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ARL Briefs Legislators on Proposed Animal Protection Laws

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden part of animal protection conversation

This past week the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Advocacy Department and other animal protection organizations were joined by Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden at the Massachusetts State House to provide a briefing to legislators and staff on bills relating to increasing protections for animals in Massachusetts.

ARL’s Law Enforcement Department also provided examples of cases they investigate, challenges with the current laws, and how these bills would help keep animals safe.

The legislation discussed included:

  • 1190/H.1938: An Act enhancing the issuance of citations for cruel conditions for animals, which would expand the number of species covered by civil citations for cruelty
  • 1207/H. 1914: An Act relative to the ownership of pets by convicted animal abusers/An Act relative to a temporary possession ban of animals for animal abusers, which would restrict pet ownership for repeat offenders
  • 1277/H. 1934: An Act relative to the humane protection of animals/An Act preventing animal cruelty, which would provide non-criminal alternatives to ensure animals are safe

For the latter, DA Hayden explained the need for a misdemeanor charge.

“Oftentimes now, people are very reluctant to resolve a case because it involves a felony conviction. Having a felony conviction on your record is far more significant than a misdemeanor offense, and so we get these cases that just languish in court,” Hayden said. “People are far less likely to admit wrongdoing even though they know they did it, even though they know they should be held accountable.”

Get Involved to Help Protect Animals in MA

ARL will continue to staunchly advocate for the passage of animal protection bills throughout the 2025-2026 legislative session, and you can get involved by learning more about these proposed bills and contacting your elected officials to encourage their endorsement to keep animals in Massachusetts safe.

You can learn more about these bills and ARL’s other legislative priorities in our legislative agenda.

Pet Thunderstorm Safety

5 Tips to Comfort Your Pet During a Storm

(Hint: You’ll both rest easier!)

Many New Englanders welcome the cooling relief of a thunderstorm. But while thunderstorms might bring down the temperature, they can send our pets’ anxiety levels soaring.

According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, there are about 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. each year. If your dog suffers from astraphobia—a fear of thunder—that’s a lot of stressful moments (and sleepless nights) for both of you.

Common signs of thunder anxiety in dogs include:

  • Hiding
  • Whining or barking excessively
  • Pacing or restlessness
  • Scratching doors or furniture
  • Destructive chewing
  • Even small cues like lightning flashes, howling winds, rain hitting the roof, or a shift in air pressure can trigger fear.

If your pet bolts for cover at the first clap of thunder, here are five practical tips to help them feel safer—and help you get some peace of mind:

    1. Create a safe space
      Fearful pets often seek out a quiet, enclosed spot when they’re scared. Make sure they have access to a cozy hideaway indoors. A crate works well for many dogs—add a soft blanket, a favorite toy or two, and drape a light sheet over the top to create a den-like feel. 
    2. Offer Reassurance
      Your presence can go a long way in calming your pet. If they like to snuggle or be petted, stick close and offer comfort. You might also consider a snug-fitting anxiety wrap or “thunder vest,” which can have a soothing effect on some pets.
    3. Use Distraction Techniques
      Engaging your pet with a favorite toy or game can help divert their attention from the storm. If they remain calm, reward them with treats and praise to reinforce that brave behavior.
    4. Block the View
      Confine your pet to a windowless room, if possible. If not, pull down the blinds and close the curtains to cut off any visual stressors.
    5. Drown Out the Noise
      Play soft music, turn on a fan, or keep the TV going to help mask the sound of thunder. This can be especially helpful for pets with sensitive hearing.

What About Medications or Supplements?

If your pet experiences extreme anxiety, talk to your veterinarian. They can recommend safe and effective medications or natural supplements tailored to your pet’s needs. Never administer anything without veterinary guidance—what works for one pet may not be safe for another.

P.S. Don’t forget pool safety!

While some dogs love to swim, not all pets are natural-born paddlers. Always supervise your pet around pools, and make sure they know how to safely enter and exit. Consider a pet life vest for added security, especially for small breeds, senior pets, or those with mobility issues. And as always, provide plenty of fresh drinking water to keep them from lapping up pool water, which may contain chlorine or other chemicals.

IT’S TOO HOT FOR SPOT®! More summer pet safety advice.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ Visits Martha’s Vineyard

Spay Waggin’ clinic provides much-needed services for island community

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Spay Waggin’ made a trip to Martha’s Vineyard for a special low-cost spay/neuter clinic for nearly two dozen pet owners on the island.

The clinic was held in collaboration with the Tisbury Animal Control office.

ARL’s trip to the Vineyard was much-needed, as according to Tisbury Animal Control, veterinary care is not only limited on the island, vets are still unable to take on new clients.

The Spay Waggin’ provided 22 animals, eight dogs and 14 cats, with spay/neuter surgery, and additionally, five animals were microchipped and two dogs received tests for heartworms.

ARL understands that pet owners are struggling, and when people struggle, pets struggle.

The organization works diligently by offering numerous community-based programs to help pet owners overcome barriers which can include lack of access to services or financial difficulties.

These programs help maintain the health and wellbeing of animals, and keep pets and people together.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ first hit the road in 2000, and has provided well over 80,000 spay/neuter surgeries by bringing low-cost, high-quality pet wellness care directly to communities who need it most.

In addition to making special trips like this, the mobile surgical unit makes regular and convenient rotating stops in Boston, Brockton, Kingston, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Taunton, and Wareham.

While spay/neuter is the primary service, cats and dogs also receive a brief veterinary exam, vaccines, nail trim and flea treatment.

To book an appointment for the Spay Waggin’ pet owners can visit arlboston.org, call 1-877-590-7729, or email spaywaggin@arlboston.org with any questions.

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 Housing 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.