BOSTON — MSPCA-Angell and six of its Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support coalition partners are waiving adoption fees for dogs ages 1 and older during a weekend-long, soccer-themed event, the organizations announced Tuesday.
Inspired by the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup, World Pup is the second of three adoption events taking place this summer to help maintain momentum during a time when dog adoptions have historically slowed. The event, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and MetLife Pet Insurance, will be held on Friday through Sunday.
“Summer is a challenging time for shelters because we’re facing pressure from both sides – intake is especially high, while in past summers, adoptions have dipped,” said Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division. “That means we have to get creative about helping dogs find homes and making sure there’s space available for the next animal who needs us.”
“One way we’ve addressed this is by hosting fee-waived adoption events throughout the summer. Teaming up with our MASS coalition partners has made that approach even more successful, helping more animals across the state find homes faster while creating space for other animals in need.”
The event comes as the MASS coalition celebrates its two-year anniversary this month. Since its formation, 1,350 dogs and 357 cats have found homes during MASS coalition adoption events.
“We first came together to find targeted solutions to challenges affecting the animal welfare community,” Garabedian explained. “Since then, we’ve made meaningful progress, expanded our network, and continue to work together to help more animals and their families.”
The World Pup adopt-a-thon takes place at all four MSPCA-Angell adoption centers (in Boston, Methuen, Salem and Centerville on Cape Cod), as well as Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Dakin Humane Society, Lowell Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League.
“It’s exciting to have so many shelters participating because it means we’re reaching adopters in communities all throughout Massachusetts,” Garabedian said. “Together, we’re able to make an even greater impact than we could on our own. That collaboration helps more animals find homes while ensuring we have the capacity to care for those who need us next.”
MSPCA-Angell adoption fees are partially subsidized by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and MetLife Pet Insurance.
“We’re grateful to Hill’s Pet Nutrition and MetLife Pet Insurance for co-sponsoring this event. Their continued support has helped improve outcomes for countless animals in our care,” Garabedian said.
Open adoption hours vary by location. More information may be found at mspca.org/feewaived.