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Yes, let’s talk about dogs and cats!

The following is an op-ed written by ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino

Dogs and cats have received an unprecedented amount of media coverage over the last few weeks, but for all the wrong reasons. And the online memes and songs about pets have kept the conversation going. The comments can be painful, but provide an opportunity to share more about the importance of the human-animal bond and its impact on Greater Boston.

At the turn of the 19^th century, Anna Harris Smith, a social worker from Dorchester, was called to action after seeing the cruel mistreatment of working horses and the number of stray and homeless animals in Boston. 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.”

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. Not only did Anna witness the impact on animals, but also saw the effects this cruelty and neglect had on children and adults.

In the first 125 years since our founding, ARL has provided over 6 million animals with care. Our animal care and adoption centers not only provide a temporary home for animals in need, but veterinary services, dog training, behavior help, humane education, humane law enforcement, and community programs. With kindness and compassion, we now help care for more than 20,000 animals annually.

However, today’s economic challenges, such as the rising cost of living and the housing crisis, are felt all across the Commonwealth. And, when people struggle, pets also struggle.

Recent studies and data show that these issues deeply affect the animals we love and threaten to separate people from their pets due to cost of care, lack of access, and limited support. For example, across the US, 12% of people have surrendered a pet because they couldn’t afford veterinary care and 14% of pets end up in shelter due to housing issues[1]. In fact, Boston has been listed as one of the least pet-friendly cities in America, ranking as among the highest for veterinary costs[2].

Scientific research also repeatedly cites the profound positive impact of pet ownership on individual well-being and community health[3]. Pets help reduce conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and contribute to improved mental health, particularly among veterans, seniors, and children.

Pets are family for nearly 50% of Massachusetts households[4], which is why we are doing everything we can to keep pets in homes with the people who love them. From pet food and supplies, to affordable care, to temporary pet housing, and more, we are answering the call for help so that pets can stay where they belong – with their families and out of shelter.

In recent years ARL’s programs and services have expanded and evolved, reflecting emerging issues, advancements in veterinary and animal care, and community needs. Today, animals in our care are staying longer, have increased medical and behavioral needs, and require more time and financial resources than ever before to treat their unique needs. And every day we push our boundaries by going beyond sheltering to address the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who love them. Through partnerships with communities facing barriers and leading human service organizations in Greater Boston, we help animals heal and thrive, keep pets and people together, and keep families together.

As one of the largest nonprofits in the Commonwealth we are now writing the next chapter in our long history and reinvesting to the city of Boston, its residents, and its pets, for the next 125 years and beyond. We have committed to rebuild our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center at our current home in Boston’s historic South End with a new facility, a critical and long-term investment which will provide animals with the highest standards of care for generations.

Today’s challenges for pets and their families are more complicated, more nuanced, and more urgent than ever before, requiring action, innovation and collaboration, and most of all, more compassion. We must all recognize the intersection between animal welfare and human health, and continue to reimagine how we can work together to make our communities a better place for pets and people.

Dr. Edward Schettino is President & CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston

[1] https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/pet-debt-report/

https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/pet-shelter-relinquishment-081224/

[2] Most Pet-Friendly Cities in 2024 (wallethub.com)

[3] https://habri.org/assets/uploads/Health-Care-Cost-Savings-Report.pdf

[4] https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/us-pet-ownership-statistics/

ARL Preparing for Emergency Transport of Animals Impacted by Florida Hurricanes

ARL coordinating with national animal welfare organization

As Hurricane Milton continues its path towards Florida, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is in continuous contact with a national animal welfare organization that has boots on the ground in Florida, and is preparing to take in emergency transports of dogs being removed from areas of the state that are projected to be directly impacted by the approaching storm.

Best Friends Animal Society is working with local shelters in Florida to transport adoptable animals in order to make room for owned and stray animals impacted not only by Hurricane Helene, but in advance of Hurricane Milton.

Best Friends Animal Society Transport van

ARL is preparing for a potential influx of dogs from Florida as soon as Thursday, and is honored to assist Best Friends Animal Society in this important operation.

A sudden large influx of animals presents financial challenges for ARL. To help these animals ARL must rely on the combined strength of its staff, volunteers, and the generosity of donors.

With limited resources and no government funding, donations are critical to providing shelter, medical care, and homes for these animals. The organization is urging anyone interested to support this emergency transport by donating.

ARL Joins Governor Healey for Ollie’s Law Bill Signing Ceremony

Ollie’s Law to establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities

Today, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), along with other animal welfare organizations and stakeholders, joined Governor Maura Healey at the Massachusetts State House for a bill signing ceremony for Ollie’s Law – which will establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities in the state.

Pictured left to right: ARL’s Media Relations Manager, Mike DeFina; Allison Blanck, ARL’s Director of Advovavy; Governor Maura Healey; ARL’s President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino

For the past two legislative sessions, ARL advocated heavily for the passage of this legislation to help establish across-the-board, reasonable regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities, including home-based kennels, to help prevent situations where an animal can be injured, sometimes fatally.

Ollie’s Law was born out of tragedy.

In 2020, Amy Baxter brought her Labradoodle Ollie to a Western Massachusetts doggie daycare facility, only to receive a text shortly after saying Ollie had been attacked by other dogs.

He was severely injured, and sadly died of his injuries two months later.

While the facility was shuttered by town officials, Baxter was stunned to learn that there were no state regulations regarding boarding facilities, and soon took up the fight to help ensure tragedies like this never happen again.

This signing ceremony marks a tremendous victory for pet owners across the Commonwealth.

“ARL is immensely thankful to the Governor for her signature on Ollie’s Law,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “Through the dedication of animal advocates and the support of the legislature, including bill sponsors Representative Brian Ashe and Senator Mark Montigny, Ollie’s Law creates a path to reasonable regulation to protect pets in daycare and boarding facilities across Massachusetts. At ARL we believe pets are family and we grateful that more pets and pet parents will benefit from this important law. Ollie’s Law will lessen the burden on consumers, creating clear standards and allowing for enforcement by both municipalities and the state when there are violations. With pet ownership at historic highs, we know that there are more pet parents than ever who need these services. This law is crucial to keep Massachusetts a leader in animal protection.”

“Pets are family who provide boundless love and affection that we are lucky to receive,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), lead Senate sponsor of Ollie’s Law.  “For this reason, it is critical that we ensure all businesses entrusted with the care of our family adhere to proper health and safety protocols no matter what town they operate in across the Commonwealth.  Too often, we have heard devastating stories of pets like Ollie who have been injured or killed due to negligent care.  These people have no place caring for such precious creatures and it’s time that we implement consistent standards across Massachusetts.”

“With the passing of Ollie’s Law, we take a vital step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our beloved pets. It is bittersweet as the tragic passing of Ollie made us painfully aware of the lack of safety regulations in dog day care facilities. This legislation sets practical standards for kennel care and reaffirms our commitment to treating all animals with the love and respect they deserve. The collaboration of individuals from all facets of the industry as well as pet owners was critical in crafting a bill that ensures consumers will have peace of mind when choosing pet care. I would like to thank Ally Blanck and the ARL team for their hard work and commitment to this legislation. Their assistance in navigating through the process combined with experience and a passion for animal rights was invaluable.”, remarked State Representative Brian Ashe.

What the Law Will Do

On the surface, Ollie’s Law will establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities, however, the law is comprehensive.

Ollie’s law will do the following:

Reinforce existing requirements for municipalities in defining what a boarding facility is and maintains protections regarding inspections
Adds the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to the list of authorized enforcement for commercial boarding facilities, allowing them to step in when a municipality can’t or won’t
Requires facilities report injuries to animals or people, MDAR will provide a form which can also be filled out by the public. Following an investigation, these reports will be made public
Authorizes MDAR to establish regulations for boarding facilities which may include:
- Administrative: licensing, inspection, compliance and enforcement, use of best practices and operation
- Animal Safety: provider and staff to animal ratios, fire and emergency planning, group sizes and supervision, minimum housing and care requirements, indoor and outdoor physical facility requirements, utilities
- Employee Safety and Training: body language interpretation, breed familiarity, dog handling, insurance, proper education and training of dog daycare staff, operational safety standards, risk management, and consumer education and protection
Establishes an advisory committee to assist with development and review of regulations and will consist of MDAR, licensed commercial boarding or training facility owners, animal control officers, kennel associations, veterinary professionals, members of the public, dog behavior experts, and shelter and rescue organizations (including ARL)

ARL’s Board Safely® Campaign

Spurred by heartbreaking stories much like Ollie’s, since 2019, ARL has offered the public help through the “Board Safely” campaign.

This important safety campaign provides pet parents a checklist of considerations before selecting a boarding facility.

Before you choose a boarding facility or doggie daycare, please visit ARL’s Board Safely page to help advocate for the safety of your beloved pet!

ARL to Recognize Pillar of Boston Nonprofit Community with Animal Advocate Award

Award winners exemplify compassion and commitment to advance ARL’s mission

During its upcoming Paws to Celebrate event at the iconic Hampshire House, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will recognize Grace Fey, a fixture of the Boston nonprofit community for her exceptional commitment to the organization’s focus in expanding access to pet wellness care throughout the Metro Boston area.

ARL’s Animal Advocate Award honors distinguished philanthropists and compassionate organizations who have made outstanding contributions to ARL and actively advance the well-being of animals in our community.

ARL is thrilled to recognize Grace Fey with this award for demonstrating profound generosity and an unwavering commitment to making a difference for animals and the people who love them.

She is a staunch supporter of expanding access to care for pet owners, ensuring pets can stay with the families who love them.

Grace is a shining example of compassion in action, inspiring us all to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals.

“Grace is a visionary, seeing the interconnection of human and pet health,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “Grace’s power of connection has led to transformational partnerships within Greater Boston. She understands that when non-profits work together their strengths are amplified and their reach is extended to create a healthier community for both pets and people.”

ARL will present Grace with her award on Tuesday, October 1, during its annual Paws to Celebrate event at the Hampshire House, which is a gathering of like-minded ARL supporters to celebrate their contributions and see first-hand how their support and involvement is helping animals in need, and the people who care for them.

ARL Seeing Explosion in Community Cats and Kittens Intake

Community cat intake up 30 percent over 2023

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) continues to see a steady influx of kittens born in the wild from communities throughout Massachusetts, and to date, ARL has taken in 833 community cats in 2024, a 30 percent increase over 2023.

Kitten specific intake has also seen a 30 percent increase in 2024 as well.

Since May 1, ARL has taken in nearly 600 community cats, 117 in September alone, the majority being kittens, and the organization is seeing no slow-down in the numbers of kittens being born in community cat colonies over the coming weeks and months.

ARL is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated Community Cat Program, focusing on community cat colonies in numerous communities throughout the state.

Once colony is assessed, a trap-neuter-return plan is formulated, and ARL will provide these animals medical care, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and finding homes for the vast majority.

For those cats that are truly feral, they are returned to the colony they were found, healthy and no longer able to reproduce, which will help end the cycle of homelessness among the colony.

With relatively mild winters become the norm in Massachusetts, there is no such thing as kitten season anymore, and caring for these animals is now a year-round effort.

Community cats are incredibly resourceful, and litters of kittens can be born anywhere a mom cat can find a dry, warm and safe environment.

ARL advises anyone who notices a colony or kittens in and around their home or neighborhood, to contact ARL’s Field Services Department for assistance at (617) 426-9170 x563.

ARL does not receive any government funding for this important work, so these cats and kittens must rely generosity of people like you to get their best chance for a happy and healthy life.

To help support their care, please visit support.arlboston.org/communitycats.

Rescued Neonatal Kittens Find New Homes

Neonatal kittens raised by surrogate mother cat

A pair of neonatal kittens who were saved by the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and just a day old when they were found in a driveway in Hyde Park have defied the odds and are now ready to find their permanent homes, thanks in large part to the care provided by a surrogate mother cat.

It was a hot July day when a resident discovered the neonatal kittens in a driveway, and shocked by the discovery, contacted ARL’s Field Services for assistance.

It’s unknown whether the mother cat had abandoned the kittens or that something had happened to her.

ARL responded quickly, rescued the kittens, and brought them to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for critical care and treatment.

At approximately one-day-old, the kittens were literally helpless.

The umbilical cords were still attached, their eyes were closed and were far too young to care for themselves.

While initially bottle-feeding the kittens, a long-term solution was needed.

ARL did have a young cat in foster care who had given birth a couple of weeks prior, and ARL staff introduced the idea of seeing if the cat, named Victoria, could serve as a surrogate mother to the kittens.

The kittens were introduced to Victoria, who immediately took them in, and for next nine weeks, cared for them as if they were her own.

The kittens, now named Willie Nelson and George Strait, are happy, healthy and ready to find their new homes at ARL’s Dedham facility.

The pair also made fast friends with their adoptive brother Tim McGraw, who is also looking for his new home.

The stars aligned for these two kittens, and ARL is thrilled that they will now have the opportunity to live the long lives they deserve.

ARL’s Community Cat Program

At ARL, we are focused on community cats; those that live outdoors and are unowned, but are a part of our local communities.

It is important to remember that cats living in community colonies are not all considered “feral” but consist of a combination of feral, shy, and friendly stray cats all living together.

Previously, the animal welfare term “feral” was often associated with “bad cats” or “other cats.”

While feral cats are different in the sense that they have not been properly socialized with humans, they are biologically the same as owned house cats.

Community cats face many challenges living outdoors.

Without proper shelter and care, they are at risk of illness and injury. Additionally, without spay/neuter surgery, these cats can produce many litters and continue the cycle of large colonies of unowned cats.

It is estimated that over 700,000 cats roam free in Massachusetts with 70,000 in Boston alone.

Our Rescue Agents will respond to the call of residents who report a colony of cats, investigating the colony to determine the number of cats and kittens residing in that area, the cats’ overall health status, and whether or not a local resident is feeding them regularly and can continue.

After the initial assessment, a TNR (Trap-Neuter- Return) plan is formulated for that particular colony.

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.

Future Focus: Strategic Plan 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.

Vision in Action

ARL is thrilled to announce that we are rebuilding our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center and Boston Veterinary Care at our current location of 10 Chandler Street in the South End.

This project will advance ARL’s mission of being an unwavering champion for over 20,000 animals each year. It is a significant opportunity for our historic 125-year-old organization to provide animals with the highest standards of care to help them heal and thrive, advance pet health and well-being through exceptional veterinary care and dog training, keep people and pets together, and improve the lives of animals.

ARL is building a state-of-the-art facility to benefit the animals we care for, while also ensuring we reach as many pets and people as possible through our services for pet owners living in Greater Boston.

Learn more about ARL’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan for the Future.

ARL to Recognize Truro Resident with Animal Advocate Award

Animal Advocate Award winners exemplify compassion and commitment to advance ARL’s mission

During its upcoming Paws to Celebrate event at Truro Vineyards, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will be recognizing a Truro resident for his exceptional involvement in promoting ARL’s mission to help animals on Cape Cod and beyond.

Brian Hyde.

ARL is thrilled to recognize longtime Truro resident Brian Hyde with this award for exemplifying exceptional dedication and enduring support of animals in need.

Brian is a committed connector and champion of the cause on Cape Cod and beyond!

Brian consistently shows the power of building community and has set a powerful example of how one person can make a difference, creating a ripple effect of kindness that will leave a lasting legacy for countless animals.

“Brian’s passion, compassion, and tireless efforts have made him a true champion for animals,” state ARL Vice President of Development, Jackie Smith. “We are honored to recognize him with our Animal Advocate Award.”

ARL will present Brian with his award on Thursday, September 5, during its annual Paws to Celebrate event at Truro Vineyards, which is a gathering of like-minded ARL supporters to celebrate their contributions and see first-hand how their support and involvement is helping animals in need, and the people who care for them.

ARL Rescues Cat in Tree in Brighton, Reunites Cat with Owner

Owner of cat in tree on-scene during rescue

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department rescued a cat in a tree in a Brighton neighborhood and were able to reunite the animal with the owner who was on-scene during the rescue.

A property owner in the Oak Square neighborhood contacted ARL about a cat who had found its way up a tree and was unable to get itself down, with ARL’s Field Services team responding quickly to safely get the animal down from the tree.

While it was initially unknown whether or not the cat was owned, the cat’s owner found out that ARL was responding to a cat stuck in a tree and was on-scene when ARL arrived.

Turns out Mitsy had gotten out a few days earlier.

Utilizing climbing ropes, ARL’s Field Services agent scaled the tree approximately 25 feet off the ground, and was able to coax the visibly frightened cat safely into a carrier and return the cat to solid ground.

Mitsy was reunited with his grateful owner, and quickly resettled into his home.

About Field Services

As part of its Community Outreach programs, ARL’s Field Services provide technical (tree climbing and swift/ice water) and non-technical rescues for injured domestic animals – including community cats – livestock, and raptors (turkey vultures, ospreys, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls).

Field Services also assists governmental agencies with equipment and training, and plays an essential role in supporting ARL’s Law Enforcement Department in cases of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect.

To contact Field Services, please call (617) 426-9170 x563. Field Services’ hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM.

ARL Rescues Entangled Red-Tailed Hawk with Assistance from Newton Fire Department

Rescued hawk caught in golf course netting

This week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department responded to a Newton golf course after receiving a report of a red-tailed hawk that had become entangled in protective netting along the course.

The incident unfolded at the Woodland Golf Club around noon on Wednesday, with the Newton Fire Department and ARL responding to collaboratively rescue the hawk, who was approximately 50 feet off the ground.

Newton Fire had responded with a ladder truck, and after assessing the scene, a firefighter guided an ARL agent up the ladder and together were able to free the hawk and place the animal into a carrier for transport.

ARL is grateful to Newton Fire for its response by expediting a speedy rescue, increasing the safety of all personnel on-scene and helping lessen the stress of the hawk.

The hawk, who had been trapped for approximately 12 hours, appeared uninjured but was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation hospital as a precaution.

“Huge thanks to the Animal Rescue League of Boston and Newton Firefighters on quickly rescuing the red-tailed hawk caught in netting,” stated Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller. “Well done!”

See local news coverage of this rescue, including a video.