Cold Weather Slowed Dog Adoptions, Now ARL Is Catching Up

After a historic winter marked by extreme cold and record-breaking snowfall, the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston is turning its focus toward a brighter spring.

The harsh weather took a significant toll on ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster (Cape Cod). Fewer visitors were able to make the trip, leading to a noticeable decline in dog adoptions. As a result, kennel space has remained limited, making it more difficult to take in and care for other dogs in need.

As the seasons begin to shift, ARL is hopeful that warmer days will bring renewed opportunities for adoption, opening doors for more animals to find the loving homes they deserve.

One dog awaiting adoption since December 2025 is Mouse: Mouse is an 11-month-old German Shepherd mix who arrived at ARL dangerously underweight and too weak to wag his tail. ARL’s team put Mouse on a round-the-clock refeeding plan, carefully designed to help him regain strength. Mouse lived with a loving foster family as he continued to heal and is now ready to be adopted. Learn more about Mouse.

Mouse, in his ARL foster home

To help new dogs and their families start off strong, ARL has teamed up with Tall Tails and Polkadog this spring. Beginning Friday, March 27, the first 50 dog adopters will receive a starter kit filled with essentials to support their transition home. Search adoptable dogs.