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Rabbits Make Excellent Household Pets!

Info you can use for these cute and cuddly herbivores

From Rex to Angora to the French Lop, there are a wide variety of domestic rabbits, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) routinely has a large population of adoptable rabbits to choose from.

Rabbits make excellent pets!

Aside from being a great option for families living in smaller spaces, rabbits are incredibly clean, intelligent, friendly, and curious, making them fantastic pets!

Rabbit Basics

ARL believes that rabbits should always be housed indoors.

Your rabbit’s enclosure must be large enough to contain a litter box (yes, they can be litter box trained!), food bowls, a place to sleep, and enough room to explore and play.

Additionally, rabbits should experience at least three hours of out-of-enclosure time every day.

This allows rabbits more space to explore and play, and time for you to handle, work on training and cuddle up, which will strengthen the bond between you and your rabbit.

A Proper Diet

Rabbits need a variety of food in order to stay healthy, happy, and active.

The bulk of their diet should be high-quality fresh greens, with timothy hay provided at all times.

Pelleted rabbit food should used only as a supplement to the greens.

You’ll want to avoid alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets, as alfalfa is too high in protein.

And while we all associate rabbits with carrots, carrots and fruit should only be offered in moderation as occasional treats, as the sugar content can promote tooth decay and also lead to weight gain.

Grooming

To keep you rabbit’s fur fluffy and mat-free, brushing should be a regular part of their out-of-enclosure time.

Keep in mind the frequency of brushing will depend on the length of your rabbit’s fur, and how well they groom themselves.

Brushing minimizes shedding, maintains a healthy coat, and aids in reducing hair ingestion.

Nail Trimming

Just like cats and dogs, rabbits need their nails trimmed carefully so as to not hit the blood vessels that run through the base of the nail (commonly called the “quick”).

Use a clipper designed specifically for pets, and nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks.

While trimming your rabbit’s nails, look for any urine staining on the paws, which is a sign the enclosure needing to be cleaned more regularly.

Oral Health

Rabbits need to have their mouths checked every few weeks for abscesses, as well as any abnormalities in their teeth.

Should you find any abnormalities, you’ll want to follow up with your regular veterinarian for a visit.

If your rabbit will not allow this type of handling, check for bad breath, drooling, eye or nasal issues, which are all signs of dental issues.

A proper diet will go a long way in promoting good oral health!

Litter Box

As previously mentioned, rabbits can be litter box trained!

Litter boxes designed for rabbits are available, but you can also use one made for cats.

Place a layer of hay on top of the litter, as this will entice the rabbit into the box to eat the hay and they often go to the bathroom and eat at the same time.

A second litter box is also recommended for use while your rabbit is exploring out of the enclosure.

Behavior

Over time, you will get to know your own rabbit’s favorite games and what truly makes them happy, as well as what he/she is trying to communicate to you with specific behaviors.

Here are a few behavior-related tips:

    • Chewing – Rabbits teeth grow continuously; therefore, they need things to chew in order to keep their teeth filed down. They can also chew if they’re bored or stressed.
    • Digging – Burrowing and digging is fun for rabbits. Give your rabbit a box of hay, or even just a big blanket that they can dig into.
    • Napping – Rabbits are most active during the morning and evening. During the middle of the day, they tend to enjoy short naps with small amounts of activity in-between.
    • Grunting/Thumping – Grunting and thumping are ways that your rabbit is telling you they are frightened, angry, or annoyed. You’ll want to give your rabbit a little space if you see these behaviors.
    • Chinning – Sometimes your rabbit may rub their chin on your stuff. This is your rabbit’s way of getting his/her scent all over your things in order to claim it as their territory.
    • Nudging – At times, your rabbit may approach you and nudge you gently with their nose. This can either mean they would like to be pet, or that you are in their way.
    • Binky – When your rabbit is really happy and having fun, they may run around your house and randomly jump up in the air, kicking their legs and wiggling their bodies – it’s of course very cute and fun to watch!

Ready to Adopt?

If you think a rabbit would be a great addition to your home and family, ARL is here to help.

ARL’s three Animal Care and Adoption Center locations routinely have a number of rabbits who are waiting for their perfect match, and the Adoption Forward adoption process is a conversation-based, application-free process designed so that the needs of both the animal and the adopter are understood and compatible with one another.

Prepare Your Pet for the Upcoming Nor’easter

Make sure your pet is ready before the storm arrives

A powerful nor’easter is expected to impact New England, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding, and the potential for power outages.

As you prepare your home for the approaching storm, don’t forget to plan ahead for your pets too!

Severe weather can create unexpected situations, and having supplies ready ahead of time can help keep you and your pets safe. In the event of a power outage, flooding, evacuation, or other emergency, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recommends having a sturdy, comfortable crate or carrier on hand and preparing a pet emergency kit that is packed and ready to go.

Pack a Pet Emergency Kit

Keep your pet’s emergency supplies together in a water-resistant backpack or lightweight bag that can be easily grabbed if you need to leave home.

Your kit should include:

    • Food and water, at least three days’ worth
    • Portable food and water bowls
    • Any necessary medications, ideally enough for two weeks
    • Pet first aid supplies
    • Collar or harness with current ID tags
    • Extra leash
    • Cat Litter, litter box, or other sanitation supplies
    • Paper towels and trash bags
    • Copies of veterinary and vaccination records stored in a waterproof container
    • A recent photo of you with your pet, in case you are separated
    • Familiar toys, treats, or bedding to help provide comfort

Don’t forget to regularly check your emergency kit and replace expired food, medications, or other supplies as needed.

Plan Ahead for Your Pet’s Veterinary Needs

Before severe weather arrives, take a moment to make sure you have enough of any medications your pet may need and that important veterinary and vaccination records are easy to access.

If your pet has ongoing medical needs, planning ahead can help ensure you have the supplies and information you need if travel becomes difficult or your normal routine is disrupted by the storm.

ARL’s full-service, high-quality veterinary hospital, Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), is committed to helping pets stay healthy throughout every season. Located in Boston’s South End, BVC provides compassionate veterinary care while supporting ARL’s mission to help animals in need.

Learn more about BVC and its services.

Make Your Pet Easy to Identify

Strong winds, unfamiliar noises, or an emergency evacuation can create stressful situations for pets. If you and your pet become separated, you’ll want to be able to locate and identify them as quickly as possible.

Make sure the information on your pet’s collar and identification tags is up to date.

Microchipping your pet is another important way to help reunite you if you become separated. If your pet is already microchipped, take a moment before the storm to make sure your contact information is current.

It’s also a good idea to keep a recent photo of your pet, as well as a photo of you and your pet together, with your emergency supplies.

Know Where to Turn for Additional Support

ARL is not an emergency response agency and does not provide public emergency sheltering or disaster-response services during severe weather events. If you need additional assistance or information during the nor’easter, there are resources available to help you plan for the safety of both you and your pets.

The American Red Cross offers pet disaster-preparedness information, including guidance on emergency kits, evacuation planning, and identifying safe places to take your pets during an emergency.

Massachusetts residents can also visit the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART) for information and resources related to animal emergency preparedness and disaster response throughout the Commonwealth.

If you are facing an immediate emergency, follow instructions from your local emergency management and public safety officials. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an emergency veterinary hospital.

Prepare Now

Don’t wait until the weather takes a turn to gather supplies. Take some time before the nor’easter arrives to check your pet’s food, medications, identification, carrier, and other emergency essentials.
A little preparation now can help ensure that every member of your family, including the four-legged ones, is ready for the storm.

Stay safe, New England!

No Greater Love Event Brings Together Art, Community, and Love for Animals in Provincetown

On Thursday, August 27, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) joined the Provincetown Arts Association & Museum and Provincetown Arts Society for the annual No Greater Love Benefit Fundraiser, an evening celebrating art, community, and shared love for animals.

Held at the historic Mary Heaton Vorse House in Provincetown, the event brought together community members and supporters to benefit ARL’s work on Cape Cod, as well as the Provincetown Art Association & Museum and Provincetown Arts Society.

Animal lovers gathered on August 27, 2026 at the historic Mary Heaton Vorse House in Provincetown for the No Greater Love event.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening while gathering in support of the three organizations and their work in the Provincetown and Cape Cod community.

Supporting Animals and the People Who Love Them on Cape Cod

ARL is proud to serve animals and the people who care for them throughout Cape Cod from its Animal Care & Adoption Center in Brewster. Events like No Greater Love help raise awareness of this important work while bringing together a community of people who share ARL’s commitment to helping animals heal and thrive, keeping pets and people together, and protecting animals from harm.

ARL is grateful to the Provincetown Arts Association & Museum, Provincetown Arts Society, the Mary Heaton Vorse House, and everyone who joined us for this special evening.

Thank you for making this year’s No Greater Love a memorable celebration!

Animal Rescue League of Boston Welcomes Three New Members to Board of Directors

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is pleased to welcome Grace Fey, Katie Brennan Kane, and Kevin Mercer to its Board of Directors

Bringing expertise across investment management, financial planning, data and analytics, and nonprofit leadership, ARL’s newest Board members share a commitment to animal welfare and will help provide leadership and guidance as the organization continues its work to keep animals safe and healthy in the communities where they live.

Grace Fey

Grace Fey, CFA, is the President of Grace Fey Advisors and brings decades of investment management and nonprofit leadership experience to ARL’s Board of Directors. For 20 years, she was a partner of Frontier Capital Management Co., LLC, serving as Executive Vice President and Director.

Portrait of a smiling woman with short blonde hair, red lipstick, pearl earrings, and a cream blazer.

Grace Fey

Fey has held leadership positions with numerous organizations and currently serves as a Trustee and Chair of the Compliance Committee of the John Hancock Financial Services Funds and as Chair of the Investment Committee and a Trustee of the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation. Her extensive community involvement has also included leadership and board service with organizations including the UMass Foundation, GBH, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Tufts Medical Center, Zoo New England, and The Boston Foundation.

Fey lives in Boston with her husband, Ted, and their two cats, Jenkins, a Norwegian Forest Cat, and Margaret Thatcher (Maggie), a Maine Coon.

Katie Brennan Kane

Katie Brennan Kane is Co-President and Chief Compliance Officer of Beacon Financial Planning, Inc., an independent registered investment advisory firm based on Cape Cod. She holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designations.

Professional headshot of a smiling woman with long brown hair in a black blazer and white blouse.

Katie Brennan Kane

Kane brings her professional expertise and a passion for animal welfare and strengthening the bond between people and pets to ARL’s Board of Directors.

Her connection to ARL is also a personal one. Kane shares her home with her beloved dogs, Bogey and Ryder, with Ryder having been adopted from ARL’s Brewster Animal Care & Adoption Center.

Kevin Mercer

Kevin Mercer is Director of Data and Analytics at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals and brings a strong background in data, analytics, business, and finance to ARL’s Board of Directors.

Professional headshot of a smiling bearded man in a navy suit, white shirt, and patterned burgundy tie against a dark background.

Kevin Mercer

Mercer holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Hofstra University, a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University, and both an MBA and Master of Science in Finance from Boston College.

Passionate about animal welfare, Mercer and his wife share their home with a husky named Nova and two cats they adopted through ARL. He is excited to bring his experience to the Board and help further ARL’s mission.

ARL is thrilled to welcome Fey, Kane, and Mercer to its Board of Directors and looks forward to the expertise, perspectives, and passion they will bring as the organization continues to serve animals and the people who care about them.

5 Tips for Labor Day Pet Safety

Some holiday weekend activities may be TOO HOT FOR SPOT®!

For many New Englanders, Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but warm temperatures and outdoor activities can continue well into the fall.

Whether your holiday weekend includes a family gathering, backyard BBQ, trip to the beach, or another outdoor adventure, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) remind pet owners that heat, crowds, unfamiliar surroundings, and increased activity can be overwhelming — and potentially dangerous — for our canine companions.

Before including your dog in the festivities, consider whether they’ll truly be comfortable joining you. Sometimes, the safest place for your pup is at home.

Follow These 5 Labor Day Pet Safety Tips

      1. Give your dog a cool, quiet place to relax
        Set them up in a cool, quiet room away from the activity. Closing windows and playing a TV, radio, or calming music at a low volume can help reduce distracting outdoor noises. Make sure they have access to fresh water and a comfortable place to rest.
      2. Keep your dog cool and secure outdoors
        If your dog joins you outside, keep them securely leashed and provide access to plenty of fresh water, shade, and good airflow. Limit strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day and watch closely for signs that your dog may be getting too warm.
      3. Keep pets away from holiday hazards
        BBQs, pools, food, beverages, and other gathering essentials can pose risks to curious pets. Keep dogs a safe distance from grills and open flames, and make sure potentially dangerous foods and other items are kept out of reach.Holiday gatherings can also be noisy and stimulating. If your dog appears anxious or overwhelmed, move them to a quieter space where they can relax.
      4. Never leave your pup alone in a parked car
        Even on a seemingly mild day, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise quickly and put pets at risk for life-threatening heatstroke. Cracking the windows does not make a parked car safe.If your plans include stops where your dog cannot accompany you, the safest choice is to leave them comfortably at home.
      5. Make sure identification information is up to date
        With doors opening and closing, visitors coming and going, and more time spent outdoors, holiday weekends can create additional opportunities for pets to slip away.Make sure your dog is wearing a secure collar with an up-to-date ID tag, and confirm that the contact information connected to their microchip is current. These simple steps can help reunite you with your pet quickly if you become separated.

Keep Your Pet Safe in the Heat

A little planning can help ensure Labor Day weekend is safe and enjoyable for every member of the family — including your pets.

For more warm-weather pet safety information, visit arlboston.org/summersafety

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Sponsors Fee-Waived Adoptions at the Animal Rescue League of Boston August 28 Through 30

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is teaming up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Hill’s) for a special adoption event from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, as part of NBCUniversal’s 12th annual Clear the Shelters campaign.

Clear the Shelters logo next to Hills Pet Nutrition logo

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is sponsoring fee-waived adoptions at the Animal Rescue League of Boston from August 28–30 as part of NBCUniversal’s 12th annual Clear the Shelters campaign.

During the three-day event, adoption fees will be fully waived for all dogs and cats ages 1 year and older at ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, thanks to the generous support of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Adopters will also receive a New Pet Parent Kit from Hill’s, which includes a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet, a coupon, and helpful post-adoption tips.

Meet adoptable animals. 

Help Us Clear The Shelters

Every animal adopted creates space and resources for ARL to help another animal in need.

Clear The Shelters is a nationwide pet adoption and donation initiative that has helped more than 1.3 million pets find homes and raised more than $5.6 million for participating shelters and rescues since its inception. This year, Hill’s is serving as the campaign’s first-ever presenting sponsor, marking its ninth consecutive year supporting Clear The Shelters.

ARL is also a proud partner of Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, which provides discounted, science-led nutrition to shelters year-round and has donated more than $300 million in pet nutrition to help more than 16 million pets find homes.

A black and white cat sitting on a blanket inside a kennel

Cats like Amaryllis will have their adoption fees waived from August 28–30, thanks to Hill’s Pet Nutrition as part of NBCUniversal’s 12th annual Clear the Shelters campaign.

“Clear The Shelters is an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on the many wonderful animals waiting for homes, and we’re grateful to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their partnership and making adoption even more accessible by generously sponsoring adoption fees from August 28-30,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, President and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

“We hope this weekend encourages people to visit one of our locations, learn more about the animals in our care, and perhaps make a connection with the right pet for their family.”

Visit ARL August 28–30

Whether you’ve been thinking about adopting or are just beginning your search, we encourage you to visit ARL this weekend and meet the wonderful animals waiting to find loving homes.

Fee-waived adoptions will be available Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30. Open adoption hours are 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at all three ARL Animal Care & Adoption Centers. View ARL’s adoptable animals to learn more about the pets in our care.

Learning in the Field: Tufts Students Support ARL’s Community Programs

Tufts Students Gained Hands-on Experience While Supporting ARL’s Community Programs

This summer, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) welcomed two students from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine who gained valuable real-world experience while supporting programs that help animals and the people who care for them throughout Massachusetts.

Through two different academic programs, Lindsey Powers and Mariana Pavia spent their time with ARL working alongside staff, learning firsthand how veterinary care, community outreach, animal welfare, and public policy can come together to create meaningful change.

Expanding Access to Veterinary Care

Lindsey Powers, a first-year veterinary student at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, joined ARL through the Tisch Summer Fellows program.

During her time with ARL, Lindsey supported ARL’s Community Medicine team and gained experience with several programs designed to make veterinary care more accessible, including the Spay Waggin’®, Wellness Waggin’®, and ARL’s Community Surgical Clinic.

A veterinary student in bright pink scrubs gently cradles a kitten in a modern veterinary clinic setting.

Lindsey Powers on the ARL’s Wellness Waggin’®

By working alongside ARL’s veterinary team, Lindsey learned more about the role accessible veterinary services can play in strengthening communities and helping pets remain healthy and with the families who love them.

The Tisch Summer Fellows program places Tufts University students with nonprofits, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and other social impact organizations. The program combines professional development with opportunities for students to strengthen their ability to collaborate with diverse communities, address systemic challenges, and contribute to positive social change.

Learning About Community Needs and Program Impact

Mariana Pavia, who is pursuing her Master of Science in Animals and Public Policy at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, also spent the summer gaining hands-on experience at ARL.

As part of the program’s Applied Track, students complete a 10- to 12-week summer externship that provides practical experience with animal-related policies, programs, advocacy, and community engagement.

During her externship, Mariana supported several of ARL’s Community Operations programs, including Wellness Waggin’®, Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday), and ARL’s Field Services.

Two smiling people pose behind an “Animal Rescue League of Boston” table piled with pet food, treats, supplies, and tennis balls on a sunny street.

Mariana Pavia (right) poses with an ARL staff member at a ARL pet food pop up event

A key focus of her work was surveying Wellness Waggin’® clients to learn more about their experiences, current needs, and the program’s impact in the communities it serves. The information gathered helped provide ARL with additional insight into the people and pets utilizing these services and opportunities to continue strengthening its community-based programs.

The Animals and Public Policy program examines relationships between people and animals through the lenses of science, policy, ethics, human behavior, and environmental systems. Its externship experience gives students an opportunity to see how these issues intersect in a practical setting while developing skills for careers in animal welfare, policy, and advocacy.

Gain Hands-On Experience at ARL

Interested in gaining hands-on experience in animal welfare and veterinary medicine? ARL offers opportunities for students to learn alongside our experienced teams while making a difference for animals and the people who care for them.

Learn more about ARL’s Veterinary Technician Student Internship and Veterinary Student Externship opportunities and discover how you can get involved.

August is Microchip Month at Boston Veterinary Care!

Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) answers your Microchip FAQs

Did you know… that microchipping your pet DOUBLES their chances of finding their way home?

August 15 is National Check the Chip Day, and for good reason: During the Summer months, pets will be spending more time outside—or may find themselves extra eager to slip out the door into the sunshine. In the event that you and your pet ever become separated, you’ll want to make sure that you are reunited as quickly and easily as possible.

That’s where a microchip comes in handy! Once microchipped, your pet can be identified throughout its life with a one-of-a-kind ID number. For this reason, microchipping has become extremely popular for pet owners, and scanning pets for microchips has become standard practice in veterinary offices, animal hospitals, and animal shelters.

Q: What is a microchip?

A: A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, programmed with an identification number that is unique to your pet. It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and will last the life of your pet with no maintenance required. The microchip is injected with a needle beneath the skin between the shoulder blades and is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it.

Q: Will the implantation of the microchip cause my pet pain?

A: Your pet may feel a slight “pinch” as they would with any other needle injection. Once the microchip in place, however, it does not cause pain and cannot be felt by touch. Many pet owners opt to microchip their pet during routine exams, spay or neutering, or dental cleanings; it’s one less trip to the vet, and your furry companion will probably be too distracted to notice that the injection is happening.

size of a pet microchip

Ever wonder what a pet microchip looks like? It’s as small as a grain of rice!

Q: Can all cats and dogs receive a microchip, and at what age?

A: Absolutely! A microchip is recommended for all cats and dogs (even toy breeds) and can be implanted as early as 6-8 weeks of age.

Q: How does microchip identification work?

A: A special non-intrusive scanner is used to send a signal to the microchip to read the identification number. The person reading the scanner can search a national microchip registry to find out the pet owner’s information.

Q: Why should I microchip my pet; isn’t a collar enough?

A: In short, things happen. While a collar with ID tags is an excellent start, there is always a chance that they can be removed or fall off.  Think of a microchip as a permanent ID tag for your pet—and a fail-safe way to verify that you’re their owner.

Microchips have reunited thousands of pets with their owners, even ones who have been missing for years or traveled many miles away! If your pet were to go astray, any veterinarian’s office, animal hospital, or animal shelter would be able to scan your pet’s microchip and contact you immediately. Be sure to keep your contact information current in the national microchip registry database to ensure an easy reunion with your pet – some microchip companies even let you add a backup contact.

Q: My microchipped pet is missing. What do I do?

A: The first step is to contact your pet’s microchip manufacturer (e.g, PetLink, Home Again) and provide them with your pet’s unique microchip number. If your pet has already been located, they’ll be able to tell you where to pick up your pet. If your pet’s whereabouts have not yet been located, it means that their microchip has not yet been scanned by a local animal shelter, animal hospital, or veterinarian. The microchip manufacturer will put an alert in the system so that when your pet’s microchip IS scanned they can contact you right away.

Learn more about how to keep your pet safe this season.

What’s in the PETS Act?

In March the Senate passed a bill called the “PETS Act”. The House then passed their version of the bill in mid-July. Both bills contain many important provisions to protect animals across Massachusetts. Bolded items were passed by both chambers. The next step for the bill is to be reconciled. In the Massachusetts State Legislature, this is done by a Conference Committee.

Senate

    • Bans the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops
    • Prohibits homeowners and renter’s insurance policies from arbitrarily refusing to cover or renew a policy on the basis of a dog’s breed, size, or weight
    • Expands current civil citation for cruel conditions from dogs to include all household pets
    • Expands pet friendly housing in state aided housing authorities
    • Alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics and household goods
    • Increases funding for Mass Animal Fund

House

    • Upgrades kennel laws
    • Establishes licensure for veterinary technicians
    • Creates civil process to intervene in cases of animal neglect without pursuing criminal charges
    • Regulates pet health insurance
    • Protects service animals and their owners’ rights to use rideshare services
    • Expands pet friendly housing in state aided housing authorities
    • Alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics and household goods
    • Increases funding for Mass Animal Fund

What is a “Conference Committee”?

It’s a lot like what you might assume based on the name. To go to the Governor for her signature, identical versions of a bill have to pass both the House and Senate. When they don’t agree, especially when there are a lot of differences, they often appoint a “conference committee” to sit down and come up with a compromise. The House and Senate leadership each appoint 3 members (2 from the majority party, 1 from the minority party) to create a 6-person committee to review the bills. Conference committees happen almost entirely in closed meetings. Some of the differences might be technical and easy to compromise on, but others may be contentious and result in extended negotiations. Conference committees are not required to come to a compromise on every issue in the bill, and can choose not to include provisions if they can’t come to an agreement.

When they come to an agreement, they file a report with the Clerk’s Office. After this point, no legislator can make a change to the bill. This compromise will then get voted on by both branches and sent to the Governor. The Governor can: sign the bill, veto the bill, refuse to sign the bill (it becomes law after 10 days, with minimal exceptions), or return the bill to the Legislature with an amendment.

New legislative rules this session allow for a conference committee report to be voted on through the end of session, which gives them until January.

What can I do to help get this bill passed?

Sign up for ARL’s Advocacy email list and learn about ways to get involved!

Supporter Spotlight: Christopher Lapan and José Rodríguez-Villalobos

For over three decades, Chris and José have shared a life together rooted in partnership, kindness, and community. José has spent his working life as a financial advisor, bringing a steady and analytical lens to everything he does, while Chris, a retired hairstylist and former Provincetown restaurant owner, is known for his skills in the kitchen and his love of hosting dinner parties. The two first met at a Christmas party, then reconnected years later and the rest was history! Thirty-four years later, they continue to adventure through life together.

Though it’s hard to believe, animals were not always a central part of their lives. José did not grow up with pets, and although Chris always gravitated toward the dogs in his neighborhood, he never had one of his own. After they began dating, Chris gently (and persistently) raised the idea of adopting a dog together. It took 15 years before José agreed, and when he did, Chris made him put it in writing and sign his name. That decision changed the trajectory of their lives forever.

Their first dog, Griffin, was medically fragile. For 19 months, Chris and José structured their entire life around his care, even coordinating travel plans based on how close they were to veterinary hospitals. Loving him for his short life opened their eyes to the struggles that animals can face and inspired them to do more.

After Griffin’s passing, their home did not stay empty for long. Cooper came next, followed soon after by Abby, who they met unexpectedly during a routine grooming visit back at the rescue. Abby has since passed, but Cooper, now 16, remains a beloved reminder of the joy that rescue animals bring. Through these experiences, animal welfare became not just something they cared about, but something they felt responsible for supporting.

Over the years their annual contributions grew into deeper involvement. A tour with ARL’s former president, Mary Nee, and current president, Dr. Edward Schettino, proved pivotal. Soon after, José joined ARL’s Board of Directors. Chris has been a steadfast supporter of his board service, sharing in the belief that ARL’s work truly matters.

Their decision to include ARL in their estate plans reflects both their values and José’s understanding of long-term investment. They see their legacy gift as an opportunity to create meaningful, lasting impact. Serving on the Investment Committee has reinforced for José how powerful these gifts can be over time. “A dollar when you’re gone will do far more work than a dollar today”, José reflects.

For Chris and José, legacy giving is about ensuring that this kind of compassionate, practical work continues long after they are gone. Through their planned gift, they hope to help build a future where animals are protected, families are supported, and kindness remains at the center of ARL’s mission.

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 Chris and José , 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.

Photo credit: Sean Crane Photography