The Animal Rescue League of Boston, founded in 1899, is a private nonprofit separate from the MSPCA. It runs adoption centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, a cruelty law enforcement team staffed by state police special officers, a public clinic called Boston Veterinary Care, and the Spay Waggin mobile clinic. Here is how adoption, cruelty reporting, and its services work.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston, founded in 1899, is an independent nonprofit, separate from the MSPCA. It runs three centers, in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster on Cape Cod, plus community wellness clinics in Boston neighborhoods.
One of its distinctive roles is law enforcement. Its officers are sworn Massachusetts State Police special officers who investigate cruelty and neglect statewide, assist local police and animal control officers, and enforce laws on tethering and leaving pets in hot cars. To report cruelty, call (617) 426-9170, extension 110.
Adoption fees, in effect since January 2025, are tiered by age. Each adoption includes spay or neuter, an exam and health screening, vaccinations, a microchip with registration, a heartworm test and preventative for dogs, flea and tick treatment, deworming, and a starter bag of food.
| Animal | Adoption fee |
|---|---|
| Dog, under 1 year | $600 |
| Dog, 1 to 9 years | $480 |
| Dog, 10 and older | $300 |
| Cat, 1 year or under | $400 |
| Cat, 1 to 10 years | $230 |
| Cat, 11 and older | $150 |
Adoption is by appointment on Tuesdays, 1 to 6 p.m., and walk-in Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m., with the centers closed Mondays and holidays.
Boston Veterinary Care is a full-service clinic whose profits help fund the shelter, and the Spay Waggin mobile clinic brings spay and neuter to communities that need it, performing 4,799 surgeries in 2024. The organization also runs community cat and field services. In 2024 it served more than 23,900 animals.
Volunteers must be 16 or older with a six-month commitment, and foster homes are supported with all veterinary care, food, and supplies. ARL Boston holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 95 percent score and the Candid Platinum Seal. Its EIN is 04-2103714.
Dogs, cats, and small animals in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster.
State police special officers investigate cruelty statewide.
A full-service public clinic whose profits fund the shelter.
A mobile spay and neuter clinic; 4,799 surgeries in 2024.
Rescue and response for animals in need.
Homes supported with all veterinary care, food, and supplies.
Sources: Animal Rescue League of Boston (arlboston.org) adoption, law enforcement, and Boston Veterinary Care pages; reported 2024 impact figures; Charity Navigator and Candid (EIN 04-2103714). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Animal Rescue League of Boston and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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