The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recently launched a weekly, low-cost pet wellness clinic to serve pet owners in Dorchester. Pet owners have taken notice as the ARL Pet Wellness Clinic – Codman Square has grown incrementally since its opening.

The clinic offers high-quality services, impactful cost-savings as well as ease of access for pet owners – services are brought directly to the community.

For just $10, services administered by ARL veterinary staff include:

  • Physical exam
  • Rabies vaccine
  • Distemper vaccine
  • Flea treatment
  • Microchip

Open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Friday at the Dorchester YMCA of Greater Boston, the clinic services reflect a cost-savings of more than $200 for cat owners, and $275 for dog owners. Click here to read a special report by the Dorchester Reporter!

ARL hosted a recent tour of the clinic! Top row from left to right: Sima Thakkar, PetSmart Charities; Sam Fincke, ARL; Mary Nee, ARL President; Cheryl Traversi, ARL; Reginald Jean, Dorchester YMCA; Betsy Jones, ARL volunteer. Bottom row from left to right: Sherisse Mayala, Boston Housing Authority; Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL; Henry Pimental, Codman Academy intern.

“The services were great,” Dorchester resident Ryan Joyce said. “I take my dog (Finn) for regular vet visits, but it costs hundreds of dollars. This was a great opportunity to keep Finn healthy and save a lot of money in the process.”

Services are open to all residents of Dorchester, and while walk-ins are welcome, appointments can be made by calling (857) 413-5964. In order to receive services, dogs must be leashed, and cats must be in a carrier.

This initiative is made possible by a grant from PetSmart Charities, and in partnership with the Dorchester YMCA of Greater Boston, and the Codman Academy Charter School.

“We are overjoyed for the opportunity to be able to bring these vital services right into the community where they’re needed,” said ARL President and Dorchester resident, Mary Nee. “Through support and partnerships, we are able to promote pet health, as well as pet retention.”

Why Codman Square

This geographic region was chosen based on ARL-collected data regarding pet and community animal needs, as well as the richness in community-based institutions in the area. ARL’s work has included extensive community outreach, public pet care workshops, and a survey regarding what it’s like to own a pet in Codman Square. The three main components of this initiative are; community-based pet education, community-based animal care services, and partnerships with human service organizations to support the inclusion of pets as part of the family unit.

Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities

The clinic is part of ARL’s broader community effort, the Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities Initiative. Established in 2017, the Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities Initiative is centered in Dorchester’s historic Codman Square Neighborhood, and connects the work of ARL for animals with community organizations for the benefit of both animals and people. The Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities Initiative is supported by generous grants from the Cummings foundation, and Jane’s Trust.