“Lofty” Goal Set Following Huge Increase in Intakes Across MSPCA-Angell Shelters
BOSTON, Aug. 15, 2025 – The MSPCA-Angell is leading a group of seven animal welfare organizations across Massachusetts seeking to rehome dozens of dogs in just one week, the groups announced today.
The goal follows a huge population spike at MSPCA-Angell shelters, according to Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division.
“In the last month alone, we’ve brought in more than 1,200 pets through local surrenders, out-of-state transports, and as strays,” she explained. “That also includes transfers from local shelters—some of which are members of the MASS [Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support] coalition—who are also seeing increases in their populations that they need help with.”
“Those transfers are a lifeline for local organizations in the same way that our out-of-state transports are critically important for our partners in the South, so we need to pull out all the stops to keep them going.”
“Now, our capacity is stretched thin, and we know that some of our partners are also seeing a slowdown in adoptions, so we’re joining forces and putting out a call to communities across Massachusetts—If you’ve been considering getting a dog, now’s the time!” Garabedian added.
Mutt-chkin Madness!
Following the America Runs on Doggos theme established in the previous two adoptathons, the August 18 – 24 event is called “Mutt-chkins” and includes all dogs aged one and older.
All four MSPCA-Angell shelters—in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod—are participating, as well as MASS coalition partners Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Care and Control, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO), and Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL). Non-coalition friends Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM) and Baypath Humane Society are also participating.
“Between all 10 shelters involved, we’ve really got the majority of Massachusetts covered, and we’re not far from other states in New England,” Garabedian said. “We want to make this event as accessible as possible for as many people as possible in the hopes that we can find great homes for a lot of the dogs in our care.”
“We always want to say yes when animals need us, whether they’re here in Massachusetts or elsewhere the country, but we can’t do that if we aren’t able to find homes for many of the dogs that are here already—some of whom have been here for far too long.”
Adopt Miss Piggy and Friends!
According to Garabedian, Miss Piggy, a young mixed breed dog at the Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS), is one such dog.
“Miss Piggy has been with us for a year, which is the longest any dog has stayed at NEAS since we merged with the MSPCA-Angell in 2021, and we really don’t understand why,” Garabedian said. “She’s smart, energetic and loving. Staff here have worked really hard to teach her manners, and she’s so ready to find a new home with adopters who are committed to helping her continue to refine those manners.”
“She loves to cuddle, play, and go on adventures. We think she’ll thrive with the right support, and we’re hopeful that her people will come meet her soon.”
Another such dog is Freya, a pit bull terrier mix at Berkshire Humane. She is nearly three-years-old and has been with the shelter for more than a third of that time.
As with Miss Piggy, Berkshire staff have provided her with positive support and training to help her blossom into a smart, active, and playful dog. She can be a bit wary of men to start, but warms up quickly, and she has done really well on field trips to stores like Home Depot.
Miss Piggy, Freya, and many more dogs will be available to adopt fee-free Monday, August 18 through Sunday, August 24, but hours vary by location. More information may be found at mspca.org/dogs.
