SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The MSPCA is working with several animal shelters across Massachusetts to help combat the dog population crisis.
Beginning this week, all dogs aged one year or older will have their adoption fee waived at eight locations. The MSPCA is leading this new coalition of animal welfare groups to help homeless animals find forever homes as well as help manage overpopulation and staffing shortages.
According to MSPCA, since the coronavirus pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of dogs entering shelters and staying there longer. Due to the overpopulation of animals in shelters, the staff and veterinarians have been strained to meet the demands.
RELATED: Cafe donating coffee proceeds to seized dogs’ vet bills “Making space in all of the coalition shelters is vitally important, as it allows us to collectively help more local stray and surrendered pets. Plus, we know that the formula to help dogs most in need right now is combining increased behavior support with reducing time in shelters, so we have the keys to be successful and want to get to work right away!”
The coalition is funded by Best Friends Animal Society and each will work together to improve and save the lives of animals. The groups are not only working to reduce the number of animals in their shelter but also increasing access to affordable spay/neuter services and vaccines, and supplying pet food at local food pantries.
“Our Community Outreach teams are successful at meeting people where they are and building trust with them, which in turn helps us ensure their pets are getting vital care, so expanding this program to Springfield as part of the coalition is a no-brainer, especially considering that a major piece in fighting the dog population crisis is providing resources needed to keep pets in their homes with the families that love them.”
“In Springfield, for example, shelters are seeing a significant increase in disease outbreak in the community,” said Mike Keiley, MSPCA-Angell’s Vice President of Animal Protection. “Because there are vaccines against these diseases — Parvovirus in dogs and Panleukopenia in cats — there’s also a straightforward solution to the problem.”
Mass Saves dog adoption event
The event, called “ Mass Saves ,” begins Monday, July 15, and lasts through Sunday, July 21. All dogs aged one year or older can be adopted without a fee. Those interested in adopting can find the dogs available and more information at mspca.org/dogs .
The following locations are participating in the adoption event. Hours may vary at each center:
“We’ve held special adoption events when our cages are full, and we’ve seen incredible success, which I’m confident we can expand throughout the coalition by working together,” Keiley added, noting that the MSPCA-Angell was able to rehome close to 100 dogs in its last “Adopt-a-Thon.”.
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