Reports of Animals Left in the Cold Are on the Rise

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

Here are steps to keep pets safe when temperatures plunge:

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

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

More winter weather pet safety tips.

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

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

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

Maude

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

Pearl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mouse

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

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

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

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

Sugar Plum during her veterinary exam

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

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