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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.

Anna Harris Smith Day

Celebrating 126 Years of Kindness

126 years ago today, Anna Harris Smith, a social worker from Dorchester, was called to action after seeing the cruel mistreatment of Boston’s working horses and the number of stray and homeless animals. 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”.

 

A historical photo of a woman sitting on a bench with dogs, outside.

Anna Harris Smith, ARL’s Founder

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.

In honor of her legacy of kindness and commitment to animals, we are excited to celebrate Anna Harris Smith Day with you!

2024: Kindness in Action

    • 255,194 pet meals provided to the community
    • 3,518 animals welcomed into new homes
    • 1,164 dedicated volunteers contributed 141,856 hours helping animals in need
    • 216 children and teens attended humane education events
    • 52 corporate groups with 610 employees contributed 1,818 hours
    • 38 volunteers received the Golden VOL-ley Award in recognition of their spirit of collaboration

Four Ways You Can Spread Kindness Today

    1. Stock ARL’s pet food pantry! Donate pet food through ARL’s Amazon or Chewy wish lists and have them shipped directly to ARL; or purchase them in-store and drop them off at one of our Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, or Brewster.
    2. Advocate for animals! Contact advocacy@arlboston.org to learn more about our legislative agenda and how you can contact your legislator and ask them to support bills that protect animals.
    3. Be kind! Do a random act of kindness in your community today. The possibilities are endless! Walk your neighbor’s dog, volunteer at your local library or nursing home, bring in treats for your coworkers, send a care package to a service member, give blood, or donate old sheets and towels to your local animal shelter.
    4. Pay it forward with a donation to Jeff’s Fund, which helps offset the cost of waived or reduced adoption fees to help animals who may be overlooked due to their medical needs, age, or personality, find the homes they deserve.
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.

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!

Guinea pig care tips (PDF)

Two guinea pigs eating a piece of lettuce

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.

Pair of Puppies Found Tethered to Tree Near ARL Dedham Campus

Incident an example of a pet owner in crisis

 The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recently found new homes for a pair of 4-month-old puppies found tethered to a tree near ARL’s Dedham campus – there was no malicious intent but is yet another example of a pet owner in crisis.

ARL acknowledges that many pet owners are facing tremendous challenges – and when people struggle, pets struggle.

Sid and Poppie in Dedham.

The rising cost of pet care, the housing crisis and financial hardship are all having a tremendous impact and are unfortunately causing some pet owners to make difficult decisions, and in some cases, take drastic actions.

The puppies, Sid and Poppie, were discovered on the grounds of the Nobles and Greenough School, right next door to ARL’s Dedham campus on February 12 and were brought to ARL immediately upon being found by Dedham Animal Control.

The Mastiff-type dogs were wearing matching leashes and collars, and are in good condition – their coats are clean, nails are trimmed and they are both healthy.

 “ARL realizes many pet owners are struggling, and we want the public to know that ARL is a resource,” stated Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “Through community-based programs and services and reinvesting in the City of Boston to rebuild our animal care and adoption center, ARL’s goal is make every effort to help keep pets in homes and out of shelters, and when surrender is the only option, to offer a safe, judgement-free environment to help pet owners through this difficult decision.”

 If you are a pet owner in crisis, ARL urges you to contact the organization to learn more about what resources may be available to help keep pets in homes and out of shelters.

If surrender is your only option, ARL understands that while difficult, surrendering an animal in-person not only protects the animal, but allows ARL to gather information to help the pet move quickly through the shelter system.

Learn more about how to properly surrender an animal at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Press Release: Florida Man Sentenced for Dog Fighting

ARL Law Enforcement Department assisted in investigation leading to conviction

The following is a press release distributed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs

Jose Miguel Carrillo, of Spring Hill, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court filings, Carrillo conspired with others to purchase, acquire, and breed dogs for use in dog fights. Carillo also staged dog fights at his home and traveled to dog fights in Massachusetts, Florida, and Connecticut.

A June 2023 search warrant was executed at Carrillo’s home and led to the seizure of 10 pit bull-type dogs, most of which were later adopted by new owners, as well as a firearm and ammunition. Carrillo also possessed dog fighting paraphernalia including a bloodstained dog fighting box, a skin stapler, syringes, and injectable veterinary medications.

“To its core, dog fighting is a cruel and criminal exploitation of animals for entertainment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s sentence sends a strong deterrent message that the Justice Department will vigorously prosecute these cases.”

“Exploiting and endangering the welfare of animals for personal gain is cruel and abhorrent,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney for the Middle District of Florida. “Because of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, justice was served.”

“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, while also committing other serious offenses in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG).

To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the USDA-OIG’s complaint hotline at: usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline  or 1-800-424-9121.

The USDA-OIG; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Pasco County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office and the Fitchburg (Massachusetts) Police Department investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Favorit and Tiffany Fields for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Caitlyn Cook of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section assisted with the transfer of the seized dogs to new owners.

Valentine’s Card Shuffle

This year, surprise someone you care about—or yourself!—with a one-of-a-kind, animal-themed Valentine’s Day card that’s sure to delight.

Whether you’re sending it to yourself or surprising a loved one, your card could be:

  • Sweet and adorable!

  • Unexpectedly hilarious!

  • Just plain quirky (in the most lovable way)!

The only thing we can promise? It will be uniquely animal-inspired and guaranteed to make someone smile.

 How it works:
For a $25 donation or more, you’ll receive one mystery Valentine’s Day card. Choose to send it to yourself or let us deliver the surprise straight to someone special, your choice!

By joining in the fun, you’re not just spreading love—you’re supporting animals in need. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate the season of love while making a real difference.

 Don’t wait!
There’s only a limited number of mystery cards available. Shuffle up some Valentine’s Day joy before it’s too late.

I Want My Mystery Valentine!
Community Cat Match

We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of community cats in need of help. Because the need is so great, a generous donor has offered to match all donations for community cats, up to $20,000, now through June 30, 2025!

Your $9 to help local cats will become $18 and can provide TWICE as many:

    • ️Nutritious meals
    • Life-saving vaccines and medication
    • Toys and scratch pads that help cats engage and play

donate button

What is a Community Cat?

Community cats and kittens are feral, stray, and abandoned cats who live outdoors in the harsh elements. It is estimated over 700,00 cats roam free in Massachusetts with 70,000 in Boston alone.

Two small kittens sitting inside a garage

Why Your Support Matters

Without proper shelter and care, community cats are at serious risk of illness and injury. Extreme weather, like what we see in the summer and winter months, can be devasting for these vulnerable animals.

ARL is the only large animal welfare org in MA with a dedicated agent working with community cats and kittens.

But, with no government funding for this important work, cats must rely on financial support from people like you to get the care they need, when they need it most, 365 days a year.

ARL Field Services agent setting up humane cat trap. A black cat is in the background.

With your help, we can assess colonies and develop TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) plans for each cat. TNR is one of the most humane and effective ways to stop the cycle of homelessness among cats. Spay and neuter surgeries are low-risk and proven to improve the safety and health of these cats as well as the community as a whole. The plan also includes vaccines, and whether each cat will be returned to the colony, returned to their owner if microchipped, or admitted to an ARL shelter to be put up for adoption if they are friendly.

donate button

 

Two kittens sitting next to each otherMeow-o-meter: Tracking Impact

Thanks to cat lovers, the following progress has been made possible:

267 TNR’s in 2024
1,075 TNR’s in the last five years

798 Adoptions in 2024
2,713 adoptions in the last five years

 

 

 

Community Cat Adoptions 2020-2024

 

community cat adoptions from 2020-2024 graph