Adopted animals have a different look; do you know why? Because they have lived through the worst, and they know how lucky it is to be in a warm, loving home with a plate of food. Your future adopted pet will give you its eternal gratitude, and you will be able to feel it every day.
We’ve compiled a list of the best animal shelters in Boston, MA.
Top 3 Animal Shelters in Boston
Adoption is an alternative that benefits everyone when it comes to acquiring a pet: the family, animal protection entities, and, of course, the animal itself
Shelters across the country house approximately eight million companion animals each year. Yet, nearly 50% of them are euthanized due to the shelter’s lack of resources.

1)Animal Rescue League of Boston
For over 120 years, The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has responded to the needs of animals and the people who care about them. In fact, we are often the first to respond. With over 1,000 dedicated volunteers and 100 staff members, ARL lends unwavering support to local animals, families, and neighborhoods.
We provide outstanding veterinary care, adoption, and field services. We also confront the root causes of animal cruelty and neglect through special police investigations and advocacy aimed at strengthening the laws that protect animals. Last year alone, 23,938 animals were helped with your support!
Animal Rescue League of Boston Information and Details:
- Mailing Address: 10 Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116, United States
- Website: http://www.arlboston.org/
- Phone: +16174269170

2) MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center
The mission of the MSPCA-Angell is to protect animals, relieve their suffering, advance their health and welfare, prevent cruelty, and work for a just and compassionate society.
We are a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provide direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, we are the second-oldest humane society in the United States. The full name of our organization is the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center, or MSPCA–Angell.
MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center Information and Details:
- Address: 350 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, United States
- Website: http://www.mspca.org/boston
- Phone: +16175225055

3) Ellen Gifford Shelter
At Gifford, cats are free to roam and play. They nap in sunny windows, get plenty of exercise, and enjoy tons of love and attention while they wait for their forever homes. A no-kill shelter, Gifford believes that all cats should have a chance to live their lives free of pain and fear.
No matter their story, every Gifford cat has a future to look forward to. And until they find their new homes, they’ll spend their days in bright, open environments, getting all the love they need!
Ellen Gifford Shelter Information and Details:
- Address: 30 Undine Rd, Brighton, MA 02135, United States
- Website: http://www.giffordcatshelter.org/
- Phone: +16177878872

Animal Rescue & Shelter Online
We hope that one of the shelters listed above can help you find your future pet, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen you can always opt for different alternatives.
For this reason, we’ve added these alternative platforms. These platforms will help you connect with people who have pets for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pet within the comfort of your home.
Pet Finder
Petfinder is an online, searchable database of animals who need homes. It is also a directory of nearly 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Organizations maintain their own home pages and available-pet databases.
Adopt A Pet
If you want to give an abandoned puppy a second chance, a shelter is definitely the place to find a pet.
Adopt a pet is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free.

How much does it cost to adopt an animal from the shelter ?
Generally, An administrative fee ranges between $6 and $25 — sales tax depending on the state apply to all adoptions. This fee covers some of the costs associated with processing adoptions and provides revenue that supports the animal Shelter.
Standard adoption fees
- Dogs and puppies:
$115‒$660 - Cats and kittens:
$35‒$280 - Birds, rabbits, and other small mammals:
$15‒$180
The adoption fee includes:
- Spay/neuter surgery for dogs, cats and rabbits.
- Recommended vaccinations.
- Microchip and registration.
- Initial worming.

Final Thoughts
Remember, it can take a long time for a pet to adjust to a new home. You and your family will need time to adjust. You may notice that your new pet has behavioral problems, fears, phobias, or lacks training. If the adaptation period is long and complex, it’s a good idea to seek the assistance from a vet or a behaviorist.
Share this article with friends and family who are considering getting a dog. Maybe you could inspire her to be a hero and save a pet instead! Adoption is crucial to stop animal abuse and neglect. If you’re thinking of adding a furry member to your family, adopt, don’t buy.