The MSPCA-Angell and five partner shelters in Massachusetts have waived adoption fees for all dogs age 1 and older in a holiday promotion called Snow Place Like Home, aiming to place over 100 dogs during the event, contributing to a coalition goal of 1,000 dogs adopted through similar events. Studies indicate that fee-waived adoption events not only increase adoption rates but also reduce the length of stay for animals in shelters, thus improving overall save rates.

Organizers say the drive, running from December 8 through Sunday, December 14, is intended to reduce euthanasia and improve the wellbeing of animals in the Commonwealth by removing one barrier to adoption during the holiday season. This initiative comes at a crucial time when shelters face increased intake; common reasons for dogs entering shelters include housing issues, personal difficulties, and financial troubles, all of which can peak around the holidays.

The coalition behind the effort formed in July 2024 and includes MSPCA-Angell alongside the Berkshire Humane Society, Worcester Animal Rescue League, Boston Animal Care and Control, and the Baypath Humane Society, among others. The partners are operating the fee-waived promotion at multiple shelters across Massachusetts.

Jamie Garabedian, project manager at MSPCA-Angell, described the coalition’s mission as rooted in lowering shelter deaths and improving animals’ lives. “We started the coalition last year with the goal of reducing euthanasia in shelters across the state and improving the overall wellbeing of animals that call the Commonwealth home,” Garabedian said. Additionally, Garabedian emphasized the ongoing need for community support, noting that individuals can help local shelters not only through adopting pets but also by donating supplies or volunteering their time.

The program specifically targets dogs aged 1 and older, including named animals already available through the promotion: Maize, Nutella, and Cash are listed as available for adoption fee-free. Alyssa Krieger, community outreach director at MSPCA-Angell, is participating in the campaign alongside Garabedian.

Officials framed the timing as intentional. “It’s the holiday season—a time when everyone, including these homeless pets—should be celebrating with family and surrounded by love,” Garabedian said, urging prospective adopters to consider adult dogs through the event. Research shows that the return rates for dogs adopted during fee-waived events are comparable to standard adoptions, demonstrating that many adult animals thrive in new homes.

Shelters in the coalition are combining resources for the run of the promotion through Dec. 14, with the stated goal of moving about 100 dogs into homes during the holiday period and contributing toward broader adoption targets that organizers have articulated as a 1,000-animal objective. This coordinated effort showcases how shelters can work effectively together to streamline the adoption process.

Staff at participating sites are handling screenings, paperwork, and standard adoption procedures while waiving the usual fees for the eligible dogs. The partners named in the campaign include both municipal and nonprofit operations working together to streamline placements at multiple locations across the state.

Garabedian noted common misconceptions that can slow adoptions. “There are a lot of misconceptions about adopting older dogs, like they can’t be playful or energetic,” she said, adding that many adult animals adapt quickly to new homes and thrive. This is crucial information as potential adopters often overlook older pets, who can be wonderful companions.

The promotion highlights how shelters can coordinate around a seasonal push: a single campaign across several organizations that share intake, outreach, and adoption capacity to increase placements. Supporters and staff described steady community interest in fee-waived adoptions during the run.

Prospective adopters can contact MSPCA-Angell or participating shelters for details on available dogs, adoption requirements, and how to begin the process. Named dogs listed in the promotion include Maize, Nutella, and Cash, each described by organizers as eligible for adoption without a fee during the event.

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Original reporting: view the original article.