Housing Issues Cited as Cause for More than One Third of Surrenders to MSPCA-Angell Shelters
BOSTON, Oct. 14, 2025 – The MSPCA-Angell is launching a new campaign focused on one of the most pressing issues facing Massachusetts residents—the housing crisis.
The campaign—called ‘Action for Pet-Inclusive Housing’—comes as kennel space across the state is tight with more owners forced to surrender due to housing-related issues.
“It’s no secret that we’re often operating at or above capacity in our shelters, and that’s partly due to an increase in local surrenders,” explained Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, Mike Keiley.
So far this year, 2,917 cats and dogs have been surrendered to MSPCA-Angell shelters—a 26.5% increase over the same period last year. Of those surrenders, 36% of owners cited housing-related problems as the cause, and the MSPCA-Angell still regularly receives calls from tenants across Massachusetts faced with the unthinkable choice: Surrender their pet or become homeless.
“Given how far-reaching this issue is, trying to address it requires an incredible number of resources and a lot of attention,” Keiley elaborated. “It’s one of the top threats to animals and families in Massachusetts and, as such, our Advocacy team has been working tirelessly for years trying to help.”
“But given the magnitude of the problem, we knew we needed to do even more. That’s why we hired someone in a new position whose sole focus will be addressing this crisis once and for all.”
MSPCA-Angell Hires Housing Policy Specialist
In September 2025, the MSPCA-Angell hired Jamie Blackburn as its first-ever Housing Policy Specialist. She joined the organization with more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in health and housing policy at both the state and federal levels.
“We want to make sure that pets aren’t forgotten as the state works to address the housing crisis,” said Keiley. “Given her background, Jamie is deeply familiar with these issues, and we know that she’ll be a staunch advocate for animals.”
Blackburn hit the ground running and has already identified ways in which creating and maintaining pet-inclusive housing would support many housing-related priorities already outlined by state lawmakers.
“Removing pet-related housing barriers will accelerate the impact of the Affordable Homes Act, which Governor Healey signed into law last year,” she explained. “As we roll out solutions to address housing instability and affordability for residents, we cannot allow pet families to be left behind.”
“More pet-inclusive housing would also help prevent evictions,” she elaborated. “Pet families are often vulnerable to eviction when there’s a change in building ownership or management, regardless of whether they’ve maintained good tenant standing.”
“Those families are then faced with an impossible choice—lose their housing or give up a beloved member of their family, and we want to help ensure that’s a choice people aren’t forced to make.”
Join the Campaign!
According to Blackburn, community support will be key in ensuring the success of the Action for Pet-Inclusive Housing campaign.
“Right now, less than 10% of rentals in Massachusetts are truly pet-inclusive, meaning they have no restrictions based on breed, size or other factors,” she said. “We’ve been saying for a very long time that that number is vastly insufficient, but our message hasn’t gained enough traction.”
“Now, we’re turning to constituents to help us get the word out to lawmakers, property management, landlords, friends, neighbors, and anyone else. Help us keep pet families in Massachusetts together!”
Those interested in supporting the campaign are asked to visit mspca.org/housing to learn how they can help.
