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Popular Spring Flowers That Are Toxic to Pets

Know the Risks Before You Plant or Pick

Spring brings longer days, warmer weather and plenty of beautiful blooms. But while these flowers brighten up our homes and gardens, some of the most popular spring plants can be dangerous for dogs and cats.

Pets are naturally curious, and even a small nibble on the wrong plant can lead to serious health issues. Before bringing home a bouquet or planting your garden, it’s important to know which flowers to avoid.


Common Toxic Spring Flowers to Know

Crocuses
Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in early spring, but they can still pose a risk to pets.

Purple crocuses with vibrant orange centers bloom among green grass and brown soil

Crocuses

  • Certain varieties can cause gastrointestinal irritation
  • More serious complications may occur depending on the type and amount ingested


Lilies (especially dangerous for cats)
Lilies, including Easter, Daylilies, Asiatic, Peace Lilies, and Lily of the Valley, are among the most dangerous spring plants.

A vibrant garden scene with orange and yellow daylilies in full bloom against lush green foliage

Daylilies

  • Even small exposure, such as chewing a leaf or drinking vase water, can cause kidney failure
  • Ingestion can be fatal, particularly for cats


Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodils, and Irises
These classic spring favorites all contain toxic compounds that can harm pets.

  • All parts of the plant are toxic
  • Bulbs are the most dangerous due to their high concentration of toxins
  • Pets that dig are at higher risk
A series of four vibrant flower photos: red and pink tulips, rows of multicolored flowers, bright yellow daffodils, and lush purple irises, evoking a sense of spring.

Top-left: Tulips; Top-right: Hyacinths; Bottom-left: Daffodils; Bottom-right: Irises


Possible symptoms of ingestion include:

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy

If you suspect your cat has ingested lilies or any harmful substance, seek medical attention immediately–do not wait! The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (888) 426-4435, for any animal poison-related emergency.


Pet-Safe Spring Flower Alternatives

You don’t have to skip the blooms altogether to keep your pets safe. There are plenty of beautiful, pet-friendly options that let you enjoy the season without the worry.

Safe Flowers to Consider:

  • Sunflowers
  • Marigolds
  • Roses
  • Snapdragons
As the Ice Melts, Hope Blooms for Dogs Like Mouse

Cold Weather Slowed Dog Adoptions, Now ARL Is Catching Up

After a historic winter marked by extreme cold and record-breaking snowfall, the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston is turning its focus toward a brighter spring.

The harsh weather took a significant toll on ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster (Cape Cod). Fewer visitors were able to make the trip, leading to a noticeable decline in dog adoptions. As a result, kennel space has remained limited, making it more difficult to take in and care for other dogs in need.

As the seasons begin to shift, ARL is hopeful that warmer days will bring renewed opportunities for adoption, opening doors for more animals to find the loving homes they deserve.

One dog awaiting adoption since December 2025 is Mouse: Mouse is an 11-month-old German Shepherd mix who arrived at ARL dangerously underweight and too weak to wag his tail. ARL’s team put Mouse on a round-the-clock refeeding plan, carefully designed to help him regain strength. Mouse lived with a loving foster family as he continued to heal and is now ready to be adopted. Learn more about Mouse.

A playful dog lies on its back on a beige rug, surrounded by colorful plush toys.

Mouse, in his ARL foster home

To help new dogs and their families start off strong, ARL has teamed up with Tall Tails and Polkadog this spring. Beginning Friday, March 27, the first 50 dog adopters will receive a starter kit filled with essentials to support their transition home. Search adoptable dogs.

Supporter Spotlight: Denise Saltojanes

Denise Saltojanes exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a dedication to uplifting others. Her career journey is a testament to her relentless curiosity and drive, beginning as a chemical engineer at GE, transitioning to investment banking, and later devoting over a decade to the Air Force Department of Defense as a civilian operations research analyst. True to her dynamic nature, she also pursued her own massage therapy business before shifting her focus to private investing. Today, she plays a crucial role in helping female-led startups secure funding and scale their businesses.

Originally raised on a farm in Connecticut, Denise grew up surrounded by animals. Her family’s land housed up to 40,000 chickens, along with horses, dairy cows, and several farm cats. Whether it was braiding her horses’ manes, milking cows, or cuddling with a dog, she treated every animal with the care of a best friend.

Her grandfather, who started the farm during the Great Depression, instilled in her a deep appreciation for animals—a passion she carries to this day. Though she no longer lives on a farm, she and her husband, Steve, share their home with two personable dachshunds, Stanley and Henry.

Denise’s philanthropic philosophy mirrors her business mindset—strategic, impact-driven, and rooted in strong leadership. While her relationship with the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) began with a dog training class in Boston, she has grown to admire the organization’s community-driven approach, recognizing that ARL’s work extends far beyond sheltering animals. Denise strongly believes in making pet ownership accessible to all, rejecting the idea that only certain people “deserve” to have pets. As she puts it simply, “it’s free to love.”

As a proud member of ARL’s Leadership Circle, Denise believes in supporting organizations that adapt to evolving needs, both locally and nationally. For her, investing in ARL is about more than helping animals —it’s about shaping a more compassionate society where respect for animals is woven into our laws, values, and everyday lives.

Her dedication to supporting women-led initiatives makes her connection to ARL even more meaningful. Founded in 1899 by visionary Anna Harris Smith, ARL was the first female-founded animal welfare organization in Massachusetts. Just as she champions women’s leadership in business, Denise’s support of ARL honors the pioneering spirit of women who have driven change in animal welfare for over a century. Her generosity and leadership inspire us, and we are deeply grateful for her unwavering support in building a kinder world for animals and the people who love them.

March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month!

There’s more than just cats and dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston

Many people assume that animal care & adoption centers only have cats and dogs, but here at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) we have a knowledgeable staff and are able to accommodate a variety of animals including, guinea pigs.

And they are just waiting for to find their perfect match!

If you’d like to adopt a guinea pig (or other small animal) from the ARL, make sure to bring a photo of the cage that your new pet will live in to make sure it’s a good size and shape for a guinea pig.

Just like any other pet, guinea pigs require special care and attention. Familiarizing yourself with their daily and long-term needs before adding one to your family is also an important step in the adoption process.

Guinea pigs can make great companions for both first-time or experienced pet owners, however they require a bit of patience and a gentle hand.

Once they are comfortable with you and their new surroundings, their personalities really shine through!

Guinea pig care tips (PDF)

Two guinea pigs eating a piece of lettuce

Adopt a Rescue Guinea Pig Month Fun Fact

Guinea pigs communicate through a variety of behaviors and sounds. These small animals will make a squealing or whistling sound, for example, to communicate anticipation or excitement–usually before they eat! Meanwhile, a deep sounding purr indicates your guinea pig is comfortable and content.

Animal Rescue League of Boston Receives $5K Grant from The ‘Quin House Impact Fund

Funding will support the organization’s ongoing efforts to protect and care for animals across Greater Boston

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) today announced it received a $5,000 grant from The ‘Quin House Impact Fund, marking one of the first grants from the fund made to an animal welfare organization. The grant will be used to support the ARL’s Wellness Waggin’®, which provides low-cost veterinary care throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. ARL is one of more than 150 Massachusetts nonprofits awarded grants this winter by The ‘Quin House Impact Fund.

“This grant will make a meaningful impact for local pet families, ensuring pets receive the care they need, regardless of a family’s financial resources,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, President & CEO of ARL. “ARL relies on the generosity and support of our whole community to keep animals and people together. We are grateful to The ‘Quin Impact Fund for their generosity and recognizing the important connection between the health of animals, people, and the community.”

ARL is an animal welfare organization with locations in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, focused on keeping pets and animals together. For more than 125 years, ARL has served the Greater Boston community with pet care and animal advocacy at the local and state levels.

Veterinarian in blue scrubs examines a tabby cat on a table. Another veterinary professional assists.

A tabby cat receives a wellness exam on ARL’s Wellness Waggin’®

The ‘Quin House Impact Fund serves as a financial resource for local philanthropic organizations that are making positive contributions to the Greater Boston community. The Fund was launched in 2020, a year prior to the opening of The ‘Quin House, and is now the basis of the club’s philanthropy.

“We have been incredibly impressed by how these grant winners have served their communities and reinforced the importance of health and wellness throughout every facet of our lives. We have also been honored to have many of these organizations contribute to our programming at The ‘Quin House, by presenting indelible educational and volunteer opportunities for our members,” said Michelle Perez Vichot, Director of The ‘Quin House Impact Fund. “We look forward to providing funding to local Health and Wellness organizations for many years to come, thanks to the unending generosity of our members.”

The ’Quin House Impact Fund is hosted by The Boston Foundation and has now awarded more than $4.3M in grants to 150 Greater Boston nonprofits since 2020, including more than $1M in the past year. Focus areas include Arts and Culture, Discovery and Innovation, Equity and Opportunity, Health and Wellness, Youth and Education, and the environment.

All 16 Health and Wellness winners gathered for a celebration and networking event at The ‘Quin House on February 17, 2026, as a continued effort of The ‘Quin House to provide opportunities to the community organizations it supports.

More information about The ‘Quin House Impact Fund.

ARL Named an Early 2026 Top-Rated Award Winner by Great Nonprofits

Thank You to Everyone Who Shared Their Stories and Made This Recognition Possible

Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is honored to be among the first organizations recognized with a 2026 Top-Rated Award from Great Nonprofits, the leading platform for community-sourced stories about nonprofit impact.

Award winners are determined by stories and reviews shared by supporters—including donors, adopters, volunteers, and fosters—who highlight their firsthand experiences and offer insights for others considering getting involved.

This recognition reflects the voices of our community and the meaningful experiences they’ve had with ARL. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to share their stories.

Some Recent Stories Shared

A man in a gray shirt and cap is joyfully holding a brindle dog with a red collar. The dog affectionately licks his face, conveying happiness and warmth.

ARL foster working with an adoptable dog at the Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center

“I have been a volunteer with the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) since 2011 and can easily say I’ve never worked with a more dedicated group of people. It’s obvious that the staff cares deeply about the animals at the shelter, ensuring that each one gets the attention and care that they need to thrive, and the team works tirelessly to find each animal the right home. As a weekend volunteer, I have always felt welcomed and extremely appreciated – I really enjoy volunteering at the Animals Rescue League of Boston, not only to work with the shelter animals but also because of how much fun it is to work alongside the ARL staff. I have recommended the ARL to several friends and colleagues who were looking to adopt, and everyone has always had a very positive experience. I would highly recommend the Animal Rescue League to anyone interesting in adopting or experiencing a wonderful volunteer opportunity.” – ARL volunteer

A tricolored cat lies on a navy couch with legs crossed. Its large green eyes gaze directly at the camera. A yellow pillow with leaf patterns is beside it.

A small tricolored cat lies on a navy couch

“I adopted my first kitten (as an adult) from the ARL last summer, and the whole experience was fantastic. Professional staff, and adorable animals. The process was simple, and we are so thankful for the ARL for bringing our cat into our lives.” – ARL adopter

Small white dog with large ears wearing a red harness, looking up curiously. The background shows grass and a concrete path.

Bailey in foster

“I’m privileged to serve as a foster home for ARL. My first assignment was a pair of elderly animals whose guardian was hospitalized. She was able to get her four dogs housed and loved while she focused on healing. My next was an emaciated 2 lb. Chihuahua, Bailey, who needed to slowly gain weight and heal his skin infections before he could be adopted. From rescuing animals in hoarding situations to advocating in the legislature to capturing panicked animals last and alone — I don’t know of any other organization that offers to same breadth and quality of care for animals in need.” – ARL foster

 

Check Us Out on Great Nonprofits

Visit our Great Nonprofits profile to read more stories from animal lovers like you. If you’ve had an experience with ARL, we’d be grateful if you considered sharing a review. Your voice helps others learn about our work and strengthens our community.

Community Cat Match

Community cats need you now! A generous donor is matching all donations for community cats, up to $20,000, now through July 15, 2026!

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

    • ️Nutritious meals
    • Life-saving vaccines and medication
    • Toys and scratch pads that help cats engage and play

ARL is the only large animal welfare org in MA with a dedicated agent working with community cats and kittens.

But, with no government funding for this important work, cats must rely on financial support from people like you to get the care they need, when they need it most, 365 days a year.

donate button

Why Your Support Matters

Community cats and kittens are feral, stray, and abandoned cats who live outdoors in the harsh elements. It is estimated over 700,00 cats roam free in Massachusetts with 70,000 in Boston alone.

Without proper shelter and care, community cats are at serious risk of illness and injury. Extreme weather, like what we see in the summer and winter months, can be devasting for these vulnerable animals.

With your help, we can assess colonies and develop TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) plans for each cat. TNR is one of the most humane and effective ways to stop the cycle of homelessness among cats. Spay and neuter surgeries are low-risk and proven to improve the safety and health of these cats as well as the community as a whole. The plan also includes vaccines, and whether each cat will be returned to the colony, returned to their owner if microchipped, or admitted to an ARL shelter to be put up for adoption if they are friendly.

donate button

 

Two kittens sitting next to each otherMeow-o-meter: Tracking Impact

Thanks to the generosity of cat lovers, the following progress has been made possible:

208 TNR’s in 2025
1,138 TNR’s in the last five years

697 Adoptions in 2025
3,115 adoptions in the last five years

 

 

Community Cat Adoptions 2021-2025

 

community cat adoptions from 2021-2025 graph

 

A Community Cat Adoption Story

Yogurt, now called Yogi, came to ARL in July 2022 in very poor condition: underweight, flea-infested, with a distended abdomen, a fractured leg, and a severe tail wound. After a leg amputation and four months in WUO (wound of unknown origin) quarantine, he was adopted and quickly settled into his new home with Cupcake, another ARL alum. Now speedy and mischievous, Yogi loves toys, tunnels, cat towers, and watching for his family at the front window, then racing to the door to greet them. His family says he’s been a fun, special addition to their home.

A gray kitten with yellow eyes relaxes on a soft, white, fluffy blanket, looking directly at the camera

Yogurt, now named “Yogi”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Massachusetts Is Strengthening Protections for Animals

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

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

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

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

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

Housing

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

Animal Protection

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

Pet Shops

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

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

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

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

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

Arctic Cold Puts Pets at Risk

Reports of Animals Left in the Cold Are on the Rise

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

Here are steps to keep pets safe when temperatures plunge:

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

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

More winter weather pet safety tips.