Resources to Help Pet Owners in Eastern MA Keep Their Pets

14 min readJun 28, 2021

Navigation:

Emergency Pet Housing Resources
Payment Plans
Financial Aid Resources
Crowdfunding for Pets
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Resources
Low Cost Veterinary Care
Low Cost Dental Care
Low Cost Vaccinations
Pet Food Pantries
Free Pet Stuff
Basic Behavioral Training

Emergency Pet Housing Resources

ZWB Pet Fostering-to-Return Connection — Boston Area
Eligibility: Open to anyone experiencing hardships including but not limited to housing instability, divorce, job loss, hospitalization, escaping domestic violence, and more. This is a meeting ground for peer-to-peer community help to temporarily house pets.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1064202440700935

ARL’s Temporary Pet Housing Initiative
Eligibility: Any pet owner who may be experiencing housing instability or who may be at imminent risk of homelessness is potentially eligible. To find out if your pet is eligible for temporary housing and for more information, call (617) 426–9170 and dial the extension of the ARL Admissions office nearest you: Boston x140; Dedham x404; Brewster x305
https://www.arlboston.org/temporarypethousing/

ARL’s Keep Pets S.A.F.E program
Eligibility: To qualify for this program, you must be a client of Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC), or ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ AND live in one of the following zip codes: 02119, 02120, 02121, 02122, 0212, 02125 or 02126
https://www.arlboston.org/safe/

Payment Plans

CareCredit
From routine appointments to emergency situations or surgeries, the CareCredit card gives pet owners the peace of mind needed to care for pets big and small.
https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

Financial Aid Resources

Veterinary Funding Assistance Program (FARS)
The mission of the FARS Program is to help cat owners currently facing financial hardships keep pets who would otherwise be surrendered to a shelter or euthanized due to the owner’s inability to afford treatment for illness/injury.
Eligibility: Applications will be qualified based on financial need.
https://mrfrs.org/veterinary-funding-assistance-program/

The Pet Care Assistance program at MSPCA-Angell
Excellent veterinary services are costly and many low-income pet owners need financial support to obtain needed care for their pets. At times when the animal-human relationship is jeopardized and there is truly both a medical and financial need, our financial assistance program lends support.
Eligibility: MSPCA-Angell Pet Care Assistance (PCA) benefits only patients and clients treated at the MSPCA-Angell. While many patients and clients have benefited from PCA and we make every effort to maximize our funding of PCA, the fund is limited and clients must meet financial eligibility criteria in order to qualify.
https://www.mspca.org/programs-resources/pet-care-assistance/

The Sampson Fund
Our Mission: to provide financial assistance for veterinary care for critically ill or injured dogs and cats on Cape Cod and the Islands when owners cannot afford treatment.
https://sampsonfund.org/

The Shadow Fund
Provides limited financial assistance to pets principally residing in the Merrimack Valley, but not limited to the Merrimack Valley. The Shadow Fund generally provides benefits to pets for the purpose of emergency medical care or life threatening disease, unless otherwise approved by the Director.
http://shadowfundne.org/about/

Lists of nation-wide financial aid programs
https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/financial-aid-pets
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/are-you-having-trouble-affording-your-pet#Massachusetts

Crowdfunding for Pets

Waggle
We let your pet’s health care team know that their patient is on Waggle, and work collaboratively with them. We certify a treatment estimate that is stated on your pet’s Waggle page.
https://waggle.org/

Low cost Spay/Neuter Resources

State-wide

Mass Animal Fund’s Spay/Neuter Voucher Program
Do you own a cat or dog that is not spayed or neutered? Is the cost of surgery a financial hardship for you or your family? The Mass Animal Fund can provide free spay/neuter vouchers to low-income residents for their cats and dogs. If you are eligible to receive government help such as: (TAFDC, SSI, VS, SNAP, WIC, etc.) you can qualify. Massachusetts residents who qualify can apply by contacting their local animal control officer.
Eligibility: https://www.mass.gov/doc/spayneuter-voucher-program-animal-eligibility-chart/download
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/spayneuter-voucher-program

Low cost spay/neuter finder tool
http://massanimalcoalition.org/resources/spay-neuter/spay-neuter-map/

Boston

ARL’s Spay Waggin’
If getting your pet spayed or neutered is cost-prohibitive, The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Spay Waggin’ can help. The Spay Waggin’ provides high-quality, affordable spay/neuter services to animals in need on Cape Cod and the South Shore. The Spay Waggin’ rotates through the following stops throughout Southeastern Massachusetts: Brockton, Boston, Falmouth, New Bedford, North Dartmouth, Plymouth, Taunton, and Wareham.

https://www.arlboston.org/services/spay-waggin/

Allston

ARL’s Community Surgical Clinic
Located at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center, provides low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs by using a voucher provided by the Massachusetts Animal Fund. Vouchers are available based on need through your local animal control officer.

https://www.arlboston.org/services/community-vet-services/

Dorchester

MSPCA Angell
Key Services Offered to Residents of Dorchester, 02121:
• Free spay/neuter services for dogs and cats — Surgery packages include a physical exam, rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, nail trim and microchip.
• Subsidized medical care that extends beyond a wellness exam for animals at risk with a good prognosis.
• Free yearly vaccine clinics hosted within the community
• Free pet food and pet care supplies
• Free behavioral advice
• Free transportation to veterinary appointments
https://www.mspca.org/pet_resources/dorchester/

Come Together Animal Clinic, Inc.
Dedicated to helping inner-city pet owners afford low cost, quality health care they deserve for their beloved pets, who would otherwise suffer in silence, or have to be euthanized (put to sleep) because their caretakers couldn’t afford a spay or neuter, or a life-saving surgical procedure.
https://www.facebook.com/lowcostanimalcare/

East Boston

ARL’s Wellness Waggin’
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is excited to offer high-quality, low-cost pet wellness care for residents of Dorchester, Roxbury Mattapan, and East Boston in partnership with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) through its new Wellness Waggin’, a mobile veterinary unit outfitted with an exam room and a surgical suite.
https://www.arlboston.org/wellness-waggin/

Jamaica Plain

MSPCA-Angell Clinic Boston
Offers low cost spay/neuter services to dogs and cats of low income residents in the greater Boston area.

Brockton

Centerville

MSPCA-Angell Clinic Cape Cod
Offers low cost spay/neuter services to dogs and cats of low income Cape Cod and South Shore residents.
https://www.mspca.org/programs-resources/spay-neuter-services/mspca-cape-cod-spayneuter-programs/

Chelsea

MSPCA partnered with HubCats Chelsea
Provides free or reduced-cost spay/neuter packages to residents of Chelsea for their cats and dogs, for those who qualify; clients most in need financially will be prioritized. Packages include spay or neuter surgery, rabies and distemper vaccines, microchip, and nail trim. For both programs, you must qualify financially and will be required to provide proof of residency.
http://hubcatschelsea.com/blog/?page_id=1797

Falmouth

Hyannis

MSPCA Angell
• Low Cost Spay/Neuter Services for Dogs and Cats
• Free Pet Food and Pet Care Supplies (call us for information on one of our food pantry partners in your area)
• Free Behavior Hotline and Personalized Behavior Consultations
• Pop-Up Neighborhood Vaccination clinics
• Free Transportation to Veterinary Appointments
https://www.mspca.org/pet_resources/hyannis-community-outreach/

Lawrence

Lowell

The MSPCA at Nevins Farm and Lowell Humane Society
• Low Cost Spay/Neuter Services for Dogs and Cats
• Low Cost Wellness Veterinary Exams which include a physical exam, rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, and microchip.
• Free Pet Food and Pet Care Supplies (call us for information on one of our food pantry partners in your area)
• Free Behavior Hotline
• Pop-Up Neighborhood Vaccination clinics
• Free Transportation to Veterinary Appointments
https://www.mspca.org/pet_resources/lowell-partners-for-pets/

Methuen

MSPCA-Angell Clinic at Nevins Farm
The MSPCA-Angell Clinic at Nevins Farm offers low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats of low income Merrimack Valley residents.
https://www.mspca.org/programs-resources/spay-neuter-services/mspca-at-nevins-farm-spayneuter-programs/

New Bedford

North Dartmouth

North Grafton

The Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic
Provides students at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University with opportunities for surgical training while serving pets in need.
https://vetmed.tufts.edu/lerner-spay-neuter-clinic/

Plymouth

Salem

The Mother Spay Program
Created after many years and many boxes of baby kittens being brought to the Shelter. Something needed to be done to break the never-ending cycle of unwanted animals! So, we started the Mother Spay Program. When people bring litters to us, we offer to spay the mom at the Shelter’s expense or with the request of a small donation. This way, families are able to keep their mother cats, but we don’t see the same mama’s over and over again with new litters of kittens.
https://www.northeastanimalshelter.org/our-programs/spay-and-neuter-assistance/

Taunton

Wareham

Westford

Angell at Nashoba
The Angell at Nashoba clinic in Westford, MA offers low cost spay/neuter, vaccination, and basic veterinary care services to qualifying pet owners in need. With care provided by Dr. Laurence Sawyer and her team, the Clinic also serves as a rigorous academic and experiential training program for students enrolled at Nashoba Valley Technical High School.
https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/nashoba/

Low Cost Veterinary Care

Boston

Allston

Merwin Memorial Free Clinic for Animals
Founded on the principle that no pet should be denied medical care due to the financial status of its owner, the Merwin Animal Clinic provides free or low cost medical care to walk-in patrons.
https://merwinclinic.org/

Dorchester

East Boston

Danvers

Angell at Essex
Angell Animal Medical Center has partnered with Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School (Essex Tech) in Danvers, Massachusetts to create Angell at Essex, a not-for-profit veterinary clinic dedicated to providing quality veterinary care to the general public, including deeply discounted services for qualified low-income families.
https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/angell-at-essex/

Hyannis

Lawrence

Lowell

Mattapan

Roxbury

Worcester

Tufts at Tech
Under the leadership of Dr. Greg Wolfus, the Tufts at Tech student-run veterinary clinic provides low-cost care for family pets within Central Massachusetts’ underserved communities. Together, Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Worcester Technical High School address the healthcare needs of the area’s beloved animal companions.
https://vetmed.tufts.edu/tufts-at-tech/

Worcester Community Veterinary Hospital
Our hospitals are open to everyone and offer subsidized rates for qualified households as part of our Community Healthy Initiative Program (CHIP). These reduced fees are only available to those that qualify. You must meet the income requirement to receive the subsidized rates. Those that do not qualify pay the regular fees and all proceeds benefit the programs that help pets in need.
https://www.secondchanceanimals.org/vetcare/

Westford

Low Cost Dental Care

Boston

Dorchester

Dedham

Dedham Animal Rescue League Community Clinic
Provides dental cleanings for $250. Call 781–326–0729.

Worcester

Low Cost Vaccinations

State-wide

Vetco Vaccination Clinic
We’re committed to delivering compassionate vet care with a broad range of affordable, personalized solutions. Any time your pet needs vaccination services, our licensed vets are here to help.
https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/vaccination-clinics-by-state/massachusetts-vaccination-clinics/

Westford

Pet Food Pantries

Arlington

Arlington Pet Food Pantry
Contact them via their FB page for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/Arlington-Pet-Food-Pantry-102579731353594/

Dorchester

The Community Corner
282 Talbot Avenue Dorchester, MA 02124
Check their FB page for times:
https://www.facebook.com/TheCommunityCorner/

Chelsea

Salvation Army Chelsea
258 Chestnut St, Chelsea, MA 02150
Check their website for times:
https://massachusetts.salvationarmy.org/MA/Chelsea

SELAH — Chelsea Day Reource Center
738 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150
Check their Facebook for times:
https://www.facebook.com/SelahCDRC/

St. Luke’s Food Pantry
201 Washington Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150
Check their website for times:
http://www.lukelucas.org/outreach/food-pantry.html

Hanson

The Hanson Food Pantry
(via South Shore Pet Food Pantry)
228 High St, Hanson, MA 02341
Check their FB page for times:
https://www.facebook.com/Hanson-Food-Pantry-2015-375916832588832/

Lexington

Lexington Food Pantry
6 Meriam Street, Lexington, Massachusetts
Check their website for times:
https://www.lexingtonfoodpantry.org/current-operations.html

Lowell

Lowell Humane Society
951 Broadway Street Lowell, MA 01854
Contact them for hours:
http://www.lowellhumanesociety.org/pet-food-pantry

Kingston

Friends of the Plymouth Pound
101 Kingston Collection Way, Kingston, MA 02364
Check their website for times:
https://www.friendsplymouthpound.org/who-we-are

Lynnfield

Good Hope Food Pantry at the Calvary Christian Church
47 Grove St, Lynnfield, MA 01940
Check their website for times:
https://www.avemarialynnfield.org/charity/good-hope-foods-calvary-christian-church

Medford

Community Cupboard Food Pantry at The Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford
147 High St. Medford, MA 02155
Check their website for times:
https://uumedford.org/connection/food-pantry/

Pembroke

Pembroke Firehouse Pantry
(via South Shore Pet Food Pantry)
32 School St, Pembroke, MA 02359
Right inside the Pembroke Firehouse, Station #1
Check their FB page for times:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/430492080468266

Quincy

Interfaith Social Services
(via South Shore Pet Food Pantry)
105 Adams St., Quincy, MA 02169
Check their website for times:
https://interfaithsocialservices.org/food/

Wakefield

PAWS Wakefield
411 Lowell Street, Wakefield MA 01880
Check their FB page for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/PAWS.01880/posts/paws-pet-food-pantry-open-today-tuesday-july-21-1pm-5pmif-youre-struggling-to-fe/10157060023241296/

Salem

Northeast Animal Shelter
347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 0197
Check their FB page for pet food pantry events:
https://www.facebook.com/northeastanimalshelter/events/

South Boston

Fourth Presbyterian Church
340 Dorchester St, Boston, MA 02127
(via South Shore Pet Food Pantry)
Check their website for more info:
https://www.fourthboston.org/ministries/foodpantry/

Weymouth

The Weymouth Food Pantry
(via South Shore Pet Food Pantry)
Check their website for times and locations:
https://www.weymouthfoodpantry.org/

Free Pet Stuff

ZWB Pet Supplies Exchange — Boston Area
https://www.facebook.com/groups/429259821470086

Boston Queers with Pets!
(Item posts welcome)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2194855890575724/

Note: You can also check your local Everything Free or Buy Nothing FB groups for pet stuff

Basic Behavioral Training

ARL Free Pet Behavior Helpline
call (617) 226–5666
or email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org
For more information about the helpline:
https://www.arlboston.org/services/pet-behavior-helpline

Resources to Help Pet Owners in Eastern MA Keep Their Pets

Navigation:

Emergency Pet Housing Resources

Payment Plans

Financial Aid Resources

Crowdfunding for Pets

Low cost Spay/Neuter Resources

State-wide

Boston

Brockton

Centerville

Chelsea

Falmouth

Hyannis

Lawrence

Lowell

Methuen

New Bedford

North Dartmouth

North Grafton

Plymouth

Salem

Taunton

Wareham

Westford

Low Cost Veterinary Care

Boston

Danvers

Hyannis

Lawrence

Lowell

Mattapan

Roxbury

Worcester

Westford

Low Cost Dental Care

Boston

Dedham

Worcester

Low Cost Vaccinations

State-wide

Westford

Pet Food Pantries

Arlington

Dorchester

Chelsea

Hanson

Lexington

Lowell

Kingston

Lynnfield

Medford

Pembroke

Quincy

Wakefield

Salem

South Boston

Weymouth

Free Pet Stuff

Basic Behavioral Training

Written by Amy Collier