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Major Win for Animals in Massachusetts

The Senate Unanimously Passes the Pets Act to Improve Animal Welfare

On March 19, Massachusetts Senate debated and unanimously passed An Act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety (PETS Act). This bill combines a number of pieces of legislation from ARL’s Legislative Agenda to improve the lives of companion animals in Massachusetts.

Pets in Housing

Housing-related reasons are the largest cause for surrenders to our shelters. On top of the issues around cost and availability in housing, the overwhelming majority of rentals are not truly pet-friendly. Even for those who own their homes, insurance companies often charge more for certain breeds, regardless of the individual animal’s history. This legislation would prohibit home and renters insurance from canceling, refusing to renew, or charge an increased amount based on the presence of a dog on the property.

The human-animal bond improves human health and improves quality of life. The PETS Act adds onto existing programs in elderly housing authorities to increase pet ownership programs in other housing authorities. Expansion of pet friendly housing keeps pets out of shelters and keeps pets and people together.

Retail Sale of Pets

Dogs sold in pet stores come from large-scale breeders, often referred to as “puppy mills”. Animals from these facilities are raised in conditions that are harmful to their physical and emotional health. Consumers are also at risk of health concerns from these animals, with numerous documented cases of disease spread from pet store puppies.

Opponents of retail sales bans claim that these breeders are inspected by the USDA. Not only are USDA standards a bare minimum of animal welfare, the USDA’s own reports admit they are unable to effectively enforce their own standards. Further, dogs are often sold to pet stores through a broker, so information on the actual breeder is rarely available.

This bill would prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in Massachusetts, while still allowing for pet stores to partner with local shelters and rescues to provide pets to the public. This bill has no impact on breeders who sell direct to consumers. Sixteen municipalities in Massachusetts have banned the retail sale of dogs and cats, including Boston, Cambridge, and Springfield. Out of the 25 largest pet stores in the country, 24 do not sell animals. A humane model is profitable, with US consumers expected to spend almost $70 billion on pet food and treats alone in 2026.

Animal Testing

As the technology for alternatives to animal testing becomes more successful, testing on animals for household goods and cosmetics becomes unnecessary and is less accurate than alternatives. Animal test methods for testing cosmetics isn’t putting eyeshadow or lipstick on a rabbit. Animal test methods include the “Draize test” to determine toxicity and irritation to the human eye, accomplished by applying the substance to the animal’s eye or skin to observe the amount of irritation caused. Not only is this test inhumane to the animal, the biological differences between animals and humans means it often yields results inconsistent with impacts to humans.

Science, much of it developed here in Massachusetts, has made it so that we don’t need to use these barbaric methods to determine safety. This bill requires the use of non-animal test methods for household goods and cosmetics when there is a sufficient alternative available.

Cruelty

Massachusetts has a comprehensive animal cruelty statute, treating serious animal cruelty as a felony. However, there are situations where a felony isn’t appropriate for the circumstances. This bill builds on existing laws for dogs prohibiting cruel conditions to expand these protections to all household pets, allowing for a civil citation to be issued when there are cruel conditions that do not rise to the level of felony cruelty. Having increased tools for law enforcement and animal control officers means that they can intervene in cases before they rise to the level of felony cruelty. ARL’s community programs and law enforcement departments work together to provide support for pet owners when appropriate.

Massachusetts Homeless Animal Fund

Created in 2012, the Massachusetts Homeless Animal Fund seeks to provide no-cost spay and neuter to pets in-need in Massachusetts. This program has helped thousands of animals in Massachusetts, but the need has outpaced the financials of the program. The Fund receives money through donations, grants, and legislative appropriation. This bill would take certain fines that currently go into the General Fund and put them directly into the Massachusetts Homeless Animal Fund to pay for these essential services.

We are incredibly grateful to Senate President Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, Senator Rausch, and Senator Cyr for their efforts in advancing this legislation through the Senate.
This bill has been championed by a dedicated group of sponsors, Senator Montigny, Senator O’Connor, Senator Payano, and Senator Lewis.

The bill has moved on to the House and currently sits in the House Ways and Means Committee. The House will debate their budget at the end of April, so stay tuned to learn about ways to advance this bill through the House and to the Governor’s Desk! Save the Date for the annual Lobby Day for Animals on June 10.

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

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

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.

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, 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.

ARL Briefs Legislators on Proposed Animal Protection Laws

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden part of animal protection conversation

This past week the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Advocacy Department and other animal protection organizations were joined by Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden at the Massachusetts State House to provide a briefing to legislators and staff on bills relating to increasing protections for animals in Massachusetts.

ARL’s Law Enforcement Department also provided examples of cases they investigate, challenges with the current laws, and how these bills would help keep animals safe.

The legislation discussed included:

  • 1190/H.1938: An Act enhancing the issuance of citations for cruel conditions for animals, which would expand the number of species covered by civil citations for cruelty
  • 1207/H. 1914: An Act relative to the ownership of pets by convicted animal abusers/An Act relative to a temporary possession ban of animals for animal abusers, which would restrict pet ownership for repeat offenders
  • 1277/H. 1934: An Act relative to the humane protection of animals/An Act preventing animal cruelty, which would provide non-criminal alternatives to ensure animals are safe

For the latter, DA Hayden explained the need for a misdemeanor charge.

“Oftentimes now, people are very reluctant to resolve a case because it involves a felony conviction. Having a felony conviction on your record is far more significant than a misdemeanor offense, and so we get these cases that just languish in court,” Hayden said. “People are far less likely to admit wrongdoing even though they know they did it, even though they know they should be held accountable.”

Get Involved to Help Protect Animals in MA

ARL will continue to staunchly advocate for the passage of animal protection bills throughout the 2025-2026 legislative session, and you can get involved by learning more about these proposed bills and contacting your elected officials to encourage their endorsement to keep animals in Massachusetts safe.

You can learn more about these bills and ARL’s other legislative priorities in our legislative agenda.

Massachusetts becomes the 4th state to ban declawing

Governor Maura Healey signed into law a ban the cruel practice of declawing, an effort lead by Sponsor Senator Mark Montigny for several sessions.

Supported by animal protection organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and veterinarians across Massachusetts, this law will ensure that cats do not have to endure unnecessary and painful invasive procedures.

Declawing involves the amputation of bones on a cat’s foot or severing a tendon to prevent extension of the claws and often results in significant medical and behavioral problems for cats.

ARL has actively supported efforts to ban declawing in Massachusetts since the bill was first filed in 2019.

“The Governor’s signing into law a ban on feline declawing marks yet another achievement for animal protection this session. Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medical and behavioral problems. Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent cats in Massachusetts from needless pain and suffering. We are thankful to the Governor for her signature, bill sponsor Senator Mark Montigny for his tireless leadership on this bill and commitment to making Massachusetts a better place for animals, as well as Senate President Karen Spilka, Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and Chairs of Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Representative Tackey Chan and Senator John Cronin,” said Ally Blanck, Director of Advocacy at ARL.

 

Two people standing next to each other, one is holding a kitten. A cardboard cutout of a cat with a speech bubble is in front of them.

Ally Blanck, Director of Advocacy at ARL, with Senator Mark Montigny


In addition to the ban on cat declawing, the following were also signed into law in 2024:

  • “Ollie’s Law,” which requires reasonable rules and regulations for dog daycares and boarding kennels.
  • A law to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts took effect on January 1.
  • As of January 7, a dog’s breed can no longer be a factor in determining whether a family can adopt or foster children. This bill also removed restrictive language that hindered employees and contractors of human services agencies from reporting suspected animal cruelty.
  • S. 2908, a bill with provisions that ban the sale of animals under eight weeks and prevent the roadside/outdoor sale of animals was also signed into law on January 8.

The declawing law takes effect on April 8. Violation of the law is a fine and can also include disciplinary action by the veterinary board.

Learn more about ARL’s advocacy efforts. 

ARL Joins Governor Healey for Ollie’s Law Bill Signing Ceremony

Ollie’s Law to establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities

Today, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), along with other animal welfare organizations and stakeholders, joined Governor Maura Healey at the Massachusetts State House for a bill signing ceremony for Ollie’s Law – which will establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities in the state.

Pictured left to right: ARL’s Media Relations Manager, Mike DeFina; Allison Blanck, ARL’s Director of Advovavy; Governor Maura Healey; ARL’s President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino

For the past two legislative sessions, ARL advocated heavily for the passage of this legislation to help establish across-the-board, reasonable regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities, including home-based kennels, to help prevent situations where an animal can be injured, sometimes fatally.

Ollie’s Law was born out of tragedy.

In 2020, Amy Baxter brought her Labradoodle Ollie to a Western Massachusetts doggie daycare facility, only to receive a text shortly after saying Ollie had been attacked by other dogs.

He was severely injured, and sadly died of his injuries two months later.

While the facility was shuttered by town officials, Baxter was stunned to learn that there were no state regulations regarding boarding facilities, and soon took up the fight to help ensure tragedies like this never happen again.

This signing ceremony marks a tremendous victory for pet owners across the Commonwealth.

“ARL is immensely thankful to the Governor for her signature on Ollie’s Law,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “Through the dedication of animal advocates and the support of the legislature, including bill sponsors Representative Brian Ashe and Senator Mark Montigny, Ollie’s Law creates a path to reasonable regulation to protect pets in daycare and boarding facilities across Massachusetts. At ARL we believe pets are family and we grateful that more pets and pet parents will benefit from this important law. Ollie’s Law will lessen the burden on consumers, creating clear standards and allowing for enforcement by both municipalities and the state when there are violations.  With pet ownership at historic highs, we know that there are more pet parents than ever who need these services. This law is crucial to keep Massachusetts a leader in animal protection.”

“Pets are family who provide boundless love and affection that we are lucky to receive,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), lead Senate sponsor of Ollie’s Law.  “For this reason, it is critical that we ensure all businesses entrusted with the care of our family adhere to proper health and safety protocols no matter what town they operate in across the Commonwealth.  Too often, we have heard devastating stories of pets like Ollie who have been injured or killed due to negligent care.  These people have no place caring for such precious creatures and it’s time that we implement consistent standards across Massachusetts.”

“With the passing of Ollie’s Law, we take a vital step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our beloved pets. It is bittersweet as the tragic passing of Ollie made us painfully aware of the lack of safety regulations in dog day care facilities. This legislation sets practical standards for kennel care and reaffirms our commitment to treating all animals with the love and respect they deserve. The collaboration of individuals from all facets of the industry as well as pet owners was critical in crafting a bill that ensures consumers will have peace of mind when choosing pet care.  I would like to thank Ally Blanck and the ARL team for their hard work and commitment to this legislation.  Their assistance in navigating through the process combined with experience and a passion for animal rights was invaluable.”, remarked State Representative Brian Ashe.

What the Law Will Do

On the surface, Ollie’s Law will establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities, however, the law is comprehensive.

Ollie’s law will do the following:

  • Reinforce existing requirements for municipalities in defining what a boarding facility is and maintains protections regarding inspections
  • Adds the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to the list of authorized enforcement for commercial boarding facilities, allowing them to step in when a municipality can’t or won’t
  • Requires facilities report injuries to animals or people, MDAR will provide a form which can also be filled out by the public. Following an investigation, these reports will be made public
  • Authorizes MDAR to establish regulations for boarding facilities which may include:
    • Administrative: licensing, inspection, compliance and enforcement, use of best practices and operation
    • Animal Safety: provider and staff to animal ratios, fire and emergency planning, group sizes and supervision, minimum housing and care requirements, indoor and outdoor physical facility requirements, utilities
    • Employee Safety and Training: body language interpretation, breed familiarity, dog handling, insurance, proper education and training of dog daycare staff, operational safety standards, risk management, and consumer education and protection
  • Establishes an advisory committee to assist with development and review of regulations and will consist of MDAR, licensed commercial boarding or training facility owners, animal control officers, kennel associations, veterinary professionals, members of the public, dog behavior experts, and shelter and rescue organizations (including ARL)

ARL’s Board Safely® Campaign

Spurred by heartbreaking stories much like Ollie’s, since 2019, ARL has offered the public help through the “Board Safely” campaign.

This important safety campaign provides pet parents a checklist of considerations before selecting a boarding facility.

Before you choose a boarding facility or doggie daycare, please visit ARL’s Board Safely page to help advocate for the safety of your beloved pet!