Blog Archives - Animal Rescue League of Boston

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You Can Help Vulnerable Cats This Kitten Season!

Every year, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) helps hundreds of community cats across Massachusetts—but as the weather warms up, we face a growing crisis: a surge in kittens born in need of intensive care.

These kittens are at high risk from the moment they’re born, facing threats like:

- Harsh weather
- Illness and injury
- Predators
- Lack of food and shelter

These fragile babies urgently need your help!

Double Your Impact During the Kitten Shower

Join us for this year’s Kitten Shower, as we bring awareness of the reality of kitten season and rally support to help them.

Now through June 30, 2025, your donation can go twice as far to help stray kittens and community cats in need. A generous donor is matching all gifts—up to $20,000!

Your $9 to help local cats will become $18 and can provide TWICE as many:

- Nutritious meals, including kitten formula
- Life-saving vaccines and medication
- Heating pads and supplies for comfort and warmth

Give $100 or more and be honored on our Kitten Kuddler Wall of Honor!

Donate Now to help community cats

Send Supplies from Our Wish Lists

Want to help in another way? You can send urgently needed items directly to us by shopping our Kitten Shower Registry via:

These supplies go directly to kittens and cats in our care.

ARL’s Lifesaving Community Cats Program

ARL is proud to be the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a full-time Community Cat Agent. Since 2017, our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program has helped over 3,000 community cats.

An ARL community cat agent setting up humane cat traps.

Here’s how it works:

Our Community Cat Agent identifies and evaluates colonies across the state.
Cats are humanely trapped and brought to an ARL Animal Care and Adoption Center.
They receive essential veterinary care: vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and behavioral assessments.
Socialized cats are placed for adoption. Others are safely returned to their colonies.

ARL Awarded Grant from “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Funds

Grant provides subsidized spay/neuter surgery for more than two dozen pet owners

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is happy to announce the organization is a recipient of a 2025 grant from the MA “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program.

Funds will be used towards ARL’s community-based programs to provide subsidized spay/neuter services for more than two dozen pet owners in Boston.

This month ARL’s Spay Waggin’ held two spay/neuter clinics, one at the Franklin Park Zoo, the other at a private business in Mattapan, to provide the service for local pet owners.

Clients included one pet owner who is a client of ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ and was recently reunited with their cat after the animal had snuck out.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ is a mobile veterinary surgical vehicle that provides low-cost spay and neuter services in Greater Boston, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod.

The Wellness Waggin’ brings low-cost pet wellness care directly into Boston communities that need it most including Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and East Boston.

“Pets are family, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston continues to be grateful to the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and their commitment to provide grants to help provide spay/neuter services for pet owners in need,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “Through this grant, ARL has been able to help more than two dozen pet owners, and ensure that their animals are happy, healthy and will continue to thrive.”

Anne Lindsay, founder and president of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition, says, “An important way to decrease the population of unwanted pets is to spay and neuter any animal we can get our hands on. For the past 20 years, the ‘I’m Animal Friendly’ License Plate Program has supported these efforts by providing funding for these necessary surgeries.”

The “I’m Animal Friendly” license plates are a program of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition.

Funds are granted annually to organizations that demonstrate a need for funding and provide low-cost spay/neuter services.

Since the program’s inception, MAC has awarded over $3,300,000 to many deserving organizations.

ARL Hosts Community Rabies Vaccine Clinics

Rabies vaccine state-mandated for all dogs, cats, and ferrets

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recently held its annual rabies clinics at its Boston, Dedham, and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers, vaccinating more than 200 pets.

In Massachusetts, all dogs and cats over six-months-old, as well as ferrets, must be vaccinated against rabies, and these clinics are an important piece to ensuring pet owners have access to free or low-cost vaccination options for their pets.

The clinics offered free rabies vaccinations for residents of Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, and just $10 for non-residents – a substantial savings compared to having a pet vaccinated in a typical veterinarian office setting.

Additionally, microchips for pets were also offered for $10.

Across the three separate events, more than 200 pets were vaccinated, and ARL is thrilled to be able to annually offer this vital service for pet owners in the communities ARL calls home.

“ARL has been a part of the Boston, Dedham, and Cape Cod communities for well over 100 years, and we are proud to be able to offer free or low-cost services to local pet owners whenever possible,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino.

ARL Rescues Community Cat Living Under Shipping Container in Charlestown Construction Site

ARL offering $20,000 donation match for Community Cat Program

This past week the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department rescued an eight-week-old community kitten who was living under a shipping container at a construction site in Charlestown.

ARL’s Community Cat Program focuses on this particularly vulnerable group of animals in Massachusetts.

Community cats are feral, stray and abandoned cats who live outdoors in harsh elements.

ARL has seen a dramatic rise in the number of community cats who need help in recent years and is offering a $20,000 donation match challenge to allow the organization to help even more community cats and kittens.

A resident at an apartment building overlooking the construction site at 75 Alford Avenue (Ryan Playground) in Charlestown contacted ARL’s Field Services Department after witnessing the kitten coming in and out from underneath a shipping container placed on the site.

With the help of Boston’s Park and Recreation Department, ARL was able to gain access to the site and began the trapping process.

It took two days, and in the end the kitten overcame her fear and gave in to her hunger. She emerged from underneath the shipping container and into an awaiting humane cat trap.

The kitten, now named Ally, was transported to ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center to undergo veterinary care.

The kitten is in excellent health, is undersocialized but friendly, and she will likely be made available for adoption in the coming weeks.

Community Cat Program Match

With an estimated 700,000 community cats in Massachusetts, 70,000 in Boston alone, these animals live in harsh conditions and without proper care are at-risk for illness and injury.

ARL’s Community Cat Program was launched in 2017 and is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated agent working exclusively with community cats and kittens.

In 2024 the program saw a record number of community cats, nearly 2,000, and the organization has found loving homes for more than 2,700 community cats and kittens over the past five years.

After identifying a community cat colony, ARL formulates a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) plan, to evaluate, vaccinate and spay/neuter cats from the colony.

TNR is one of the most humane and effective ways to stop the cycle of homelessness among cats. Cats that are truly feral are returned to the colony, while those suitable as pets are adopted into homes.

ARL receives no government grants or funding and relies solely on the generosity of individuals to ensure these vulnerable animals receive the care they need and deserve.

Through June 30, any donation towards ARL’s Community Cat Program will be matched, dollar-for-dollar to help twice as many community cats in need.

Those interested can visit https://www.arlboston.org/services/community-cat-services/ to help ARL continue this important work.

ARL Caring for 8-Week-Old Community Kitten Found in Car Engine Compartment

ARL reminds the public to be aware of community cats and kittens

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is currently caring for an eight-week-old kitten that found itself in a precarious position and was discovered in the engine compartment of a vehicle in Belmont, MA.

Fortunately, the kitten was not injured in its hiding place and is now ready to find his new home.

ARL wishes to remind the public that community cats seeking shelter inside the engine compartment of a vehicle is not uncommon, and to take some extra precautions before entering your vehicle, particularly if there are community cats around your property or neighborhood.

The kitten, now aptly named Chevy, was reported to Belmont Animal Control when the kitten was heard mewing in the vehicle owner’s driveway.

The Good Samaritan popped the hood to investigate, and seeing daylight, the frightened kitten scampered from engine compartment and found an old fox den to hide in.

Once on-scene, the Belmont Animal Control Officer used a YouTube video of a kitten mewing to lure Chevy out, and was able to safely handle him and place him in a carrier for transport.

The community kitten was brought to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center where he received a veterinary exam and a quiet place to decompress from his ordeal.

The kitten was deemed healthy and also lucky, as he was uninjured while hiding in the engine compartment.

While under two pounds upon intake, the kitten quickly gained a little weight, has been neutered and vaccinated and is available for adoption at ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center, which is open to the public from 1-6 p.m.

Chevy’s adventure is the third instance of a cat finding refuge in the engine compartment in less than a year for ARL.

It’s also important to note that each instance did not happen during winter months, when it’s more common to see this activity.

ARL reminds the public, particularly in areas where community reside, to conduct a visual check of their vehicle and to bang on the hood before entering to scare off any animal that may be seeking shelter under the hood.

ARL is the only local large animal welfare organization with a dedicated community cat program. Learn more about ARL’s efforts to help these vulnerable animals.

5 Tips for Dog Swimming Safety

Advice to keep your pup (and family!) safe and secure in the water

Did you know… dogs can still overheat even when in the water? Remember these 5 dog swimming safety tips during your next visit to your local watering hole.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is sharing advice on how to protect your pet in the warmer months because some hot weather situations can just be TOO HOT FOR SPOT^®. With temperatures warming up, we focus on keeping your dog safe as you cool off swimming!

Whether it’s your backyard or neighborhood pool, creek, or beach, taking a dip on these hot days can be an enjoyable and refreshing experience for both you and your canine companion.

Just as there are risks for any human during a swim session, the same goes for your pet. Preparedness and attentiveness are key to making sure that every member of the family practices water safety.

Here are 5 important dog swimming safety tips to keep in mind this summer:

1. Not all dogs can swim. Although one of the first swimming strokes we learn as humans is coined the “doggy paddle”, it does not necessarily mean that all dogs can swim.

In fact, some dogs may never feel comfortable in the water. Certain breeds with short snouts or broad compact bodies such as American bulldogs and Pugs, are not always “naturals” when it comes to swimming and may require “lessons.”

Buying your pet a life vest flotation device is a great investment and will keep your pup afloat while you teach them to swim, and help support them later on should they get themselves into a watery situation.

2. Practice, practice, practice. Tossing a stick or a ball in the water, progressively further from shore or shallow steps, is a good way to teach your pooch to feel comfortable in the water. When they’re ready for a real swim session, move on to a small pool or other contained body of water.

While some dogs may be eager to jump right in, others may panic, so be prepared for either scenario. If there’s only one set of stairs or a ramp, continue to refresh your pup’s memory about the quickest way to exit.

3. Limit access to bodies of water. Just as you would keep unsupervised children a safe distance with a gate or fence, the same should go for your canine companion. If a physical barrier isn’t possible, make sure your dog knows how to come when called in case they get too close to a body of water that they shouldn’t be near.

Taking your pup boating? During the day, be sure your dog is wearing a life vest at all times. At night, your canine companion should be kept securely in an inside room on the boat, as it may be too dark to locate them should they jump or fall overboard.

4. Supervise your dog at all times. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble, especially if they’re tired. Always take notice of your pooch’s energy level and call them in for frequent breaks. Have fresh water available and encourage them to drink whenever possible; dogs can still overheat when swimming!

Supervision is especially important if your dog is swimming in a river or ocean with a lot of movement. Before you allow Fido to jump in, take note of the current and tide, and check the water temperature. Look for any flags or postings related to potential swimming hazards. Even if water conditions look ideal, always make sure that you pup stays close to shore, so that you have the ability to react quickly should they get into trouble.

5. Beware of ear infections. After swimming, be sure to dry your pup’s ears thoroughly and carefully with a cotton ball. Since most dogs have ear canals that point straight down, it is easy for water and bacteria to get trapped, causing a painful ear infection.

Common symptoms of an ear infection in dogs include excessive ear scratching or rubbing against floor or furniture, redness, swelling, odor or discharge coming from the ear canal, unbalanced movement, and hearing loss. If you see signs of an ear infection, contact your dog’s veterinarian right away.

Keep your pets healthy and safe this season with more safety tips.

ARL Rescues Mom and Five Kittens Before Nor’easter Strikes

Vulnerable cats spotted at Roxbury Preschool day before Nor’easter

A three-year-old female community cat and her five, four-week-old, kittens are resting comfortably today after being rescued by the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) on the eve of a spring Nor’easter.

A custodian at the Haynes Early Education Center in Roxbury contacted ARL’s Field Services Department on Wednesday afternoon with concern after spotting the mom and her kittens on school grounds.

ARL responded and were quickly able to safely corral the kittens and mom and get them ready to travel.

The animals were brought to ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center and were provided the care and medical attention needed to allow them to thrive.

The mom and kittens are doing well, but due to a lack of safe shelter on the school grounds, the animals, kittens in particular, were vulnerable due to the Nor’easter moving into the area today.

Due to their young age, the family will be placed into foster care and will not be available for adoption for at least a month.

ARL is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated agent working with community cats, and with temperatures beginning to warm, ARL is beginning to see an influx of kittens, which will continue throughout the summer months and likely into the fall.

In 2024 ARL’s Community Cat Program helped nearly 2,000 community cats, a record since the program’s inception in 2017.

While community cats are incredibly adept at finding safe shelter and food sources, kittens are vulnerable to a multitude of things including the elements, illness and predators.

If you spot community cats and kittens, you are encouraged to contact ARL’s Field Services Department at (617) 426-9170 x563 for assistance.

How You Can Help

Caring for young kittens like them requires significant resources.

To help support them on their journey, please consider donating.

Your donation will help make sure these kittens, and other animals like them, get everything they need in order to be adopted into loving homes, including time, medical treatment, and expert care.

Dog Seeking New Home After Being Surrendered Due to Medical Cost

Rising cost of pet wellness care is an ongoing issue for pet owners

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is looking for a loving family to take in a nine-year-old mixed-breed dog recently surrendered due to medical costs.

Pebbles was surrendered to ARL due to medical cost.

This type of surrender is becoming more commonplace, as according to a recent report compiled by PetSmart Charities and Gallup, seven out of 10 pet owners have forgone veterinary care due to financial constraints, a clear sign that pet owners across the country are struggling with the increasing costs of care.

Pebbles was surrendered to ARL this past week, and her thorough veterinary exam revealed gastrointestinal inflammation, an ear infection, skin infection and irritation due to allergies, and because she’s an older dog, arthritis was also diagnosed in her knees and hips.

The gastrointestinal, and chronic ear and skin issues have been treated and resolved, and Pebbles is now ready to find her new home.

ARL aims to keep people and pets together and offers a multitude of community-based, low-cost pet wellness services, however, animals like Pebbles that have chronic conditions that require medication and more frequent trips to the vet can be a costly, and the organization understands that the cost of this ongoing care can become overwhelming.

In these instances, surrender is sometimes the best option for both the animal and people involved, and ARL encourages anyone facing these types of struggles to reach out to its Animal Care & Adoption Centers, located in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster.

Learn more about ARL’s services.

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.

Pet Thunderstorm Safety

5 Tips to Comfort Your Pet During a Storm

(Hint: You’ll both rest easier!)

Many New Englanders welcome the cooling relief of a thunderstorm. But while thunderstorms might bring down the temperature, they can send our pets’ anxiety levels soaring.

According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, there are about 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. each year. If your dog suffers from astraphobia—a fear of thunder—that’s a lot of stressful moments (and sleepless nights) for both of you.

Common signs of thunder anxiety in dogs include:

Hiding
Whining or barking excessively
Pacing or restlessness
Scratching doors or furniture
Destructive chewing
Even small cues like lightning flashes, howling winds, rain hitting the roof, or a shift in air pressure can trigger fear.

If your pet bolts for cover at the first clap of thunder, here are five practical tips to help them feel safer—and help you get some peace of mind:

1. Create a safe space
  Fearful pets often seek out a quiet, enclosed spot when they’re scared. Make sure they have access to a cozy hideaway indoors. A crate works well for many dogs—add a soft blanket, a favorite toy or two, and drape a light sheet over the top to create a den-like feel.
2. Offer Reassurance
  Your presence can go a long way in calming your pet. If they like to snuggle or be petted, stick close and offer comfort. You might also consider a snug-fitting anxiety wrap or “thunder vest,” which can have a soothing effect on some pets.
3. Use Distraction Techniques
  Engaging your pet with a favorite toy or game can help divert their attention from the storm. If they remain calm, reward them with treats and praise to reinforce that brave behavior.
4. Block the View
  Confine your pet to a windowless room, if possible. If not, pull down the blinds and close the curtains to cut off any visual stressors.
5. Drown Out the Noise
  Play soft music, turn on a fan, or keep the TV going to help mask the sound of thunder. This can be especially helpful for pets with sensitive hearing.

What About Medications or Supplements?

If your pet experiences extreme anxiety, talk to your veterinarian. They can recommend safe and effective medications or natural supplements tailored to your pet’s needs. Never administer anything without veterinary guidance—what works for one pet may not be safe for another.

P.S. Don’t forget pool safety!

While some dogs love to swim, not all pets are natural-born paddlers. Always supervise your pet around pools, and make sure they know how to safely enter and exit. Consider a pet life vest for added security, especially for small breeds, senior pets, or those with mobility issues. And as always, provide plenty of fresh drinking water to keep them from lapping up pool water, which may contain chlorine or other chemicals.

IT’S TOO HOT FOR SPOT®! More summer pet safety advice.

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You Can Help Vulnerable Cats This Kitten Season!