South End's Animal Rescue League Adoptions Up 15 Percent

After last week's adopt-a-thon at the South End's Animal Rescue League of Boston, the shelter is reporting that adoptions clocked in at more than 1,000 cats and dogs over the course of the summer. 

Cat and dog adoptions were up by more than 15 percent across its shelters in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham.

“We have the most animals coming in during the spring and summer, so we have our work cut out for us every year when it comes to finding them safe and loving homes as quickly as possible to help as many animals as we can," said Maryann Regan, Director of Shelter Operations for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. 

This summer, the League also decided to participate in the 2013 ASPCA Rachel Ray Challenge, a nationwide competition among 50 shelters to increase pet adoptions from June 1 to August 31 and qualify for critical grant money for programs and services.

After three months of community outreach to raise awareness for adopting shelter pets, as well as hosting several successful adoption events including this past weekend’s Adopt-a-thon, the ARL's summer total stands at 1015 adoptions and life-saving transfers. 

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of staff, volunteers, community partners, and the individuals and families who opened their hearts to an animal in need, more cats and dogs—significantly more—found forever homes,” said Mary Nee, president of the ARL. 

Adoptions by the numbers: 

• Boston saw a 5%  increase with 485 dog and cat adoptions during summer 2013 vs. 461 during summer 2012
• Brewster saw a 30% increase with 203 during summer 2013 vs. 141 during summer  2012
• Dedham saw a 29%  increase with 209 during summer 2013 vs. 148 during summer 2012

Canine vs. feline adoptions:

• Boston- 386 cats and 99 dogs
• Brewster-123 cats and 80 dogs
• Dedham-150 cats and 59 dogs