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Event Includes Dogs Six Months and Older at All Four Shelters
BOSTON, May 27, 2026 – The MSPCA-Angell is doubling down on efforts to free up kennel space in its shelters by hosting an impromptu fee-waived adoption event for all dogs six months and older, the organization announced today.
Given the urgent need for kennel space, this emergency event is being held ahead of the MSPCA-Angell’s regularly scheduled summer adoption series in preparation for a historically busy intake season.
“Capacity in our shelters is already at the brim, especially for dogs who tend to face longer stays,” noted Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division. “We need to address this now to ensure we’re in a strong position heading into the summer, particularly on the heels of Memorial Day, when stray intake often surges.”
According to data collected throughout 2025 by Shelter Animals Count, the leading national database for animal shelter statistics, stray intake for both dogs and cats peaked the day after Memorial Day. Historically, this trend has remained consistent year after year around the holiday.
Stray dogs are held for seven days by individual town animal control agencies. Following this period of time, the MSPCA-Angell partners with local agencies to provide continued support by offering shelter space for the dogs and medical care, if needed.
“In addition to assisting with stray intake, we’ll also be navigating a traditional summer spike in animals arriving through law enforcement activity and local surrenders, as well as an increase in the number of dogs included in regularly scheduled out-of-state transports from our relocation partners,” Garabedian explained. “Ultimately, the flow of animals coming to us isn’t going to slow down, and neither can our actions to help them—making this urgent call to adopters especially critical.”
A Push for Dog Adoptions
Adoption fees will be waived for all dogs aged six months and older during the event.
According to Garabedian, dog adoptions through the organization are down 23% compared to this time last year.
“We’re spotlighting dogs through this event because their adoption numbers have consistently declined over the years. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the rising cost of veterinary care, increased cost of living, housing instability and restrictions, and lifestyle changes following the pandemic.”
“We recognize that these factors are still very relevant. At the same time, we hope those who are in a position to adopt and have been considering doing so will take this as a sign to stop by and give a great dog a home.”
Come Adopt!
The adoptathon takes place Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 at all four MSPCA-Angell adoption centers in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod.
“We’re pulling out all the stops to help more dogs get adopted, so stay tuned for the weeks ahead! It’s an all-hands-on-deck effort as we work to free up kennel space and continue saying “yes” to other animals who need us. Now come out and adopt!”
Open adoption hours vary by location. More information is available at mspca.org/feewaived.
