Animals Spread Throughout Shelters in New England
BOSTON, March 3, 2026 – The MSPCA-Angell is seeking homes for dozens of rats following a large surrender from a single property in Essex County.
MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement removed 163 of the animals from the home on February 9. That number is nearly 60% more than the total number of rats the nonprofit adopted out in all of 2025.
“This is the largest surrender of its kind we’ve seen in at least five years,” said Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, Mike Keiley. “A well-meaning person got into a tough spot, and we were able to help.”
“As a humane law enforcement department, we want to work with people who love their animals to make sure those animals are getting the care they need,” he elaborated. “Sometimes that means helping with resources, other times it means facilitating a surrender, which was the case here.”
Given the size of the surrender, the MSPCA-Angell needed to put out a call for support not just to adopters, but also to fellow animal welfare organizations.
A Multi-State Approach
Following their removal from the property, the MSPCA-Angell retained 53 rats for adoption and distributed others to area shelters.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have many partners who stepped up and took some rats in,” Keiley explained, noting that organizations across Massachusetts and New Hampshire helped.
In Massachusetts, Dakin Humane Society, Lowell Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston all took in rats. New Hampshire SPCA and the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire also took in some of the animals.
“Taking in so many of one kind of small animal or bird really taxes resources,” Keiley expounded. “It pulls our attention to accommodating one species when we’re caring for so many at the same time.”
The MSPCA-Angell now has more than 70 rats in its care—nearly three quarters the total the organization adopted out last year.
“This kind of surrender wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support we’ve received from other shelters—and we’re hoping we get a similar level of amazing support from the community!”
Adopt a Rat!
Rats from the Essex County surrender are being split between all four of the MSPCA-Angell’s shelters (in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod).
“Usually, NEAS [MSPCA-Angell Northeast Animal Shelter] only houses cats and dogs, but given the size of this case, we had to engage all our locations,” Keiley said. “Many of the females are on gestation hold, but they’ll also be available in the coming weeks.”
“Plus, there are rats from this case in need of homes at our partner shelters as well.”
Interested adopters are asked to monitor the MSPCA-Angell’s website, as well as those of Dakin Humane, Lowell Humane, Berkshire Humane, ARL Boston, NHSPCA, and ARL New Hampshire to see where rats are available and visit during open hours to adopt.
“Rats have a bad reputation, but they actually make really great companion pets,” he added. “They’re smart and clean. They also form deep bonds with their owners.”
“We’re hoping that rat lovers—and anyone looking for a less conventional small pet—comes out and gives these great animals the happy homes they deserve!”
