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ARL’s Pup Rally Celebrates the Patriots’ Road to Super Bowl LX

Adoptable Pups Show Their Patriots Pride as the Community Rallies Behind Them

This week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has been busy celebrating the Patriots’ road to Super Bowl LX with a very special “Pup Rally.”

Our adoptable pups have been showing off their Patriots pride, sporting jerseys and bandanas generously donated by the Patriots Foundation. The shelter has been filled with team spirit—and plenty of wagging tails. Search adoptable dogs.

Two dogs wearing blue sports jerseys playfully tug at a green toy shaped like a football on a tan floor.

ARL dogs, Fran and Manny Jones, play tug with a Patriots dog toy

The excitement doesn’t stop there. We’ve placed a friendly wager with Seattle Humane: the shelter associated with the losing team must name a few dogs after the winning team’s players. We can’t wait to see which dog in Seattle will be named Vrabel. Let’s go, Patriots!

ARL is also proud to partner with Pawtriots, a special initiative from the Kraft Family and the Patriots Foundation that highlights adoption as a powerful way to improve the lives of animals and make a lasting difference.

The stats tell the story of an incredible team effort: you, along with 167,000 social media followers, 10,969 donors, 1,131 volunteers, 609 foster families, 60 sponsors, and 32 corporate groups, helped 19,512 animals last year.

Our community of animal lovers like you makes so much possible. Thank you for being part of this winning lineup.

How Massachusetts Is Strengthening Protections for Animals

New Laws and Bold Advocacy Keep Massachusetts at the Forefront of Animal Protection

Massachusetts was recently named the #2 state for animal welfare by the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Massachusetts has been in the top tier for animal protection laws for over 10 years. With one of the oldest animal cruelty statutes in the country, Massachusetts has consistently been a leader on animal welfare issues. 2025 was filled with progress for animals in Massachusetts with the implementation of multiple laws passed in the 2023-2024 session and work on the 2025-2026 agenda. In January the ban on exotic animals in traveling acts went into effect, while in April the ban on cat declawing and bans on the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks and roadside sales went into effect. ARL has continued working to protect dogs in boarding and daycare kennels, being involved in the Ollie’s Law Advisory Committee meetings to discuss upcoming regulations.

Map of the U.S. showing 2025 animal protection law rankings by state. Oregon ranks best, North Dakota worst. Color-coded gradient from green to red.

Map of the U.S. showing 2025 animal protection law rankings by state. Oregon ranks best with Massachusetts in second. Credit: Animal Legal Defense Fund

The 2025-2026 session started in January and ARL has been advocating for our most ambitious legislative agenda ever by providing information to advocates, testifying at hearings, and meeting with stakeholders. Due to this work of our coalition partners and advocates, a large portion of ARL’s legislative priorities have seen progress in the legislature. In 2026, the legislature will continue to consider these bills.

Housing

Housing has been a challenge for people and pets for years, particularly for dogs of certain breeds and appearance. This session, ARL priorities regarding pets in housing were able to advance from committee. S.1022/H.1559, An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets, filed by Senator Payano and Representatives Montaño and Rogers would increase pet friendly housing options by preventing insurance companies and certain landlords from being able to discriminate on the basis of dog breed, size, weight, or appearance. Despite assumptions by some, dog breed has no connection with propensity to bite, and identification of dog breed is difficult for even trained animal welfare professionals. These bills also provide protections from eviction during states of emergency as well as put a cap on pet rent.

Animal Protection

Massachusetts is the only state that does not have a misdemeanor animal cruelty law. One of the strongest in the country, it reflects an understanding of the link between cruelty against animals and cruelty against people. However, it isn’t appropriate in all circumstances. This session a number of bills to provide additional, non-criminal, options were filed, including S.1190, An Act enhancing the issuance of citations for cruel conditions for animals, filed by Senator Mark Montigny and H.4675, An Act preventing animal cruelty, filed by Representative Ted Philips. S. 1190 would add domestic animals to protections from cruel conditions currently afforded to dogs only. H.4675 would establish a civil process to ensure neglected animals are cared for and provide a mechanism to order care of or take possession of an animal in danger, without involving criminal charges. ARL strives to provide services to people in need, and creating non-criminal options can help intervene to protect animals without the threat of a felony conviction.

Pet Shops

For the first time in Massachusetts, a bill to full ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits was advanced from committee favorably. S.2720, An Act banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops, filed by Senator O’Connor has been filed a number of sessions. While Massachusetts has limited pet stores compared to other states, the risk to animals and consumers is still prevalent. Another concern is the migration of pet stores from other states, like New York, where the retail sale of such animals was banned in December 2024. This legislation would still allow pet stores to partner with shelters and rescues to provide animals to the public, but would stop the puppy mill pipeline that helps fund continue poor animal welfare conditions by out-of-state commercial breeders at the expense of animal and human health.

In addition to these priorities, ARL has also seen progress on bills relating to animal testing, pets in custody and separation proceedings, regulation of dog breeders, improving the dangerous dog law, and providing additional funding for spay and neuter for at-need dogs and cats.

These are only some of the priorities that are being considered this session. Learn more about ARL’s Legislative Agenda.

Advancing animal welfare priorities is no guarantee, but is the product of years of constant work on these issues. Massachusetts remains a leader in animal welfare due to the outreach of advocates to their legislators. Through phone calls, emails, and meetings, even 5 minutes can make a difference.

Advocating for animals can take many forms. To learn about ways you can get involved in advancing ARL’s Legislative Agenda, email advocacy@arlboston.org

Arctic Cold Puts Pets at Risk

Reports of Animals Left in the Cold Are on the Rise

As frigid temperatures continue to grip the region, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is urging pet owners to keep animals safe in the extreme cold. ARL has been receiving an increased number of calls from concerned citizens regarding animals being left out in the cold this December.

Here are steps to keep pets safe when temperatures plunge:

  1. Prepare your dog for the cold elements. If your dog has a longer coat, let it grow out for the winter; for shorter-coat dogs, sweaters, coats and booties can go a long way to protect your pooch.
  2. Wipe off your dog’s paws and stomach. Chemicals used to treat sidewalks can irritate your dog’s paws, and can be poisonous if ingested. When coming in from the cold, clean and dry your dog’s paws and stomach to keep them healthy!
  3. Keep outdoor trips quick. Bathroom breaks or walks, keep it short and sweet, and keep your pets indoors as much as possible.
  4. Never leave your dog alone in a cold car. Temperatures inside a car will plummet when the engine is turned off. Just like it’s illegal in Massachusetts to leave an animal in a hot car, it’s also illegal to leave an animal in a car during extreme cold. When going out, leave your animals at home.
  5. Pay attention to your pet’s grooming and health. An animal with a matted coat cannot keep themselves warm! Senior pets also suffer from increased arthritis pain in the cold, so check with your veterinarian on how to keep your pet comfortable.
  6. Check under the hood. Cats love to warm up underneath the hood of a car, as the residual heat from the engine burns off. Always knock on the hood of your vehicle and do a quick visual check before starting the engine.

When the mercury dips, there are laws in place to protect animals, including the prohibition of excessive tethering. According to Massachusetts General Law Ch. 140, Section 174E, Subsection D: A person shall not leave a dog outside when a weather advisory, warning or watch is issued by a local, state or federal authority or when outside environmental conditions including, but not limited to, extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow or hail pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of the dog based on the dog’s breed, age or physical condition, unless the tethering is not for more than 15 minutes.

More winter weather pet safety tips.

Valentine’s Card Shuffle

This year, surprise someone you care about—or yourself!—with a one-of-a-kind, animal-themed Valentine’s Day card that’s sure to delight.

Whether you’re sending it to yourself or surprising a loved one, your card could be:

  • Sweet and adorable!

  • Unexpectedly hilarious!

  • Just plain quirky (in the most lovable way)!

The only thing we can promise? It will be uniquely animal-inspired and guaranteed to make someone smile.

 How it works:
For a $25 donation or more, you’ll receive one mystery Valentine’s Day card. Choose to send it to yourself or let us deliver the surprise straight to someone special, your choice!

By joining in the fun, you’re not just spreading love—you’re supporting animals in need. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate the season of love while making a real difference.

 Don’t wait!
There’s only a limited number of mystery cards available. Shuffle up some Valentine’s Day joy before it’s too late.

I Want My Mystery Valentine!
Supporter Spotlight: Kathleen McQuiggan

On her very first volunteer shift at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), Kathleen McQuiggan met Juno, an adorable puppy who immediately tugged at her heart. The temptation to take Juno home was strong, but she knew that making a difference didn’t always mean adopting—it can also mean showing up, giving love, and helping as many animals as possible.

Her lifelong love for animals began in childhood, with Great Danes her mother raised. That bond grew stronger over the years, influencing not only her decision to adopt shelter dogs but eventually leading her to ARL as a dedicated and compassionate volunteer.

When she moved to Boston in 2001, Kathleen was adamant about adopting a dog. So, on a Sunday morning, she came to the Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center and met a young Shepherd mix. One look into the dog’s soulful eyes was all it took. Kathleen named her Maude after her beloved late grandmother, who would have been delighted to know a cherished dog carried her name. Maude was Kathleen’s beloved copilot and sidekick for more than 13 years.

A German Shepherd dog with perked ears stands alertly by the sea, its fur glowing in sunlight against a clear blue sky.

Maude

After Maude’s passing, Kathleen adopted two more rescue dogs, including her current dog Pearl, a Pitbull mix, who is now 11 years old. She gravitates toward the Pitbull mixes, knowing how they are often unfairly judged, and appreciates the opportunity to help them feel safe, loved, and understood.

A gray and white dog with a colorful collar lounges on a fluffy, cream-colored blanket. Its ears perk up and eyes look curiously at the camera.

Pearl

Kathleen has an extensive resume of helping many non-profits on their Boards and committees, however, a desire to get back to the roots of causes she cared about led her to start volunteering as a Canine Companion at ARL. Now, Kathleen is at our Boston location every Sunday afternoon. Walking dogs is her main responsibility, but she’s always happy to pitch in with laundry or dishes! Her years of experience with challenging dogs have made her particularly attuned to the unique challenges that some shelter dogs face.

Kathleen says that volunteering at ARL has been an incredible experience. She reports that the staff is welcoming, the fellow volunteers are inspiring, and the work is deeply rewarding.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering for Kathleen has been seeing how quickly dogs find homes. She was pleasantly surprised by the short length of stay at ARL and takes comfort in knowing that, even in the short time they are at ARL, they receive the care and companionship they need. That sense of purpose keeps her coming back each week, making her volunteer shift a key part of her weekly routine.

Beyond walking dogs, Kathleen is in awe of ARL’s vast range of community services. She finds it especially meaningful to support an organization that helps other families through services like the free Pet Behavior Helpline, Wellness Waggin’®, and Spay Waggin’®.

Her passion for giving back extends beyond ARL, mirroring the same dedication she brings to her career in financial services, where she helps individuals, particularly women, build secure futures—just as she helps provide stability and care for shelter animals. Kathleen embodies the spirit of ARL’s mission, and we are grateful to have her as part of our volunteer family. While she may not have adopted Juno that first day, the experience reaffirmed why she wanted to be part of ARL—because every small act of kindness, from a walk to a warm meal, makes a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Thank you, Kathleen, and thank you to all of our volunteers who make this life-changing work possible!

Protecting Animals from the Harsh Reality of the Rodeo

A letter of concern regarding the Boston Rodeo by Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA, ARL’s President & CEO

Dear Reader,

This weekend, Boston will be host to its second rodeo-like event in just a few short months, when Professional Bull Riders’ “Unleash the Beast” tour comes to the TD Garden for the first time. While these events are marketed as entertainment that evokes images of the Old West and classic movies, the reality behind the scenes is far different. Despite claims of high standards of care, many rodeo activities—especially bull riding—prioritize profit over the basic welfare of animals.

Many people are surprised to learn that rodeos are specifically exempt from the Federal Animal Welfare Act. State laws around cruelty to animals apply, but criminal penalties for animal cruelty do not prevent much of the harm that these animals endure. Many rodeo associations have standards and rules, but they are self-regulating with no independent oversight.

Bull riding is one of the most harmful activities for both animals and humans. A rider’s goal is to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds, but bucking is a fight-or-flight response by the bull to protect itself from predators and escape.

In the chute, a flank strap is tightened around the bull’s sensitive abdomen. When the gate opens, the bull kicks and spins in a desperate attempt to escape the strap and the agitation of the rider, lights, and noise. Scoring rewards this distress — more points are given for bulls that kick harder or react more violently. Invoking this response is exploiting the bull’s fear for entertainment.

Bull riding sees tragic injuries to both bulls and rider. We’ve seen instances where bulls suffer injuries so severe that euthanasia is the only humane option.

The danger isn’t confined to the arena. In recent years, bulls have escaped numerous events, including right here in Massachusetts when eight bulls ran through a busy neighborhood after a fence failure; in Oregon when a bull charged into a crowd and injured five; and in Colorado when a bull escaped and threatened public safety over the course of four days before it was found.

Massachusetts is already a leader in protecting animals in entertainment, having recently banned exotic traveling animal acts. It’s time for Boston to take the next step.

We must join other forward-thinking cities and prohibit the use of rodeo implements—like flank straps and electric prods—designed to induce pain, fear, and suffering. Our entertainment should never come at the expense of an animal’s safety or the public’s well-being.

Sincerely,

a signature in blue ink representing Edward Schettino

Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA
President & CEO

How Year-End Donations Help Animals in Need

Support From Year-End Giving Helps the Animal Rescue League of Boston Care for Animals Like Mouse

As 2025 comes to a close, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is in its busiest fundraising period of the year, with thousands of donations expected to be processed in the next 48 hours, a critical period for nonprofit organizations everywhere. ARL’s year-end fundraising push helps to care for animals like Mouse, an 8-month-old German Shepherd recovering from severe malnourishment.

A person in a red hoodie kneels, gently holding a tan, underweight dog on a green leash in a bright room.

Mouse

In 2024, 10% of all dollars ARL raised were received between December 29 and December 31. With just $45,000 left to reach its fundraising goal for 2025, ARL’s staff is hard at work. Despite a recent poll that found most Americans aren’t making year-end charitable contributions this year, ARL is counting on the resonance of its mission with its supporters to help the organization close the gap. ARL does not receive any government funding and relies solely on philanthropy to fund its ~$15 million annual operating budget.

Mouse recently arrived at ARL dangerously underweight and in urgent need of care. He is currently on a strict, medically supervised re-feeding plan to help him gain weight safely so he can rebuild his strength. Mouse needs specialized nutrition, months of medical treatment, and constant monitoring. The estimated cost for ARL to care for Mouse over the next few months is at least $2,800. Mouse has a long, difficult road ahead of him. Donations will help provide Mouse with expert care to get him healthy, constant support and time to get his strength back. Please consider making a year-end donation today.

Welcome A New Pet During the Holidays?

Animal Rescue League of Boston Offers Tips and Resources for Families

At a time when many families are welcoming new pets into their homes, Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) shares expert resources and advice about settling furry family members into a new environment. Resources include ARL’s Pet Behavior Helpline – a free service that can answer basic pet behavioral questions. Whether it’s excessive barking, crate training, house soiling, or another issue, pet families with questions can call the Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or via email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org.

“It’s very special to welcome a new family member to the household, especially during the holiday season. These first few weeks as a family are very important and ARL is here with the resources and guidance to make the experience positive and joyful for pets and their new families,” says ARL Animal Behavior Manager, Laney Nee.

Tips for Early Days With Dogs and Cats

  • Have a ‘safe space’ for your new pet set up and ready for them – somewhere they can call their own that may contain their special toys, bedding, scratching trees for cats or a crate for dogs – this space helps them get comfortable.
  • Less is more when introducing your pet to their new life, so be aware of all the new things your pet is experiencing and recognize when they might be overwhelmed and need a break.
  • Go back to basics with house training for dogs and provide easy access to food, water and litter boxes for cats until they get used to their new spaces.

Tips for Daily Routines

  • Create a routine for you and your new pet right from the beginning.
  • Change can be overwhelming so creating a routine for your new dog is a key to success. The routine should have set times for potty breaks, meals, walks, playtime, and independent time in their own space with special toys and treats which get put away till the next time they are back in their safe space.
  • A routine can help ensure your new cat has the opportunity to follow their instincts which includes their need to hunt, catch, eat, groom, and sleep. There are many ways to accomplish this with many homemade items such as boxes, egg cartons, paper bags, toilet paper and paper towel rolls for treat puzzles.

Tips for Relationship Building

    • Get active
      • Sniffari walks– let your dog stop and sniff!
      • Explore a new neighborhood – the usual neighborhood walks can get boring and routine – consider walking or driving to a different neighborhood to explore.
      • Two toy fetch – alternate tossing two toys to your dog while walking.
    • Keep them engaged
      • Use a snuffle mat or wrap some treats up in a towel and let dogs use their nose to snuffle around and find all the food, or make a “licky mat” with canned food, peanut butter or cream cheese – smear it on a lick mat and they can spend time licking it until it’s all gone.
      • Enroll in dog training classes and teach your dog new skills, ARL has a variety of offerings at our Dedham Campus.
      • Interactive play for cats can be done with wand teaser cat toys, chasing little play mice or balls with bells or make a small investment for automated toys that move if the cat walks past them or interacts with them.

Helpful Videos

“Name Game for Dogs”: incorporate this game into your routine to create a bond and help your new dog respond quickly when you say their name. Watch a demonstration.

“Greeting Exercise”: practice this with family and friends so your dog can learn to greet people and other dogs politely. Learn more.

Week-Old Puppies Sugar Plum and Nutcracker Arrive at ARL Boston

These Fragile Newborns Need Round-The-Clock Care and Support

Newborn sibling puppies, Sugar Plum and Nutcracker, arrived at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) last week and are in need of urgent, round-the-clock care this holiday season to grow strong and healthy. The American Bulldog and German Shepherd mix pups were part of an unexpected litter, and their mother was unable to care for them. Puppies are extremely vulnerable without their mother and require intensive care.

Week old puppy being held by someone wearing a surgical glove

Sugar Plum during her veterinary exam

The cost for ARL to care for Sugar Plum and Nutcracker over the next few weeks is estimated at about $3,000. With no government funding, the puppies must rely on the public’s generosity to give them their best chance to grow, heal, and one day find loving homes. Your donation will give them everything they need to grow strong and healthy. Please consider making a donation today.

Update: 12/29/25: It is with heavy hearts that we share that despite our best efforts, Sugar Plum and Nutcracker passed away over the weekend. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, they knew warmth, kindness, and care because of you. Every share, donation, and message mattered, and it allowed us to give them comfort and compassion during their time with us.

ARL Offers Tips to Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is reminding pet owners of some things to keep in mind to help keep our pets safe and healthy as we celebrate with friends, family, food and festivities!

Plants and Decorations

Pet owners should be aware of the holiday plants being brought into the home – mistletoe, holly, some types of lilies can cause a host of issues if they are ingested and additionally, poinsettias, while traditional, can also be toxic. Stick to artificial plant decorations, or opt for a pet-friendly bouquet.

If you have a Christmas tree, make sure it’s anchored so it doesn’t tip over and injure your pet, and also be sure to keep pets from drinking the tree water which could cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

For decorations, with its sparkle, tinsel can be mistaken for a toy, but if ingested can cause vomiting, dehydration or even a blockage in the digestive tract, so in short, if you have pets, leave the tinsel in the box!

Also, be sure to never leave candles unattended, and keep wires, batteries and ornaments out of reach of your pet’s paws.

small dog sniffing sweets in a bowl

Foods to Avoid

We all know that chocolate is a no-no, but there are also potential dangers hidden in many of the side dishes and snacks we enjoy during the holidays.

These include onions, garlic, grapes and raisins, nuts, milk and dairy, and xylitol, which is a sweetener found in many products including candy, gum and baked goods, can all be toxic to our pets.

Do not give your dog bones, either cooked or raw! Bones can splinter, causing intestinal obstructions and even fracture teeth.

Be mindful while cooking – consider keeping pets out of the kitchen and remind your guests not to feed your pets any scraps!

Should your pet ingest any items that may be toxic, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

white cat laying on bookshelf

Holiday Gatherings

If your hosting family or friends for the holidays, it could be a stimulus overload for your pet, causing anxiety and overexcitement. And in turn unpleasant behaviors may surface so be sure to set up your pet for success before your guests arrive.

Give your pets get plenty of attention and exercise prior to guests arriving because we all know tired pets are more apt to be better behaved pets!

With guests constantly coming and going, it’s best to remind visitors to be mindful when entering and exiting your home to ensure your pet does not make a great escape in all of the excitement – if they are overanxious they may make a dash for the door!

Additionally, provide your pet with a safe space away from your guests should they need an escape from the excitement.

The space should have fresh water, food, and items to keep them occupied including toys, or perhaps a food puzzle and bedding so they can be comfortable.

With a bit of preparation, you can help ensure a safe, happy, and worry-free holiday season for both you and your pets.