Never before in the MSPCA-Angell’s history had the adoption crisis in the United States been so severe: data from Shelter Animals Count indicated that the national euthanasia rate in 2022 was significantly higher than in 2021 and, if trends continued, 2023 could be higher still.

The adoption center team at the MSPCA-Angell never step back from an animal in need. In response to the adoption crisis, we redoubled efforts to relocate as many dogs as possible to Massachusetts from states where they’re vulnerable to euthanasia for no other reason than a lack of homes.

However, while the MSPCA-Angell helped other shelters in need, the frequent animal transports to Massachusetts quickly created capacity issues — simply put, the MSPCA-Angell shelters were filling up! In response, our public relations team sprang into action. Over the summer, the team landed feature story after feature story to draw attention to the crisis — and to inspire adopters to bring home a new pet. Their work to spread compassion paid off: 60+ days into the nationwide #ClearTheShelters campaign, MSPCA-Angell teams placed several hundred dogs and cats into adoptive homes, a record number in such a short period.

There’s still much work to do, and the MSPCA-Angell team won’t stop until there’s a pet in every animal-loving home — and a home for every pet.

Want a new animal friend? Find a pet looking for a new family by searching all the MSPCA-Angell’s shelters at mspca.org/adoption.