The 9 Best Animal Shelters in Massachusetts!
Whether you’re considering adopting a pet, or you’d like to spend some time giving back to the community, Massachusetts has animal shelters to meet your wants and needs. Check out the following nine—deemed the state’s best—and see where you’d like to adopt from!
Animal Rescue League of Boston
Offering free-of-charge assistance to local families with pets, Animal Rescue League of Boston also features dog-training classes and programs for senior dogs and cats. They’re the only organization in Massachusetts with an animal rescue team. With shelters in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham, they are serving a huge Massachusetts population.
Ellen Gifford Shelter, Brighton, MA
More than 75 percent of cats at this shelter were rescued from hoarders, homelessness, or abandonment. The Ellen Gifford Shelter is determined to find homes for all their cats, but in the meantime, provide them with veterinary care, food, shelter, safety and love. If you’re interested in adopting a cat, check out the website for featured cats.
Quincy Animal Shelter, Quincy, MA
If adopting an animal isn’t in the cards, perhaps fostering one is an option instead. The Quincy Animal Shelter offers programs for both. The shelter has more than 100 volunteers who staff the facility on a daily basis, but they’re often on the lookout to train even more.
Milton Animal League, Milton, MA
Staffed by volunteers, the Milton Animal League is dedicated to rescuing, caring for and adopting out their pets. Run solely by donations, all pets are safe with them until they find new homes.
The Cat Connection, Waltham, MA
There are lots of ways you can help The Cat Connection in Waltham. They are constantly seeking new volunteers, homes for their cats, and donations to keep the facility running properly. The no-kill organization is dedicated to rescuing stray, abandoned, unwanted, injured and/or neglected cats.
Boston Terrier Tea Party Rescue, South Boston, MA
Working to rescue, rehabilitate, foster and adopt out Boston Terriers, the Boston Terrier Tea Party Rescue is one of very few dedicated to just one breed. Many of these dogs come from puppy mills.
Northeast Animal Shelter, Salem, MA
Working in conjunction with Saving Homeless Pets Across America, Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem takes in pets that rescuers in different parts of the country bring to Massachusetts. Their work then becomes finding adoptive families in Massachusetts to give these pets new homes. The shelter also offers assistance to those who can’t afford to spay or neuter their pets.
Kitty Connection, Medford, MA
Adopting, donating, and volunteering are the best ways to help Kitty Connection in Medford. The shelter encourages the adoption of cats by caretakers for seniors, so both can live out their lives with loving companions. Check the website for their wish list.
Second Chance Shelter for Cats, Jamaica Plain, MA
Check out the Pet of the Week at the Second Chance Shelter for Cats and learn his or her story. The no-kill cat shelter works with other area organizations to find forever homes for its feline friends.
