Shelters across Mass. are waiving adoption fees as number of dogs needing homes spikes

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The MSPCA-Angell and its MASS coalition partners hope to rehome 100 dogs this week.

As part of a weeklong Valentine’s Day-inspired initiative, the MSPCA-Angell and its MASS coalition partners will waive adoption fees for all dogs aged 1 and older. 

The “Missed Connections” adoption event began Monday and will run through Sunday. Adopters will not have to pay fees at MSPCA shelters in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville, nor at its partners Baypath Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Berkshire Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League. 

The goal is to rehome 100 dogs from the nine participating shelters. 

“Right now we’ve got a ton of dogs in our care, and we know that our partners are dealing with the same capacity crunch,” said Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division. 

Shelters are full because of a decrease in adoptions, Garabedian said, combined with an increase in local surrenders and a “huge demand” for transports from other states.

“That includes running our Disaster Relief program on overdrive with the Louisiana snow and California fires, while continuing our regular transports of animals from South Carolina that really are a lifeline for our partner shelters there,” Garabedian said. 

The MSPCA-Angell brought nine dogs impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires and 37 cats affected by near-record snowfall in Louisiana to Massachusetts last month. 

“With Los Angeles, it really is a matter of when, not if, we’ll get the call to help again, considering how immense the need there is,” Garabedian said. 

Local intake of dogs and cats by the MSPCA-Angell increased by 22% and 22% respectively last year, resulting in almost 900 additional animals needing homes. 

The “adoptathon” will run all week during open hours at participating shelters. Dogs are available in a range of breeds and ages. Adoption fees at the MSPCA-Angell are typically $500 for an adult dog (1 to 9 years old) and $350 for a senior (10+), which includes spaying or neutering, implanting a microchip, administering vaccinations, and instructing them in basic behavior training. At its partner shelters, fees usually range from $150 to $500. 

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