Adopt A Dog For Free In Massachusetts

Adopting a dog just got easier on your wallet. Starting July 15, you can adopt a furry friend for free, thanks to a special event aimed at easing the burden on shelters across Massachusetts. This fun, no-cost adoption event is part of a bigger effort by MSPCA and a coalition of animal welfare groups to support overcrowded and understaffed shelters. The coalition formed in response to a national crisis. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more dogs have been entering shelters and staying longer, leading to an uptick in disease, behavioral issues, and staff burnout. MSPCA-Angell and Northeast Animal Shelter are leading the charge alongside Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL), Boston Animal Control (BACO), Thomas J O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO), Dakin Humane Society, and Berkshire Humane Society. Best Friends Animal Society is funding this heroic effort. Mike Keiley, Vice President of Animal Protection at MSPCA-Angell, acknowledged the challenges to Patch.com: “The issues facing animal welfare are daunting. But we know that our best chance to address them is by working together. So, we’re tackling one of the biggest problems first: the dog population crisis.” Behavioral problems make it tough to rehome dogs and cats. Shelters lack enough trained behavior specialists to help these animals. T o combat this, MSPCA-Angell will set up a behavior outreach role. This role will not only help animals in other shelters but also teach staff effective techniques to use independently. Keiley emphasized the growing need for behavioral support in Massachusetts shelters, according to Patch.com. “We’ve been finding success in our shelters by advancing how we meet these needs. Now, it’s time to extend that support to other shelters facing similar challenges.” Why Adopt? Local animal control officers are seeing more strays, and with shelters at capacity, transferring animals has become difficult. To boost adoptions, MSPCA-Angell and Northeast Animal Shelter are hosting the “Mass Saves” event from July 15 to July 21. This event will feature fee-free adoptions for all dogs aged one year and older. “Making space in all coalition shelters is crucial,” Keiley said. “We know the formula to help dogs in need combines increased behavior support with reducing shelter time. We’re ready to get to work right away.” Hours vary by location, and all BACO dogs will be adopted through MSPCA shelters. For more information on available dogs, check out the MSPCA website.