All Dogs Aged One and Older Eligible in “Missed Connections” Event
BOSTON, Feb. 14, 2025 – The MSPCA-Angell and its MASS coalition partners are calling on those who may have missed their human love connection on Valentine’s Day—and all humans with space in their homes and hearts—to consider adopting a dog—and will soon be waiving adoption fees to help make it happen.
During the “Missed Connections” adoption event, which begins Monday, February 17 and runs through Sunday, February 23, fees will be waived for all dogs aged one and older at MSPCA shelters in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod, as well as Baypath Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Berkshire Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League.
“Right now, we’ve got a ton of dogs in our care, and we know that our partners are dealing with the same capacity crunch,” explained Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division. “Valentine’s Day often elicits feelings of love and companionship, things we really want our dogs to experience, so it’s the perfect time to call for adopters.”
The groups hope to rehome 100 dogs across the nine participating shelters, something Garabedian says could not come at a better time.
A ‘Lofty, but Necessary’ Goal
“Our shelters are full because of a decrease in adoptions happening while we’re fighting a battle on two fronts—an increase in local surrenders, plus a huge demand for out-of-state transports,” Garabedian expounded.
“That includes running our Disaster Relief program on overdrive with the Louisiana snow and California fires, while continuing our regular transports of animals from South Carolina that really are a lifeline for our partner shelters there.”
Despite the challenges, the MSPCA-Angell has no plans to slow its transport program, and the group would also like to be in a position to assist when the opportunity arises to help more animals affected by the California fires.
“With Los Angeles, it really is a matter of when, not if, we’ll get the call to help again, considering how immense the need there is,” she elaborated. “But, while all of that is happening, we and our coalition partners are also seeing a lot of animals coming to our shelters through local surrenders.”
Last year, local intake of dogs and cats to the MSPCA-Angell increased by 22% and 23% respectively—meaning nearly 900 more animals needing care.
“Surrenders happen for a variety of reasons—sometimes it’s cost, especially when the economy’s down. Often, it’s housing restrictions that force people into making impossible choices,” added Garabedian.
“Regardless of why the animals are coming to us, everyone in the coalition wants to be there for them, but in order for us to be successful, we also need adopters, and there’s no time like the present!”
Meet Your Missed Connection!
The Missed Connections adoptathon begins Monday, February 17 and runs through Sunday, February 23 during open hours at participating shelters, which vary by location.
During the event, fees will be waived for all dogs aged one and older—fees of hundreds of dollars that can be put toward the care of these new pets.
“We’re asking people to come to our adoption centers and speak with our counselors, who are trained to match you with the right pup for each individual or family’s situation,” explained Garabedian. “There are dozens and dozens of dogs across our organizations, so if you’ve been thinking of adopting, please come see us!”
More information, including hours at each location and links to see what dogs are available, may be found at mspca.org/dogs.
