As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we want to share with you some changes that we have put into place at the MSPCA-Angell so we can continue to serve the pets and people of our community while keeping our staff, volunteers, and clients protected. We recognize the vital role that our hospitals and adoption centers play as a safe haven for animals especially in times of crisis. We are committed to being a resource for our community during the outbreak with services and support. As we adjust to these unanticipated changes, our front line team is grateful for your support and patience. For CDC Recommendations Regarding Companion Animals and COVID-19, please see the bottom of this announcement.

Angell Animal Medical Center

As an essential business, Angell Animal Medical Center has remained open during the Massachusetts lockdown and is providing urgent medical care, without disruption, to animal patients in our charge. We have implemented extensive safety precautions to protect both our clients and employees and we have concluded that, for now, we feel the safest choice is to continue with our policy of not allowing clients inside the building. As Mass state regulations change, we will evolve our own social distancing guidelines. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

Angell Boston

How Angell Boston is delivering care to your pet while minimizing risk of coronavirus transmission:

• To help ensure Angell’s clinicians and staff can safely continue to deliver care to our patients, we have taken steps to limit the amount of contact we have with our clientele. At present, the only clients permitted to enter our facility are clients whose patients are being seen by our emergency service and clients who are stopping by Angell to pick up previously ordered medications or food. All other clients (those at Angell for appointments or to discharge their pet from the hospital) will be required to wait outside of the building – in their cars or under tents in our parking lot – and we will communicate with you by telephone.
• Client Communication: 
  • During the high traffic times of the day (8am to 8pm, seven days a week) we will have staff stationed outside of the hospital’s front door to help assist. Upon arrival at our facility during those times, please approach those staff members outside for help getting checked in or to properly direct you regarding next steps.
  • Outside of those hours – or during the rare occasions where that area cannot be staffed (extreme weather situations, for example) – please refer to the signage outside that instructs you to call when you arrive to communicate with staff inside the building. For clients who do not have cell phones, there is a courtesy phone located just inside the main doors in the vestibule. The staff member who takes that call should be able to manage your call and provide you with the services you require.
• The emergency care process: When you arrive at our facility for an unscheduled emergency visit, please enter the door on the right side of our main entrance and proceed to the emergency desk to check in.
  • PLEASE NOTE: you SHOULD NOT enter our facility if any of the following are true:
    • You are experiencing a cough, fever or chills.
    • You have tested positive for COVID-19, or if you (or anyone you live with) has a COVID-19 test pending.
    • You have traveled anywhere by plane in the last 14 days.
      If any of the above are true, please do not enter the building.
      Call from outside and we will arrange to assist you and your pet over the telephone.

• • Once inside, please note that MASKS must be worn properly (completely covering your nose and mouth) at all times.
  • Whenever possible, we ask that only one (1) client come inside with each patient.
  • While inside, we ask that you please maintain appropriate social distancing from all other clients and members of our staff.
• Pharmacy.  Angell continues to fill prescriptions 7 days per week. Beginning Wednesday, July 15, the Angell Pharmacy in Boston will allow pharmacy clients into the building to pick up and pay for pre-ordered food and medication refills. Please note: This does not include prescriptions ordered during appointments or at discharge. To maintain the safety of our clients and staff, clients are required to wear a mask and traffic patterns will be clearly outlined on the floor to help maintain appropriate social distance while in the building. The building is not yet open to clients visiting for appointments, we will continue our curbside concierge service for non-pharmacy clients. Mailing of prescriptions available (shipping fees apply). Clients can submit their prescription requests at angell.org/pharmacy or by calling 617-524-5700.
• Please support Angell by ordering your Angell patient prescriptions through angell.org/pharmacy  versus other online sites.

Please note that failure to comply with Angell’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines will result in your immediate removal from our facility.

Angell West, Waltham

•  Angell West in Waltham continues to welcome all referral cases. Clients or primary care veterinarians please call 781-902-8400 to schedule an appointment.
• To help ensure the safety or our clinicians and staff, we are only allowing two (2) clients in the building at a time for end of life situations.
• Emergency services. As always, our emergency room is open 24 /7 Angell West to care for our most acutely ill patients.
• Call ahead. We encourage you and/or your primary care vet to call before your visit (if your pet is not experiencing a life-threatening emergency) so we can direct your needs in the most time and cost efficient manner.

Angell at Nashoba and Angell at Essex

• Angell at Nashoba in Westford and Angell at Essex in Danvers remain open for primary care services with entry into the hospitals restricted to patients and staff.

Animal Care and Adoption Centers

• Adoption and surrender services are available by appointment.
  Please visit our website at mspca.org/surrender or mspca.org/adopt for more information.
• Our adoption centers remain closed to the general public.
  In order to maintain a safe environment for our staff, volunteers, animals and clients the adoption centers will remain closed to walk-through traffic for the foreseeable future.
• Our low cost spay/neuter clinics are open in Boston and Methuen.
  We ask for your patience as we work to reschedule appointments that were cancelled during the outbreak while also accommodating new inquiries for spay/neuter. We hope to start scheduling appointments for spay/neuter at our Cape adoption center in August.
• Dog training classes have resumed in Boston and Methuen.
  Visit mspca.org/dogtraining for more information on in-person and virtual training options.
• All adoption center events are cancelled for 2020.
  In-person events, including vaccination clinics, humane education programs, and fundraising events are cancelled.  Please watch mspca.org/events for future virtual event opportunities.
• Our Community Outreach teams are providing access to food, emergency temporary housing, and urgent veterinary care.
  Our goal is to keep families together with their pets and make sure no pet goes hungry during the crisis. Visit mspca.org/communityoutreach to learn more.
• Foster care and volunteer orientations are suspended until 2021.
  Please visit mspca.org/volunteer for the most up-to-date information.
• We are accepting donated items on a limited basis.
  Visit mspca.org/wishlist for a list of items we do and do not accept at this time.
• We are accepting monetary donations of support.
  Visit mspca.org/helpnow to donate to our COVID-19 relief efforts.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we strive to continue our work on behalf of animals and the people who love them. We are thinking about all of you – our staff, volunteers, supporters, clients, and community partners – and doing everything we can to be here for those who need us the most. The effects of this crisis will be far reaching. By following the latest trusted science and being compassionate and kind to one another, we will get through this.

CDC Recommendations Regarding Companion Animals and COVID-19

Public health officials are still learning about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2. This is the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease), but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected.

Until we know more, CDC recommends the following:

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

For information on how to keep your indoor cat entertained, check out these tips from the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center:

Organization’s Law Enforcement Dept. and the Middleboro Animal Control Officer Assist with the Rescue  

BOSTON, July 30, 2020 – The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is now the temporary home for 30 chickens rescued from unsanitary conditions at a Middleboro, Mass. home by the MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department and the Middleboro Animal Control Officer, the organization announced today.

The chickens were voluntarily surrendered on July 27th from the home, in which they were living primarily in pet carriers without access to fresh water and food, and with no relief from the searing heat.

The chickens were voluntarily surrendered by their owner—who has not been identified—and at this point no charges have been filed.

The chickens’ condition reflect their neglect.  One has overgrown spurs and others are suffering from a bacterial infection known as “bumble foot,” as well as lice—ailments for which they’re receiving treatment at Nevins Farm.

“These are some of the most unsanitary conditions we’ve seen chickens living in, with no food or fresh water, filthy cages and no relief from the heat,” said Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell.  “But they’ve bounced back quickly in our care, and are already enjoying clean housing, fresh water and food.”

Keiley says all of the birds are adults, 14 of them are roosters, and the rest are hens.  They are a mix of bantam-sized Cochins and D’Uccles—breeds that are very desirable among chicken keepers.

While they were very dirty upon intake—unusual for chickens, which are known to be fastidious groomers—they seem to have escaped their conditions relatively unscathed.  “In those cramped and dirty conditions, they were unable to fully extend their limbs, which prevented them from cleaning their wings,” added Keiley.

Adopters Wanted!

“They’re currently undergoing mandatory state testing to ensure they’re negative for common poultry diseases, as well as receiving treatment for their ailments, and once they’re in the clear we will place them for adoption,” said Keiley.

Keiley noted that roosters, famous for their early morning wake-up calls, can be especially difficult to adopt into new homes.  “But if there was ever a time for adopters with a backyard flock to add a rooster—especially for the protection of the hens in their flock—now would be that time, and we very much hope that adopters will reach out and take home one or some of these beautiful birds.”

Potential adopters can email methuen@mspca.org for more information about the birds, or to set up an appointment to meet them.

The chickens are just some of the more than 100,000 animals whose medical and sheltering needs are met each year by the MSPCA-Angell.  Readers who would like to offset the cost of their care—and the care of animals just like them—can click here.

Out of the Shelter and Into the Community

Even as the Nevins Farm team settles the chickens in, and readies them for adoption, the MSPCA continues to work in the community to ensure pet owners impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic receive the help they need.  Since the pandemic began, the MSPCA has delivered nearly 450,000 pet meals and over 29,000 lbs. of cat litter to food pantries, in addition to providing subsidized medical care to nearly 1,300 pets.

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“Rocco” Survived and now up for Adoption; MSPCA Warns Pet Owners to be Vigilant about the Heat

BOSTON, July 28, 2020 – With temperatures set to soar this week, Boston’s MSPCA-Angell is warning pet owners to take extra precautions after a three-year-old Pit Bull named “Rocco” barely survived heat stroke before being abandoned by his owner at Angell Animal Medical Center on July 9.

Rocco’s story began when a Boston animal control officer responded to a call about a dog in distress on Dartmouth Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.  The animal control officer whisked Rocco to Angell, where he underwent immediate treatment for heat stroke.  Rocco’s owner accompanied the dog to the hospital, but took off shortly after arriving, never coming back to claim his pet.

Veterinarians in Angell’s Critical Care Unit were able to save Rocco—whose temperature reached 106 degrees and who was seizing by the time he arrived—by administering valium, IV fluids and active cooling treatment to lower his temperature.  Meantime, repeated messages at the number provided by Rocco’s owner on arrival were not returned, and officials believe Rocco’s owner may be homeless and not residing at any particular address.

Now that 10 days have passed, Rocco is in the care of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen, where he is available for adoption.  Would-be adopters can email methuen@mspca.org for more information about the spirited pup, who staffers say seems to enjoy the company of other dogs and people.

“Rocco’s been through the worst that summer temperatures can throw at any dog, and on top of that his former owner abandoned him,” said Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell.  “But the last thing we’re going to do is abandon Rocco.  We’re going to pull out all the stops to find him the most loving and safe home that we can.”

On Alert for Soaring Temperatures

Dr. Virginia Sinnott-Stutzman of Angell Animal Medical Center maintains that all pets can safely navigate this week’s rising temps so long as their owners follow very simple recommendations, including:

• Scheduling a check-up. A summertime check-up will reveal any heart or respiratory issues that should be addressed before pets become more active in the summer months
• Ensure ready access to shade, water and rest—parks with leafy trees and soft ground along with streams or ponds (in which dogs can cool off) offer wonderful recreational opportunities with plenty of opportunities to cool off
• Exercise dogs in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower
• Be especially cautious with dogs who have short noses, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, as these dogs are particularly vulnerable to overheating

Dogs should also never be left unattended in cars, which can heat up to 110 degrees in 10 minutes on an 80-degree day, even with the windows slightly open.

Anyone who finds a dog left alone in a car on a warm day should immediately phone the police.  The MSPCA worked to pass a law that improves the ability of first responders, such as police, fire, and animal control — as well as the public—to rescue dogs trapped in hot cars.  Read more about the law here.

“When in doubt, leave dogs at home,” says Dr. Sinnott-Stutzman.

Rocco is just one of the more than 100,000 animals whose medical and sheltering needs are met each year by the MSPCA-Angell.  Readers who would like to offset the cost of his care—and the care of animals just like him—can click here.

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MSPCA-Angell Caring for Sweet Pea and Sunshine until the Right Adopter Steps Forward  

BOSTON, July 23, 2020 – Two magnificent English Mastiff dogs found themselves in double trouble when a family member’s illness resulted in their surrender to the MSPCA-Angell’s Boston adoption center in Jamaica Plain on July 13th, and now the pair—both eight years old—are in need of a new home together.

Sisters “Sweet Pea” and “Sunshine” are described as social, friendly and active and seem to enjoy the company of other dogs and people.  Among the largest breed of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club, English Mastiffs can reach two and a half feet in height and weigh as much as 250 lbs.

Seeing Double!

English Mastiffs are as rare as they are tall: Sweet Pea and Sunshine are the only two of their kind that the MSPCA has had available for adoption since 2018.

“A single surrender is rare enough, but having two of these magnificent dogs arrive from the same home is almost unheard of—and we’re very hopeful that there’s a special adopter out there who can take them both in, so we can keep these two together,” said Anna Rafferty-Arnold, associate director of the MSPCA-Angell’s Boston adoption center.

What makes Sweet Pea and Sunshine’s relationship so special, however, is their especially close bond.  “We know from the surrender interview process that the two are so close that when their former owner would speak with one, the other would howl for attention in the background,” said Anna Rafferty-Arnold.

Rafferty-Arnold said that the pair’s bond expressed in full force once again when Sweet Pea experienced some minor stomach upset upon arrival at the shelter.  “We kept them apart for a couple of days to allow Sweet Pea to recover and it was clear, as soon as we re-introduced the two, that they adore each other,” she said.

The pair are now housed together in the adoption center while awaiting a new home.

Readers interested in adoption can email adoption@mspca.org for more information.

Sweet Pea and Sunshine are just two of the more than 100,000 animals whose medical and sheltering needs are met each year by the MSPCA-Angell.  Readers who would like to offset the cost of their care—and the care of animals just like them—can click here.

Out of the Shelter and Into the Community

Sweet Pea and Sunshine arrived at the MSPCA at a time when the organization has extended its services all across Massachusetts in response to the coronavirus pandemic.  Since the pandemic began, the MSPCA has delivered nearly 385,000 pet meals and over 25,000 lbs. of cat litter to food pantries, in addition to providing subsidized medical care to nearly 1,200 pets.

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MSPCA-Angell Raising Funds to Offset Annie’s Care, Hopes Hero Adopter will take her Home after Surgery

BOSTON, July 21, 2020 – An adorable four-month-old chocolate lab puppy was surrendered to the MSPCA-Angell’s Boston adoption center on July 10 after the family who bought her became overwhelmed by a health condition marked by incontinence that saw her unable to hold her bladder, causing “accidents” in the house.

Far from being a behavioral issue that would prevent Annie from becoming house-trained, her incontinence is caused by a condition known as ectopic ureters, a congenital anomaly that requires surgery to repair.  But thanks to Angell Animal Medical Center, help is on the way to resolve the issue that would otherwise make it very difficult for her to find a new and loving home.

Dr. Megan Cray is set to operate on Annie on July 29^th in a bid to repair her condition.  Dr. Cray is cautiously optimistic about the procedure.  “This condition [ectopic ureters] is relatively common—in fact it’s the most common condition driving incontinence in young female dogs—and fortunately a surgery option is available,” she said.

“The procedure may repair the condition fully, or she may need a combination of this surgery and medical management for the rest of her life,” added Dr. Cray.

Mounting Medical Bills
Annie has already undergone an ultrasound and other examinations—which detected the ectopic ureters.  Her medical bills may top $5,500 and the MSPCA-Angell is seeking donations to offset her care, and the care of animals just like her.  Anyone who wishes to donate can do so can click here.

Adopter Wanted!

Annie will be placed for adoption once her surgery is complete.  Anna Rafferty-Arnold, associate director of the MSPCA-Angell’s Boston adoption center, hopes Annie’s new hero is just around the corner.

“Despite needing extensive and risky surgery, Annie is an active and happy pup who loves people and other dogs.  And more than anything, we want to find a loving and supportive home for her,” she said.

Readers interested in adoption can email adoption@mspca.org for more information.

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GreaterGood.org Delivers 36 Pallets of food to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Response to COVID-19 Economic Crisis

BOSTON, June 29, 2020 – The MSPCA-Angell announced today that it has received 36 pallets of pet food and animal care supplies from GreaterGood.org, a national nonprofit that protects people, pets and the planet.  The food will immediately be distributed to food pantries across the Merrimack Valley to help feed pets belonging to families struggling with ongoing COVID-19 economic fallout.

The MSPCA will act as a distribution hub for food pantries such as Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities and the Merrimack Valley Elder Services Meals on Wheels program, who are intent on helping as many pet-keeping families as they can.

Pet owners looking for support across the Merrimack Valley—from Lawrence and Lowell to Amesbury, North Reading, Haverhill and Dracut—can visit www.mspca.org/foodpantries for a roster of food pantries that also distribute pet food.

“Massachusetts cities and towns may be re-opening, but there remains little relief for thousands of pet-keeping families directly impacted by the pandemic’s economic fallout,” said Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell.  “We’re grateful that GreaterGood.com continues to play a leading role in helping pet owners in our community and across Massachusetts.”

The donation effort is being conducted alongside GreaterGood.org’s national foster campaign, called #StayHomeAndFoster.  More information about that program can be found at StayAtHomeAndFoster.org.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is creating an unprecedented animal sheltering crisis, while also affecting pet parents, so it is our duty to step in and offer assistance on a national level by creating a network of relief distribution centers with our local animal shelter partners while also supporting them,” said Liz Baker, CEO of GreaterGood.org.  “Our goal is to provide local animal shelters and pet parents struggling financially with pet food and supplies so they can continue to care for the pets they love during this challenging and stressful time.”

Rescue Bank, a signature program of GreaterGood.org, will manage the distribution of these life-saving donations to the local shelters.  GreaterGood.org’s nationwide donation effort is made possible with the support of long-time partners including Chewy, PetSmart Charities®, iHeartDogs, Purina, Mars Petcare, Rachel Ray Nutrish, RC Pets, Pet Adventures Worldwide, Vitakraft Sun Seed, Inc., and GreaterGood.com.  For more information, readers can visit GreaterGood.org.

MSPCA Community Outreach Milestones

The GreaterGood.org food donation comes on the heels of milestone-smashing community support undertaken by the MSPCA in recent months.  The organization has now delivered 275,000 pet meals to community food banks and individuals as well as more than 11,000 lbs of cat litter.

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