MSPCA-Angell, MASS Coalition Partners Kick Off Summer Adoption Series with Fee-Waived Event

One of Several Initiatives to Find Homes for More Dogs

BOSTON, June 17, 2026 – The MSPCA-Angell and two of its Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support (MASS) coalition partners are hosting a fee-waived adoptathon for dogs aged one year and older, the organization announced today.

The event—called Pup Island, inspired by the popular reality TV show—will take place on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. It is the first of three adoptathons to be held this summer as part of an ongoing effort to drive dog adoptions and free up kennel space during a historically busy intake season.

According to Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, animal intake at the MSPCA-Angell increased by roughly 27% during July and August of last year.

“Now that summer’s underway, it’s important that we stay on top of capacity for dogs in our shelters, a challenge many animal welfare organizations across the country continue to face,” Garabedian explained. “We want to ensure we have the space for the next animal who needs us while continuing to support our local and Southern shelter partners.”

“Summer is also a great time to adopt,” added Garabedian. “Families often have more time at home to help acclimate a new pet to their surroundings. By hosting events like this and continuously exploring other ideas to introduce more people to the animals in our shelters, we’re hoping to find homes for more dogs.”

A First for Dog Adoptions

For the first time in its history, the MSPCA-Angell will be extending dog-specific adoption hours to help reach more prospective adopters.

“Another way we’re adapting our strategies to keep dogs moving into homes and stay ahead of intake is by providing more chances for people to come in and start the matchmaking process,” said Garabedian.

Data collected by Shelterluv in 2025 found that more than 55% of adoptions took place between 5 and 8 p.m.

Dog adoption hours will be extended until 7 p.m. on Thursdays starting June 25 at the MSPCA-Angell’s Boston, Methuen, and Salem adoption centers, and on Wednesdays starting July 1 at its Cape Cod Adoption Center. Adoption fees will not be waived during these hours.

“Offering evening hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays helps us build momentum heading into the weekend, when adoption numbers are typically at their highest,” Garabedian said. “It gives adopters more flexibility to visit and staff more time to finalize matches.”

“If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog, we want to make adoption as accessible as possible and remove any barriers that may be keeping you from coming in.”

Your Summer of Love Starts Now!

The Pup Island adoptathon takes place Saturday, June 20 through Sunday, June 21 at all four MSPCA-Angell adoption centers (in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod), as well as Berkshire Humane Society. Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center will take part in the event on Saturday, June 20 only.

“We’re pulling out all the stops this summer to keep adoptions going. With all of the shelters participating in this event, there are a lot of opportunities for people to connect with great dogs all across the state.”

Open adoption hours vary by location. More information may be found at mspca.org/feewaived.

Information on future summer adoption events will be announced when it is available.