As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we have put some changes 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, and we are committed to being a resource for our community. 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 pandemic 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. As Mass state regulations change, we will update our guidelines. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

Coronaviruses in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats get their own coronaviruses that are not related to SARS-CoV-2019, the virus that causes COVID-19. The two most well-known cause Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in cats and the other is part of the complex of pathogens that cause respiratory illness (Kennel Cough) in dogs. If a veterinarian diagnoses your dog with a coronavirus infection such as these rest assured it is not related to COVID-19 and not infectious to people.

Angell Boston

How Angell Boston is delivering care to your pet while minimizing risk of COVID-19 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. While all clients our now permitted to enter the building upon arrival at our facility, there will be times where we ask you to wait outside of the building for service. By waiting in your car or under the tents in our parking lot, you will help us maintain safe social distance with everyone in our lobby while staying below our COVID-19 building occupancy requirements.
  • Clients waiting for emergency services will be allowed to remain in the waiting room for the duration of their visit.
  • Clients coming to Angell for appointments or to admit/discharge their pet from the hospital should come inside upon arrival to begin the process with our front desk staff before returning outside to wait. We will communicate with you by telephone after you’ve stepped back outside.
  • Clients coming in to pick up previously ordered medications/food from our Pharmacy should come right in the building and complete their transaction with the staff inside.
• Client Communication: 
  • The nature of your visit will determine the next point of contact after your arrival to the hospital. Please make sure that you are checking in with a member of the front desk staff upon arrival and they will direct you to the appropriate waiting area and determine for you what the next point of contact will be.
• 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:

“Dale” is Healing after More than a Month in Treatment, Will be Placed for Adoption if no Owner Steps Forward

BOSTON, Nov. 24, 2020 – If it’s true that cats have nine lives, then three-year-old “Dale” used at least one of his after experiencing severe burns from a car engine, which he may have snuggled up to in an attempt to stay warm on a frigid fall evening, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.

Dale was brought to the MSPCA-Angell on Oct. 20 by Boston Animal Control, who found the cat meowing in pain underneath a car’s hood on Monmouth Street in East Boston.

Dale—a black and white domestic short haired cat who weighs about 10 pounds—was not initially thought to be badly hurt until he arrived at the MSPCA, where the seriousness of his injuries was made plain.

“After a few days with us, the extent of the burns became more clear,” said Dr. Rebecca Fellman of the MSPCA’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Dr. Fellman said it’s common for the severity and size of burns to gradually worsen several days on from the initial injury, as more and more tissue continues to die.  In Dale’s case, it meant that he would have to undergo several surgeries to clean and eventually close the wounds.

“We’ve been treating him with tissue debridement procedures—removal of dead tissue so that new tissue may heal—as well as with bandaging, antibiotics and pain medication, and even though some of the wounds have not closed because of their size or location, we’re hoping they will eventually heal,” she said.

Dale on the Mend, Mystery Deepens

It’s been five weeks since he first arrived, and Dale is recovering well.  The question now is: does Dale already have a home?

“He’s really friendly and social so we know he once had a home—and we’re hoping that by drawing attention to his plight, an owner may step forward to claim him,” said Victoria Odynsky, manager of the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center.

Odynksy said that the lack of identification tags and microchip make it impossible for the center to identify and contact Dale’s former owner.

“Should no one claim Dale, we’ll place him into a wonderful loving home as soon as he’s medically ready to leave the safety of the shelter,” she said.

Anyone with information about Dale’s owner—or readers interested in adopting—can email the center directly at adoption@mspca.org.

Dale is just one of thousands of animals the MSPCA will care for in 2020 alone—both inside and outside its three adoption centers.  Readers who would like to offset the cost of his care—and the care of animals just like him—can click here to make a donation.

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Organization Urges Adopters and Donors to Step Forward as Newest Animal Transport Arrives in the State

BOSTON and Centerville, Mass., Oct. 9, 2020 – It’s been less than two weeks since dozens of pets from storm and COVID-19-ravaged St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands made their way to the MSPCA-Angell and now, on the heels of those animals finding new homes, the organization has transported another 19 cats to Massachusetts, this time from Georgia.

Kitten Surge!

The cats, 14 of whom are kittens aged eight weeks, with five adults, arrived by van on Oct. 6, driven at no cost by Puppy Pipeline Rescue of Georgia.  They are described as social and healthy and will thrive in a variety of homes.

The cats had been living at the LaGrange Animal Shelter in LaGrange, Georgia, which has been overwhelmed with animals as a result of the Coronavirus’ economic fallout, experiencing a 45 percent year-over-year increase in animal surrenders in 2020.

“We remain committed to helping shelters across the country who are struggling to care for the number of animals in their facilities,” said Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell.  “Fortunately, we’re in a positon to help, and these cats and kittens, all friendly and highly social, are ready for new homes here in Massachusetts.”

Keiley added that it’s possible the MSPCA may transport even more animals from the LaGrange shelter in the weeks ahead.  “We’re going to try and help them lighten the load as best we can, and we’re going to do everything in our power to place these cats into loving homes,” he said.

Adopters—and Donors—Wanted!

All of the cats are bunking down at the MSPCA-Cape Cod in Centerville, Mass., which boasts newer and larger quarantine space than the organization’s two other adoption centers in Boston and Methuen.  The cats have completed their 48-hour quarantine and are ready for adoption.

Anyone interested in adopting can contact the center directly at capeadoptions@mspca.org.

The MSPCA-Angell continues to place hundreds of animals into new homes, many of whom need expensive medical care before they can be adopted.  The organization is calling on anyone who is able to support this work by donating to its Pet Care Assistance program.

“This is definitely the time to make a donation to your local animal protection organization,” said Keiley.  “Not only do we need the resources to take care of these new arrivals, but we’re also distributing hundreds of thousands of pet meals this year to vulnerable families in an effort to stave off further surrenders tied to the pandemic.”

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MSPCA-Angell Transports a Total of 38 Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens to the Bay State—All of Whom will be placed for Adoption

BOSTON and Centerville, Mass., Sept. 22, 2020 – With the Virgin Islands still reeling from destruction caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the category 5 storms that passed over St. Thomas in 2017, adoptable animals at The Humane Society of St. Thomas—the only animal shelter on the island—have faced yet another barrier to adoption: the COVID-19 pandemic, which has blunted world tourism and brought adoptions on St. Thomas to a near stand-still.

But now, as the Atlantic hurricane season kicks into high gear, the MSPCA-Angell is on the case.  On Aug. 29th, the organization received its first transport from the island: 10 cats and three dogs.  The animals were routed to the MSPCA-Cape Cod in Centerville and, after completing a state-mandated 48-hour quarantine, have been placed into new homes.

“The Humane Society of St. Thomas is over-capacity just as more hurricanes begin to form—any number of which could make landfall over the Virgin Islands in the coming weeks,” said Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell, who noted that September is National Preparedness Month, a time when families and individuals are encouraged to plan ahead before disasters, such as hurricanes, strike.

“Nine of the cats we are taking have been in the [St. Thomas] shelter for over a year—including a 12-year-old who arrived in 2014—so we’re really grateful to be in a positon to help these pets find excellent homes in Massachusetts,” added Keiley.

Second Transport of Animals Settle in at the MSPCA

The second transport—consisting of 18 adult cats, five kittens, one adult dog and a puppy—were flown from St. Thomas to Florida on Sept. 18 before making the long trip, by van, to Massachusetts.

Now settled at the Cape Cod shelter, officials hope to have them ready for new homes on or just after Sept. 23, provided that examinations show they are healthy enough to leave quarantine.

Despite all they have been through, the animals are friendly, social and playful.  “We would consider these cats and dogs to be highly adoptable, and would make wonderful pets for most homes,” said Keiley.  “Moreover, the animals will help us meet the demand for cats and dogs that has only intensified since the start of the pandemic.”

Anyone interested in adopting can contact the adoption center directly at capeadoptions@mspca.org.

This is the second time in three years the MSPCA-Angell helped evacuate pets from the Virgin Islands.  In wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the organization took in 34 cats living in a shelter on St. John, and placed them into new homes in New England.

Adopting Animals, Helping Our Community

In addition to caring for the new arrivals, the MSPCA continues its efforts to help financially stressed pet owners across Massachusetts.  Since the Coronavirus pandemic began, the organization has delivered more than 616,000 pet meals to food banks and individuals, in addition to providing subsidized medical care to more than 2,200 animals—and the organization is set to kickstart Community Outreach initiatives on Cape Cod beginning Oct. 4.

The St. Thomas animals are just some of the thousands of animals the MSPCA will care for in 2020 alone—both inside and outside its three adoption centers.  Readers who would like to offset the cost of their care—and the care of animals just like them—can click here to make a donation.

MSPCA-Angell Comes to the “Hopscotch’s” Rescue and now, after Surgery, Prepares to Place him in Loving Home

BOSTON and Methuen, Mass., Sept. 10, 2020 – At just five months old, young “Hopscotch” may not have lived to see his first birthday were it not for the quick thinking of a good Samaritan and an animal control officer who plucked him from the streets in Springfield, Mass., and rushed him to safety on Aug. 29.

Now, after surgery on Aug. 31, performed by veterinarians at the MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center, to repair severe fractures to both of his front legs, the striking and loveable orange tabby is recovering at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen, Mass., from which he will be placed for adoption.

A Unique, Severe Trauma

Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell, said that what happened to Hopscotch is baffling—and horrifying.  “I cannot recall ever seeing a kitten injured so badly, with severe fractures to both of his humerus bones.”

Keiley is grateful for the staff at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center who came to Hopscotch’s aid, given that he could barely walk and was in severe pain when found.  The cause of Hopscotch’s injury may never be known.  “It’s possible he was hit by a car, fell from a significant height, or that someone harmed him intentionally—we’ll just never know for sure,” said Keiley.

A “Hero” Adopter Sought for Hopscotch  
Following surgery, in which two steel plates were installed to re-join the bones to encourage healing, Hopscotch is recovering at Nevins Farm where, despite his condition, he remains playful, loving and social.

“He’s really the most incredible kitten and, at a time when kittens are so hard to come by at animal shelters across New England, we know he’s going to be very popular among potential adopters,” said Keiley.  “But he’ll need a patient adopter who will see him through the next four to eight weeks of complete cage rest, and commit to any future medical care should he require additional procedures in the future.”

Interested adopters can email methuen@mspca.org for more information about the adoption process.

Hopscotch’s needs come at a time when the MSPCA continues to extend its services across Massachusetts in response to the coronavirus pandemic.  Since the pandemic began, the organization has delivered nearly 600,000 pet meals to food banks and individuals, in addition to providing subsidized medical care to more than 2,000 animals.

Hopscotch is just one of thousands of animals the MSPCA will care for in 2020 alone—both inside and outside its three adoption centers.  Readers who would like to offset the cost of the cats’ care—and the care of animals just like them—can click here to make a donation.

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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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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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