MSPCA Hosts All-Ages Dog Adoption Event with Fees Waived

The animal shelter aims to find homes for over 100 rescue dogs during Patriots Day weekend.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:22pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a person's hand gently petting the head of a happy dog in a grassy outdoor setting, with soft pools of warm, colorful light in the background, conveying the emotional connection between a person and their new pet.The MSPCA-Angell's fee-waived dog adoption event aims to connect rescue pups with loving new families during the spring season.Salem Today

The MSPCA-Angell and Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts are hosting a fee-waived dog adoption event from Friday through Sunday. The event is timed to coincide with school vacation week, and all dogs regardless of size and age will be eligible for adoption with no fees. The shelters hope to find homes for over 100 rescue dogs during the three-day event.

Why it matters

Animal shelters often see an influx of surrendered and stray animals during the spring and summer months. This adoption event is an effort by the MSPCA-Angell to help place a large number of dogs into loving homes before the busy season begins, reducing the strain on the shelter's resources.

The details

The fee-waived adoption event will take place at the MSPCA-Angell centers in Boston, Salem, Cape Cod and Methuen, as well as at the Berkshire Humane Society and the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center. The shelters are hoping to build on the momentum from a previous fee-waived event held before February school vacation, where over 200 animals were adopted.

  • The adoption event will run from Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • The event is timed to coincide with school vacation week in Massachusetts.

The players

MSPCA-Angell

A non-profit animal welfare organization that operates animal shelters and provides veterinary services in Massachusetts.

Northeast Animal Shelter

A non-profit animal shelter located in Salem, Massachusetts that partners with the MSPCA-Angell.

Jamie Garabedian

Project manager in the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division.

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What they’re saying

“If you've been thinking about adding a dog to your family, this could be your sign. Spring is a great time to adopt, especially during school vacation week— warmer weather makes it easier to get outside and helps jumpstart the bonding process with your new pet.”

— Jamie Garabedian, Project manager, MSPCA-Angell Animal Protection Division

“By including dogs of all ages, we're optimistic we can connect with a wide range of adopters and kick off what we expect will be another high-volume season on the right foot.”

— Jamie Garabedian, Project manager, MSPCA-Angell Animal Protection Division

What’s next

The MSPCA-Angell and Northeast Animal Shelter hope that the fee-waived adoption event will help them place a large number of rescue dogs into loving homes before the busy summer season begins, reducing the strain on the shelters' resources.

The takeaway

This adoption event highlights the ongoing need for animal shelters to find homes for rescue dogs, especially during the spring and summer months when shelter populations tend to increase. By waiving adoption fees and timing the event to coincide with school vacation, the MSPCA-Angell and Northeast Animal Shelter are making it easier for families to add a new furry member to their households.