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Massachusetts Animal Control Officer of the Year 2025

The Animal Rescue League of Boston and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the annual Massachusetts Animal Control Officer (ACO) of the Year award.

The award was established to honor an animal control officer whose efforts in his/her local community throughout the year demonstrate:

    • A dedicated, humane attitude toward the treatment and well-being of all animals
    • Effective enforcement of pet responsibility laws
    • A commitment to public awareness and humane education programs
    • Cooperative working relationships with other agencies, such as state and local government departments, other ACOs, and animal protection groups

All officers in Massachusetts are required to undergo training through the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources. In order to receive this award, an ACO must be current on the state’s mandated training requirements through the Mass Animal Fund.

Nominations should be submitted in writing and may come from government officials, other officers, animal protection organizations, or private citizens.

Submissions should explain how the nominee has met the above criteria and should be sent to both:

Allison Blanck
Animal Rescue League of Boston
10 Anna’s Pl
Dedham, MA 02026
ablanck@arlboston.org

Kara Holmquist
MSPCA
350 South Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02130
kholmquist@mspca.org

Nominations must be received by September 30, 2025.

Bagel-Named Beagles Arrive at ARL

Rescued from overcrowding in Franklin County

This week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is assisting the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Team with the removal of 34 beagles from an overcrowding situation at a home kennel in Northwestern Massachusetts. As part of a multi-agency, collaborative rescue, ARL is now caring for 10 of the beagles at its Boston facility and will provide the dogs with compassionate care, veterinary and behavior exams, and spay/neuter services. The beagles will be put up for adoption when they are ready.

The dogs range in ages up to eight years-old, are friendly and appear to be well-fed. The 10 beagles being cared for at ARL’s Boston facility include three males and seven females. The dogs are named after bagels: Everything, Blueberry, Pumpernickel, Asiago, Sesame, Cinnamon Raisin, Egg, Marble, Poppy, and Jalapeño Cheddar.

A person wearing a red t-shirt sits crosslegged on the ground, outside. Two beagle dogs are next to them - one beagle dog is sitting in their lap.

Animal Rescue League of Boston staff member helps care for two beagles (Sesame (left) and Cinnamon Raisin (right).

Local law enforcement contacted the Franklin County’s Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Team, which responded to the residence. The owners surrendered the dogs. An investigation is underway by local authorities. ARL is caring for and providing medical care to 10 of the beagles at its Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center, where a new state-of-the-art facility is being built that will allow ARL to care for more animals in these types of situations. The remaining beagles are being taken to organizations in New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.

Help Give Overcrowded Rescue Dogs the Care They Deserve

Overcrowding is a complex issue that can lead to serious health concerns not only for animals, but for people living among them as well. Animals saved from overcrowding situations can have many health and behavior issues, and over the next few days and weeks, these dogs will need extraordinary care. A sudden influx of animals puts a strain on ARL’s resources.

ARL is asking the public for assistance to provide the care and support these animals need by donating. ARL is prepared to help anyone who has too many animals in the home, and works with pet owners to find a solution that works best for both the animals and people involved.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, call (617) 426-9170 for more information.

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Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society® Spotlight

Michael Samuelian and Sean Murray

For Michael and Sean, a chance encounter in a South End coffee shop on a winter morning two decades ago led not only to a lifelong partnership but also to a shared journey rooted in love, community, and compassion for animals.

Though Sean wasn’t always a pet person, that changed when he met Michael. Michael had long been an animal lover, growing up with many cats as cherished family members—including Mayday, a beloved black cat he had when he and Sean met.

Mayday came into Michael’s life when his roommate heard meowing from a box near their apartment. Inside was a tiny black kitten, and they named him Mayday in honor of the urgent cries that led to his rescue.

When Mayday passed at the remarkable age of 21, the loss was deeply felt. Mayday had clearly made an impression on Sean, and he gently suggested they open their hearts to another cat—which led them to ARL.

After meeting with a few cats, Sean felt the tap of a little paw on his shoulder. He turned around to find James (then Jimmy) reaching out from his kennel. It was clear: James had chosen them. From that moment, he became a beloved part of the family, known fondly as “Lord James,” “Sir Meows-a-Lot,” and dozens of other affectionate nicknames.

Since then, Michael and Sean’s connection to ARL has only deepened. As proud members of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society®, they’ve made the meaningful decision to include ARL in their estate plans, ensuring that their love for animals will make a lasting impact long into the future.

“We’re fortunate to be in a place where we can help,” they shared. “Supporting ARL means we’re helping those who can’t speak for themselves.”

Their legacy gift reflects not only their trust in ARL’s mission, but their shared values: a commitment to community, a desire to protect vulnerable animals, and a deep appreciation for organizations that use resources wisely. “We wanted to be deliberate. We believe in ARL’s people, and its work—especially law enforcement, affordable veterinary care, and humane education.”

Michael and Sean support other important causes as well—ranging from cancer and HIV care to food security initiatives—but ARL holds a special place in their hearts. “Leaving a legacy with ARL is our way of making sure more animals can live a life like James’.”

Their story is a testament to the power of love—not only between two people, but between people and their pets. We are profoundly grateful to Michael and Sean, and to every member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society, for their enduring compassion.

Did you know August is National Make-A-Will Month?

Just as animals have touched your life, you can forever touch the lives of animals by including the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in your will or financial plans.

Learn how to leave your print and make more than a lifetime of impact for animals.

When you include ARL in your Will or other plans, you become a member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society® and join the company of compassionate supporters like Michael and Sean, who want their dedication to the well-being of animals to continue long into the future.

Have you included, or are you thinking of including ARL in your will? Let us know so we can thank you! Please contact Jackie at jsmith@arlboston.org.

ARL Reminds Pet Owners to Keep Pets Safe During Heat Wave

Tips to Protect Pets in Extreme Heat

With temperatures soaring over the next few days, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is reminding pet owners to take steps to keep pets safe as we experience extreme weather conditions.

Keep your pet safe and healthy by following these important basic guidelines:

  • Prevention is always your best bet. Whenever possible, leave your pet at home in a cool, low-humidity, and temperature-regulated room.
  • If your pet must be outdoors, find a shady spot with ample air flow to prevent overheating.
  • Hydration is key, so keep a bowl of cold water accessible at all times.
  • Limit exercise to the morning or evening hours when temperatures are at their coolest. Aside from the heat, the high humidity can cause respiratory issues for animals, particularly short-snouted animals (e.g., pugs).
  • When the temperatures rise, it’s Too Hot for Spot®! Never leave your pet alone in a parked car — even with the air conditioner on or the windows cracked.

It is illegal in Massachusetts to keep an animal confined in a vehicle during extreme hot or cold conditions, and when a weather advisory is issued, it is also illegal to keep dogs tethered for longer than five hours in a 24-hour period. Dogs also cannot be tethered outdoors between 10 PM and 6 AM, unless for not more than 15 minutes, and when the owner/keeper is present.

See an animal that is in imminent danger or distress? If so, contact your local animal control or police department immediately.

More summer pet safety tips.

ARL Rescues Kitten from Storm Drain Near I-95 On-Ramp in Canton

Kitten was underweight, now in foster care

A six-week-old kitten is safe and sound in foster care after being rescued from a storm drain near the on-ramp to I-95 in Canton by the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department.

ARL received a call on July 19 from a passerby who spotted the kitten wandering on Neponset Street in Canton and given his size and the fact he was alone, ARL immediately sprang into action to ensure the safety of the animal.

Pigeon in ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center.

Once on-scene, ARL agents scoured a wooded area where the kitten was spotted and after a short time, could hear him crying – from inside a storm drain.

Once the exit pipe was located, agents set a humane trap and played kitten sounds to lure him out of his hiding place.

After a short wait, the kitten came out and was immediately drawn to the food that had been placed in the trap.

When he began ravenously eating, the trap closed, and agents prepared him for the short transport drive to ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center.

The kitten, now named Pigeon, was very thin, weighing just over a pound, and was extremely dirty, but was otherwise healthy.

He will remain in foster care for several weeks to gain weight and reach the appropriate age to be neutered and will then be made available for adoption.

ARL reminds the public that anyone who spots a domestic animal in distress or danger is urged to contact ARL Field Services for assistance at (617) 426-9170 x563.

ARL Partners with New England Patriots for Training Camp Adoption Event

As the New England Patriots kicked off the first day of training camp, a special adoption event at Gillette Stadium with the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) kicked off a lifetime of love for more than three dozen families who took home a new furry family member.

ARL joined two other animal welfare organizations to find homes for 41 puppies and young adult dogs, the first such event to held at Gillette Stadium during training camp.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his wife and ARL board member Dr. Dana Kraft have a deep love for animals, particularly their dog Heisman, and the adoption effort was largely spear-headed by Dr. Kraft.

“Dana is on the board of ARL and she mentioned to me that the number of dogs in shelters is higher than it’s ever been,” said Mr. Kraft. “I don’t know if that’s because of what’s going on with the economics of our country right now, but I do know how these dogs can bring so much happiness and love.”

The adoption event included a press conference the previous day where players and head coach Mike Vrabel brought two ARL puppies to the podium to answer questions from the media.

The kickoff of training camp also included a special moment where players and coach Vrabel walked onto the field with some of the adopted puppies to present them to their new families.

As fans filed into training camp, they were able to meet and interact with all the available animals, talk with adoption staff, and also learn more about the programs and services that ARL offers.

The event was tremendously successful, and ARL wishes to thank the Patriots for their partnership and passion to help find homes for as many animals as possible.

What a way to kick off the 2025-2026 season!

ARL, MA State Police to Host Too Hot for Spot Campaign Demo

Demonstration part of ARL’s annual Too Hot for Spot summer safety campaign

This week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and Massachusetts State Police welcomed members of the media to ARL’s Dedham Campus for a hot car demonstration as part of ARL’s annual Too Hot for Spot® safety campaign, which has educated pet owners about summer safety for over a decade.

ARL is marking 11 years of the Too Hot for Spot campaign, but unfortunately, we are still seeing plenty of instances where an animal’s life is put in danger due to being left in a hot vehicle, several of which have happened in just the past month.

With temperatures this summer being well above average, it’s imperative this message reaches as many pet owners as possible.

Leaving an animal in a hot car is the number one cause of deadly heatstroke in pets. When temperatures rise, so do concerns about animal safety.

Even when the mercury dips below 80 degrees, the threat for heat stroke still exists.

Within five minutes’ time, a vehicle’s interior temperature can rise above 118 degrees on a 75-degree day, even with the windows cracked.

This week’s demonstration occurred during an overcast day, with temperatures in the low 80’s.

In less than 10 minutes, the thermometer inside the vehicle soared to over 115 degrees, demonstrating the dangers that exist during the summer months.

Additionally, many modern vehicles feature an automatic shut-off feature after a certain amount of time when the vehicle is left in park and running – meaning that even if a pet owner leaves their animals in a car with the air conditioning running, the vehicle may shut off, leaving the animals susceptible to deadly heat stroke.

It is also illegal in Massachusetts to keep an animal in a hot vehicle, and law enforcement across the Commonwealth will be on the lookout this summer.

Visit arlboston.org/too-hot-for-spot to learn important pet safety tips and guidelines.

ARL wishes to thank the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and Herb Chambers for their continued support and partnership in ARL’s Too Hot for Spot summer safety campaign.

ARL, Animal Advocates Gather at Massachusetts State House for Lobby Day for Animals

Animal welfare organizations collaborate to lobby for animal-protection legislation

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Advocacy team joined other animal welfare organizations at the Massachusetts State House for Lobby Day for Animals, to help citizen animal advocates make an impact by meeting and encouraging their elected officials to prioritize animal-protection legislation.

ARL presented briefings on current pieces of legislation and also offered guidance to those in attendance on how to effectively lobby their elected officials to help garner support for these proposed bills.

Rep. Aaron Michlewitz receives the Legislator of the Year award.

Priority bills included:

An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets (H.1559); An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets in an economic crisis and beyond (S.1022)

Provides housing protections during states of emergency and immediately afterward, preventing animals from being used as a reason for eviction. Prohibits insurance companies from refusing coverage, canceling, or increasing rates on the basis of dog breed.

An Act to codify pet-friendly elderly housing policies and ensure pet parity across housing authorities (H.1476)

Protects programs to allow pets in elderly housing authorities and ensures pets and their families can stay together in certain state-funded housing.

An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops (S.618;HD.4490) Proposed bill would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops throughout Massachusetts. Would not prohibit pet shops from partnering with shelters or rescues to display/facilitate adoptions.

An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops (H.967;S.651)

Proposed bill would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops throughout Massachusetts. Would not prohibit pet shops from partnering with shelters or rescues to display/facilitate adoptions.

An Act to provide additional funding for animal welfare and safety programming (S. 639)

This bill would enable additional monies to be directed to the Mass Animal Fund for the purpose of spaying, neutering or vaccinating homeless dogs and cats, or those that live with low-income families, by stipulating that administrative fines, issued pursuant to Section 37 of Chapter 129 (“Enforcement actions; jurisdiction of commissioner of agriculture, district and superior courts”), would go to the Fund.

Celebrating Past Animal Victories

ARL and other animal protection organizations were also pleased to be able to present House Chair of Ways and Means (and ARL’s Representative in the South End) Aaron Michlewitz with the Legislator of the Year Award.

Under Chair Michlewitz’s leadership, the House advanced the most standalone animal bills in any session in recent history!

Recognition was also presented to the numerous legislative sponsors of the bills signed into law earlier this year including An Act to Increase Kennel Safety aka Ollie’s Law; An Act Regulating the Use of Elephants, Big Cats, Primates, Giraffes and Bears in Traveling Exhibits and Shows;  An Act Prohibiting Inhumane Feline Declawing; An Act Providing for the Humane Protection of Animals; and An Act Promoting Animal Welfare and Further Regulating the Reporting of Animal Cruelty, Abuse or Neglect.

Learn more about ARL’s Legislative Priorities.

Keeping Pets Safe This July 4th

Why Fireworks and Furry Friends Don’t Mix

Fireworks and July 4th go hand-in-hand; however, they can cause stress and anxiety in our pets.

Many dogs already struggle during thunderstorms, and while both storms and fireworks are loud, there’s a key difference:
Dogs can sense an approaching storm through changes in barometric pressure. Fireworks, on the other hand, are sudden, unpredictable, and startling.

“When storms happen, the barometric pressure will tell them that it’s coming; not with fireworks—and it’s so detrimental,” says Laney Nee, ARL’s Shelter Behavior and Enrichment Manager.

Fireworks can lead to anxiety and long-term behavioral issues in pets. Common signs of distress include:

  • Shaking or trembling
  • Drooling
  • Barking or howling
  • Pacing or restlessness
  • Hiding or trying to escape
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

“Dogs only communicate through their voices, mouths, paws, and body language,” Nee explains. “When they’re exhibiting signs of fear and we interact with them, there’s a risk they could redirect that fear into aggressive behavior.”

The loud blasts and flashing lights can also cause pets to panic and run off. Shelters across the country often see a spike in lost pet reports around July 4th.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe

Here are some ways to protect your furry friends this holiday:

  1. ID First: Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID tags. If they’re microchipped, confirm your contact info is current—just in case they get lost.
  2. Create a Safe Space: Set them up in a quiet room with their favorite toys. Turn on a TV, soft music, or a white noise machine to help mask outside noises.
  3. Reduce Light Exposure: If your pet is sensitive to the bright flashes, place them in a room without windows. Keep in mind: frightened animals may bolt when a door opens, so take precautions.
  4. Consult Your Vet: If your pet suffers from extreme anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about possible medications or calming supplements.

ARL’s FREE Pet Behavior Helpline

ARL’s Pet Behavior Helpline is a FREE service, and can answer basic behavioral questions about your pet, such as excessive barking, crate training, house soiling, or if you are looking for ways to stave off your pet’s boredom.

If you have questions, please call the Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or via email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org, and an ARL representative will get back to you within 48 hours.

Good Samaritan and Social Media Post Helps Reunite Lost Cat with Family

ARL offers tips should a pet become lost or missing

A lost cat who was missing for three weeks is back home safe and sound thanks to a Good Samaritan, social media, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL)

Mary, a 13-year-old cat, had never been outdoors, so when she snuck out of her Lowell home, her owner was instantly worried and turned to Facebook to report the missing animal.

Mary reunites with her owner!

About two weeks later, a resident was driving along Chelmsford Road near Route 3 in Lowell, and spotted the cat.

Concerned for her safety, the Good Samaritan pulled over, approached the cat, and took her in.

Mary was not wearing a collar, but was well-groomed and friendly, indicating she was likely an owned cat.

The finder contacted ARL and brought her to the organization’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center.

The cat was healthy, and settled in quickly, but meanwhile, a Facebook about the lost cat was spotted by her owner, who immediately reached out to ARL.

Soon after, Mary’s owner arrived at ARL and was reunited with her beloved pet!

When a Pet Goes Missing

An open door, a thunderstorm, slipping out of a collar or harness – situations happen where an animal becomes lost, and when that happens it’s important not to panic and to take steps to increase the likelihood of being reunited.

Take immediate action by following these 5 steps to increase the likelihood of a happy reunion with your pet: 

  • Call the local Animal Control Officer of the town where you live, and of the town that your pet went missing in. List of Massachusetts Animal Control Officers.
  • File a lost report with ARL either in person, over the phone at (617) 426-9170, or online. This lost report is seen by all three ARL locations. The staff will ask you to provide a photo of your pet.
  • Contact your pet’s microchip company if your pet has one, to notify them that your pet is lost. Be sure to confirm that your contact information is current.
  • File a lost report with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of where your pet went missing. Oftentimes, concerned citizens will pick up a stray pet they see on the side of the road and bring it to a shelter that is close to their destination instead of close to where they found the animal. Visit the shelters closest to you as often as possible to check for new incoming lost pets.
  • Don’t give up! Many pets go missing for months before being reunited with their owners. You will have the best chance of finding your missing pet if you utilize all of the provided tips and continue to search for them as long as you can.

Additionally, as Mary’s story showed, social media can be a powerful tool when a pet is missing.

There are many community lost pet social media pages and should your pet go missing, not only can you post to inform your neighbors about your pet, but you can also be notified if someone finds your pet as well.

More helpful lost pet tips.