Puppies Found by Boston Animal Control Brought to MSPCA-Angell West in Waltham
BOSTON, Sept. 16, 2025 – The MSPCA-Angell is reminding pet owners to vaccinate their dogs against Parvovirus following the hospitalization of two Golden Retriever puppies found in Boston.
The less than six-month-old puppies were among three recovered by Boston Animal Control (BAC) in Dorchester on August 23. The third puppy tested positive, but did not need to be hospitalized.
“Parvo is highly contagious and potentially deadly, so when the puppies tested positive, Boston Animal Control immediately reached out to us for help,” explained Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division.
“BAC also got a tip that there were two other sick golden puppies, but officers weren’t able to contact anyone to follow-up or locate the dogs.”
“Golden Retrievers are a highly sought-after breed, so it’s abnormal that a bunch were found sick and alone outside like this,” he added. “No one has stepped forward to claim the dogs, so considering all of the circumstances, we believe they were abandoned.”
MSPCA Law Enforcement and Boston Animal Control are looking into the puppies’ history.
‘Lifesaving’ Teamwork
The two Golden Retriever puppies were hospitalized at MSPCA-Angell West in Waltham for six days, after which they were taken into foster care where they could complete their recovery.
“This kind of prolonged hospitalization is costly to any animal welfare organization, but it’s especially hard for a municipal shelter with a very limited budget,” said Keiley.
“Thankfully, we have a very close relationship [with Boston Animal Control], so we were able to work together to reduce some of that burden for them by taking on one of the puppies ourselves.”
“BAC is a valued partner in the MASS coalition and a vitally important resource in the community,” he added. “They handle these situations with compassion and professionalism, which allows them to help so many animals.”
“Working together, we’re able to save lives.”
Vaccinate Your Dogs!
According to Keiley, Parvovirus can kill a puppy within 48 hours of it showing symptoms.
“It’s a really contagious virus that can live for a long time outside in the environment, so it’s incredibly dangerous, and dogs can be infected without knowing it,” he detailed.
Parvovirus can be transmitted from dog to dog or through indirect exposure to things that have been contaminated with infected feces. Infected dogs also shed a huge number of the virus, which means that a dog may be unknowingly exposed after visiting an area that an infected dog was in.
“Fortunately, vaccines are hugely effective and broadly available, so we hope that this serves as a reminder to people: Please vaccinate your dogs!”
The MSPCA-Angell offers parvovirus vaccines through all Angell Animal Medical Center hospitals, as well as through its four community clinics for those who qualify financially.
“We also partner with BAC on their vaccine clinics throughout the city,” Keiley added, noting that clinics will be held in September and October, including one in Dorchester—the same part of Boston where the Golden puppies were found.
“This is just another way that our partnership [with Boston Animal Control] helps make care more accessible in Boston and prevents disease among pets in the community.”
More information on the Boston vaccine clinics may be found here.
Next Steps for Golden Pups
Two of the three puppies found by Boston Animal Control will remain in its care and be adopted out through its shelter.
The third, named Big Red, will be ready for adoption after he clears parvovirus and finishes treatment for gastrointestinal parasites he also contracted before he was hospitalized. The MSPCA-Angell expects that will be sometime in the next 10 days.
Interested adopters are asked to submit an inquiry at mspca.org/bigred.
“We know that there will be a lot of interest in adopting Big Red,” said Keiley. “Although we can only pick one adopter, we’re so excited that he’ll soon have the very best home and a bright future after a challenging start.”
