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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

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.

Meow-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

ARL Preparing to Take in Shelter Dogs from Los Angeles Fire Zones

ARL to reduce dog adoption fees this weekend as part of preparation

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is preparing to take in approximately a dozen dogs from Los Angeles animal shelters. This weekend, ARL is reducing all dog adoption fees by $100 to better prepare the organization for the arrival of these special dogs.

This special adoption event will take place through Sunday and apply to dogs of all ages at ARL’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham and Brewster.

The devastation and impact of the fires still burning in Los Angeles is unprecedented, and ARL is proud to be a part of a massive relocation effort to find homes for these animals, which will also create much-needed kennel space in L.A. shelters for animals who have been displaced or injured due to the fires.

ARL is coordinating with our national animal welfare partners to bring these animals to New England. In the next week, the dogs will be flown to Delaware, and ARL’s Transport Waggin’ will make the nearly 1,000-mile round-trip to deliver the dogs safely to the organization’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center.

The dogs will have to undergo a state-mandated 48-hour quarantine and be medically and behaviorally evaluated before being made available for adoption.

ARL will provide updates once the transport is completed.

Shelter Cats Bond During Surgery Recovery

Shelter cats must go home together

A pair of cats transported to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in December forged a special bond after both animals received corrective eye surgeries, and now the cats are beginning the next chapter of their lives together.

Norma, a six-year-old Siamese, and Cream Soda, a three-year-old Tabby, arrived at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center through the ASPCA’s Relocation Program, which transports animals from overcrowded shelters to organizations like ARL who can provide care and adoption services.

Upon intake in early December, both cats were diagnosed with entropion, a condition where the eyelid is inverted, which can cause painful irritation and if left untreated, could result in corneal scratches, inflammation, discharge, or possible blindness.

ARL’s shelter medicine team performed multiple surgeries on the cats to correct the condition, and as the healing process began, Norma and Cream Soda were placed in the same kennel, and began leaning on each other for comfort.

When applying eye medications following surgery, the cats would provide strength and support for one another, and would constantly be found curling up together.

Two cats on a red blanket: one with a dark face and ears, and the other with orange and white fur, both looking at the camera.

With the post-surgery recovery lasting for weeks, the cats forged a strong bond, and when it was time to find them a new home, ARL decided that the two needed to go home together, to keep their bond intact.

After their heartwarming story appeared in local media, the pair received quite a bit of attention and have found their home together!

Norma and Cream Soda are thriving in their new home and ARL is thrilled that these special cats will spend the rest of their lives leaning on one another.

Making a Difference

When you support ARL today, you can help make sure animals like Norma and Cream Soda get everything they deserve.

Your generosity means you can be there for animals, every step of the journey home, as long as it takes.

From transports from overcrowded shelters or emergency rescues to veterinary care, enrichment, and behavior training, and finally adoption – you make it all possible.

Injured Stray Dog Recovering at ARL

Stray dog needed emergency surgery

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a Shih Tzu puppy that was found alone in Jamaica Plain just before the New Year and needed emergency surgery due to an eye injury.

The animal is recovering, but still has a way to go before finding his new home.

Louie after receiving emergency surgery.

Louie, an 8-month-old Shih Tzu, was found along a cold and damp Boylston Street in Jamaica Plain on December 28, and taken to a veterinary clinic for an initial assessment.

Boston Animal Care and Control was contacted to retrieve the dog, and because of the nature of his injury, contacted ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center to provide emergency care and support.

The dog did not have a microchip or identification tags, but had suffered from a ruptured corneal ulcer, causing extreme pain and discomfort; an umbilical hernia was also discovered upon examination at ARL.

ARL’s community and shelter medicine team performed surgery to remove the injured eye and repaired the hernia.

Louie is pain-free and recovering well, however, he will not be made available for adoption until he is healthy enough to go home.

ARL is a Resource

ARL is a resource to pet owners and to partners like Boston Animal Care and Control, but emergency services and surgery do come at a high cost.

To date, Louie’s cost of care is several thousand dollars, and ARL is seeking financial support to help offset the cost of his medical needs. Please consider donating today.

Massachusetts becomes the 4th state to ban declawing

Governor Maura Healey signed into law a ban the cruel practice of declawing, an effort lead by Sponsor Senator Mark Montigny for several sessions.

Supported by animal protection organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and veterinarians across Massachusetts, this law will ensure that cats do not have to endure unnecessary and painful invasive procedures.

Declawing involves the amputation of bones on a cat’s foot or severing a tendon to prevent extension of the claws and often results in significant medical and behavioral problems for cats.

ARL has actively supported efforts to ban declawing in Massachusetts since the bill was first filed in 2019.

“The Governor’s signing into law a ban on feline declawing marks yet another achievement for animal protection this session. Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medical and behavioral problems. Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent cats in Massachusetts from needless pain and suffering. We are thankful to the Governor for her signature, bill sponsor Senator Mark Montigny for his tireless leadership on this bill and commitment to making Massachusetts a better place for animals, as well as Senate President Karen Spilka, Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and Chairs of Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Representative Tackey Chan and Senator John Cronin,” said Ally Blanck, Director of Advocacy at ARL.

Two people standing next to each other, one is holding a kitten. A cardboard cutout of a cat with a speech bubble is in front of them.

Ally Blanck, Director of Advocacy at ARL, with Senator Mark Montigny

In addition to the ban on cat declawing, the following were also signed into law in 2024:

“Ollie’s Law,” which requires reasonable rules and regulations for dog daycares and boarding kennels.
A law to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts took effect on January 1.
As of January 7, a dog’s breed can no longer be a factor in determining whether a family can adopt or foster children. This bill also removed restrictive language that hindered employees and contractors of human services agencies from reporting suspected animal cruelty.
S. 2908, a bill with provisions that ban the sale of animals under eight weeks and prevent the roadside/outdoor sale of animals was also signed into law on January 8.

The declawing law takes effect on April 8. Violation of the law is a fine and can also include disciplinary action by the veterinary board.

Learn more about ARL’s advocacy efforts.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’® Celebrates 80,000th Surgery

ARL partners with the YMCA of Greater Boston for special Spay Waggin’ clinic, improving the health and well-being of people and pets in our communities

Just before Christmas, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Spay Waggin’ celebrated its 80,000^th spay and neuter surgery during a special clinic in East Boston, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

ARL’s mobile vehicle, the Spay Waggin’, provides low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services, and during this special clinic, more than two dozen animals had the important surgery performed, surpassing the 80,000 mark since the Spay Waggin’ was first launched in 2000.

ARL is thrilled to have the opportunity and ability to provide this service to pet owners in East Boston as well as other Greater Boston communities, and to celebrate this occasion with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston is a resource for pet owners, and this is a momentous occasion for a program that is now in its 24^th year of service,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “We are proud of our work and the collaborative efforts of human service organizations like the YMCA of Greater Boston who helped innovative ideas become reality, helping countless pet owners in Boston.”

“We are proud and honored to partner with the Animal Rescue League of Boston to mark this important milestone,” said David Shapiro, CEO Y of Greater Boston. “We were energized to host the launch of this important innovation and outreach seven years ago, and it is incredibly meaningful to play a continued supporting role in collaboratively strengthening the bond between people and their pets, improving the health and well-being of both by removing barriers so all can better thrive in community.”

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ provides spay/neuter services throughout the South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands, and Greater Boston.

Without this program, this vital surgery for pets would financially be out of reach for many pet owners, and the Spay Waggin’ not only provides a low-cost option, but also brings accessible services directly where they’re needed most.

Make a Difference

As the year comes to a close, you have the power to make a life-changing difference for animals in need.

Your support helps provide food, medical care, and safe shelter to vulnerable animals, giving them the care they deserve.

Donate today and help us start the new year with hope, love, and brighter futures for the animals who need us most.

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March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month!