet team diagnosed a severe upper respiratory infection. Unfortunately, this infection impacted one of his eyes to the point of rupture, meaning he would need the infected eye removed. After his surgery, the kitten was affectionately named Mike Wazowski in honor of the character from the Pixar movie Monsters Inc. Mike immediately won over staff and volunteers with his social, playful personality, and within two weeks, Mike also won over the heart of his new family and was off to his new home. Learn more about Mike’s story.
an orange cat with one eye

5. GRYFFINDOR
In April 2019, a Good Samaritan alerted ARL about a cat that was seen near a garbage dumpster and wasn’t moving. When our team arrived on the scene, the cat was able to move and was found inside the dumpster, lying atop a cardboard box. The cat needed immediate medical treatment and likely would have succumbed to his injuries sooner rather than later without intervention. The cat had suffered a broken jaw, was emaciated, and was in poor overall condition. He was fittingly named Gryffindor, representing courage, bravery, and determination. He had to have his jaw surgically wired and, because of a puncture wound, had to complete a four-month WUO quarantine. Gryffindor displayed amazing perseverance and was incredibly friendly to all who came in contact with him by revving up his purr, which undoubtedly helped him win over his new family. Learn more about Gryffindor’s story.
A tabby cat receiving a vet exam

6. LIAM
In July 2018, during a day-long spay and neuter clinic at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center, approximately 30 community cats were scheduled to have surgery. Among them was a 13-week-old kitten named Liam, who was found with ulcers affecting vision in both eyes. If left on the street, Liam likely would not have survived long-term due to his condition. Along with being neutered, Liam had one eye removed due to an infection, with the hope that the other eye would improve over time with just medication. Liam, now named Willie (One Eye Willie!), has been doing great over the past few years. His adopter said his personality has always been that of a “grumpy old man,” which is blatantly obvious when in the company of his puppy brother, Axel. But he does have a younger kitty sister who he enjoys playing and running around with! Learn more about Liam’s story.
A small gray and white kitten

7. BAGEL
Community cats are incredibly adept when it comes to finding a warm, safe place to escape the elements, and in early 2022, Bagel was a perfect example of this. This 3-year-old cat had found the comfort and safety of a storm drain in Fall River, but thankfully, just days before a historic blizzard descended upon the region, his feeder contacted ARL to assist. Upon arriving at ARL, Bagel ate up everything in sight and took a nice sigh of relief, relaxing in his nice, warm bed. Our vet team treated him for a list of medical needs, but he was a friendly, social boy that we knew, despite those medical needs, would have no problem finding a home. He is now “spoiled rotten,” according to his adopter. He remains active, zooming all over the place and playing with anything he can get his paws on, although he still loves the toys he came home from the shelter with. He loves a good snuggle and has been a rock for his new family during some difficult times. Learn more about Bagel’s story.

a white cat


8. TUCKER
Tucker arrived at ARL in December 2018 after being found as an injured stray in need of immediate medical attention. It was clear that Tucker had been wearing a collar he had tried to break free of, causing it to become lodged underneath his right leg and, over time, embedded with skin growing over it. Despite being in extreme pain, Tucker was social and friendly. His wound management would be extensive, and the healing process would be slow, which led to him being placed into a long-term foster home. After five months, this brave boy was finally ready to find his new family. It didn’t take long, and Tucker has been happily living in his new home ever since. Learn more about Tucker’s story
an orange tabby cat
ARL’s Keep Pets S.A.F.E. Program Celebrates Fifth Anniversary, One-Millionth Pet Meal Delivered

Program assists pet owners in need, and helps keep people and pets together

Today, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday), a program that provides numerous services to pet owners in need throughout Boston and plays a major role in the organization’s focus to keep pets out of shelters, and in homes with the people who love them.

The inception of the Keep Pets S.A.F.E. occurred during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although ARL’s shelter doors were shuttered, the organization knew it needed to continue to be a resource for the community as there were would be pet owners in the coming weeks and months who would be in dire need of assistance.

Keep Pets S.A.F.E. delivers pet food and essential supplies to clients’ homes and partner-supported community housing, and the program also inspired the creation of ARL’s Temporary Housing Initiative, which offers short-term care for pets due to unexpected life circumstances.

Keep Pets S.A.F.E. infographic

“When the world shut down, ARL went to work to find solutions to help pet owners in need and ensure that pets and people would stay together,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “While extremely proud of the impact that Keep Pets S.A.F.E. has had over the past five years, ARL realizes that when people struggle pets struggle, and we remain committed to these types of programs that keep pets in homes and out of shelters.”

An ARL staff member handing a bag of pet food to someone outside of the ARL Transport Waggin' II

Although the inception of the program derived during the pandemic, the demand for these programs over the past five years has not waned they have drastically increased. Requests for Keep Pets S.A.F.E. have increased 100 percent since 2020, and while fulfilling as many as possible, ARL is nearing capacity to be able to do so.

You Can Keep Pets S.A.F.E.

Here are two ways you can help us meet the urgent call for help from our community:

  1. Donate pet food.Pet food can be sent online through our Amazon wish list or Chewy list. Unopened, unexpired, shelf-stable pet food may also be dropped off at any of our three locations in Boston, Dedham, or Brewster (Cape Cod), Wednesday through Sunday, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm.
  2. Make a donation. today to help pets and the people who love them.

ARL is ready to help, but this important work is not possible without your support!

ARL Takes in 25 Cats in Two Separate Overcrowding Situations

ARL is a resource for overwhelmed pet owners in overcrowding situations

 In the past two weeks, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has taken in 25 cats through two separate overcrowding situations where the owners were overwhelmed by the number of animals in the home.

One of 25 cats taken in by ARL due to overcrowding.

The cats are will be made available for adoption soon, however, situations like this put a strain on ARL’s resources and the organization is asking the public for assistance to provide the care and support these animals need.

Both instances of overcrowding are due to lack of accessible and/or low-cost spay and neuter services.

Once the cats began reproducing, the numbers quickly spiraled out of control for the owners, who then reached out to ARL for assistance.

ARL worked with the owners to safely corral the cats, and then transported them to ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center for medical care.

While it is common to see upper respiratory infections and under-socialization in cats from overcrowding situations, these cats were healthy, well cared for, and the majority of the animals are incredibly friendly and social.

They are receiving vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and will soon be available for adoption.

ARL is prepared to help anyone who has too many animals in the home, as the organization works with the pet owners to find a solution that works best for both the animals and people involved.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, visit our Here to Help page or call (617) 426-9170.

 A sudden large intake of animals strains ARL’s limited resources, as care for these animals is already well into the thousands.

Please consider donating to support ARL and the ongoing care for these cats and animals like them.