Event Follows Two Historically Large Surrenders That Pushed Shelter Capacity to Limits
BOSTON and Salem, Mass., Dec. 14, 2022 – The MSPCA-Angell and the Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS) are waiving adoption fees for rabbits and guinea pigs this weekend – December 17 and 18, marking the fifth fee-waived event for small animals the two organizations have held this year.
The event is being held as the organizations issue an urgent call for adopters. The MSPCA adoption centers in Boston, Methuen, and Cape Cod, as well as the NEAS in Salem have been pushed to the limits for housing small animals following two recent large intakes: 15 parakeets, 12 guinea pigs, six rats, and three rabbits were surrendered from a single home in Plymouth County, while 16 rabbits were surrendered from a single home in Worcester County.
“The surrenders happened for different reasons,” explained Bryn Rogers, assistant director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell. “One family became overwhelmed and could no longer care for the animals, while the other began experiencing health problems that impacted their ability to care for their animals.”
“Both families recognized that the best outcome for the animals was to surrender them to our care, where we could find them new loving homes,” she added.
Resources Stretched Thin
In total, there are more than 130 guinea pigs and rabbits in need of homes—a 66% increase over December 2021—with space and staff resources already pushed to the brink handling a large dog population and the recent surrender of 18 horses from a property in Alford.
“What we’re seeing is kind of a perfect storm,” Rogers said. “We’re getting a high number of surrenders at a time of year when adoptions tend to slow down.”
“We really need adopters to step forward and give these small guys a loving home for the holidays to ensure that we’re able to continue helping animals who need us,” she added.
Save on Adoption Fees!
Adopters who take advantage of the weekend adoptathon will save $85 per rabbit and $30 per guinea pig—money that can be re-applied toward the care of these new pets.
While the fees will be waived, the MSPCA’s normal adoption counseling will be in place. Adopters looking to add a small pet to their family can visit www.mspca.org/feewaived or neas.org/feewaived to register for the event and check out animals available to adopt. Those looking for more background on fee-waived adoption events, may visit this website.
