Shelter Programs

Medical and Behavioral Evaluation

The Animal Rescue League of Boston prides itself on how thoroughly we evaluate each animal to ensure that any medical problems are addressed and treated and that any potential behavioral problems are resolved prior to adoption. Animals entering our shelter receive a full medical evaluation by one of our veterinarians.

Our in-house preventive health program includes:

• Vaccinations
• de-worming and flea and tick prevention
• Dogs are tested for heartworm
• cats are tested for the feline leukemia virus and the feline immunodeficiency virus

Our medical workup may also include blood tests, radiographs and other diagnostic, medical or surgical procedures. If necessary, we will take the pet to an outside veterinary specialist (e.g., an ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, dermatologist) to ensure that every animal gets the best care possible if our in-house team cannot solve the problem.

Under the direction of Dr. Amy Marder, our staff also conducts a full behavioral evaluation of each dog. The process starts by obtaining a thorough behavioral history from the previous owner. Next, the staff conducts a series of exercises to test the dog’s reaction to different stimuli such as strangers, strange objects, children, other dogs and restraint. This hour-long evaluation was developed by Dr. Marder specifically for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. The information gathered from this series of tests, combined with careful daily observation by staff and volunteers, allows us to identify any issues that require additional training and to understand each animal’s behavioral tendencies. The combination of assessment, training and observation then allows us to find the best possible match for each dog’s future home.