BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2026 – The MSPCA-Angell and several shelters throughout Massachusetts, including Baypath, will waive adoption fees for all animals in their care who have been waiting a little longer to find their perfect matches. The organizations announced this today.

“The majority of our events in the past year have focused on dogs, which makes sense given the capacity challenges our shelter partners and we often have,” explained Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division. 

“That’s still true,” Garabedian said. “But lately—whether from law enforcement activity, owner surrenders, or out-of-state transports—we’ve been receiving a wider variety of animals. Capacity remains tight across the board.” She added that the shelter doubled its regularly scheduled cat transport from ACCT Philly on February 10 to manage a recent large intake.

“Given that we always want to have the space and ability to answer the call whenever animals need help, we thought it made sense to do something different—and quite frankly ambitious—by waiving fees for all species.”

“And what better time than Valentine’s Day when people are already thinking about finding their perfect match!” she added.

Worth the Wait—A Special Adoption Event

The adoptathon takes place Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15, during open hours at all four MSPCA-Angell shelters (in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod). It also takes place at Lowell Humane Society, Baypath Humane Society, and Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center (TJO). 

“The shelter environment stresses many animals—even with everything we do to keep them comfortable,” Garabedian said. “The longer they stay, the more their well-being declines.” She explained that extended stays also limit the space needed for incoming animals.

“All of the pets in our care are equally worthy of finding homes where they’ll get the love and attention they deserve,” Garabedian added.

Hours vary by location. For more information: mspca.org/feewaived.

The gallery was not found!