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Boston's Best Pet Rescue Shelters

In Boston, numerous shelters will take in animals that are in danger. These caring organizations give our fuzzy friends great care until they're recuperated from their ordeals and then adopted out to loving families. Therefore, when it comes time to get an animal in Boston, these shelters should be the first stop.
alliance for animals
Photo credit: Facebook/Alliance for Animals

Alliance For Animals
232 Silver St.
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 268-7800
www.afaboston.org

Alliance for Animals is not just a rescue shelter; it's also an advocacy center for animals in need. One of the goals of the organization is to ensure that healthy and adoptable animals are not euthanized. It also makes the public aware of ways to keep this from happening. However, one of the best features of Alliance for Animals is the offering of affordable veterinary care to local animals. Spaying, neutering and basic health care are the cornerstones to animal control and public health, so affordable options are a public service that all neighborhoods can benefit from.

city of boston animal shelter
File photo (City of Boston Animal Shelter)

City Of Boston Animal Shelter
26 Mahler Road
Roslindale, MA 02131
(617) 635-1800
www.cityofboston.gov

The City of Boston Animal Shelter is run by the city and therefore is linked to all of the city's Animal Control programs. Among these programs are affordable vaccinations at clinics, affordable dog licensing and ample volunteer opportunities for animal lovers. Residents who want to adopt an animal need only visit the adoption center at the shelter. Those who cannot adopt or want to do something more can look for volunteer needs in Animal Control and the shelter.

Related: Pet Parade: Northeast Animal Shelter

mspca
Photo credit: Facebook/MSPCA Boston Adoption Center

MSPCA Boston Adoption Center
350 South Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-5055
www.mspca.org

The MSPCA is an organization known for its assistance of animals of all shapes and sizes. It even has rescue programs for farm animals that give everything from goats to cows a second chance. The Boston Adoption Center has education, foster and volunteer programs that make it stand out among other area shelters. Moreover, it keeps listings of adoptable animals online so hopeful adopters can find the pet they want from home before coming into the shelter. Animals looking for homes include rats, mice, bunnies, dogs, cats and birds.

animal rescue league
Photo credit: Facebook/Animal Rescue League of Boston

Animal Rescue League Of Boston: Boston Shelter
10 Chandler St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 426-9170
www.arlboston.org

The Animal Rescue League of Boston is an organization that deals with rescuing both domestic and wild animals with a huge variety of needs. From protecting animals from neglect to sheltering animals that have lost their owners, the ARL does everything. For more than 100 years, wildlife and domestic animals have benefited from the rescue efforts of volunteers and employees working with the ARL. One of the best ways to help it keep up this tradition is to rescue one of its animals.

gifford cat shelter
Photo credit: Gifford Cat Shelter

Gifford Cat Shelter
30 Undine Road
Brighton, MA 02135
(617) 787-8872
www.giffordcatshelter.org

Not everyone is all about dogs, and that is okay. The Gifford Cat Shelter has plenty of rescues for those who prefer feline friends. This shelter, which has been around for more than 100 years, has no cages and does not euthanize animals. People who are forced to give up their cats can rest assured that this is a safe place to surrender them. Cats housed in this shelter have freedom, health care and a chance to find a forever home while making friends with other cats.

Related: Boston's Best Places To Adopt Puppies And Kittens

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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