Mass. animal groups team up to address state dog adoption crisis

“The issues facing animal welfare right now are daunting, to say the least,” said Mike Keiley, the vice president of animal protection at MSPCA-Angell. “So, we’re going to start at the top with one of the most pervasive issues we’re experiencing, and that’s the dog population crisis.”

The coalition includes the Worcester Animal Rescue League, Boston Animal Control, Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center and Dakin Humane Society, both in Springfield, and Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield. It’s funded by the Best Friends Animal Society, a national shelter organization.

The coalition’s first act will start next week, with a fee-waived adoption event called “Mass Saves” for dogs one year or older, the statement said. The event will run from Monday to July 21, with specific hours by location.

The hope is that more dogs will be adopted, making space in shelters for local strays or pets who no longer have a home, the statement said.

Keiley said that stray cats and dogs are often unable to be housed in shelters, as many are at overcapacity from a decrease in adoption.

“Inflation is a major factor in that slowdown and, knowing that, we’ve been able to successfully change tactics when necessary to rehome animals faster and now, we’re bringing that expertise to our coalition partners,” Keiley said in the statement.

The coalition also hopes to help dogs and cats adjust to shelter life while waiting for a permanent home.

“A large and increasing number of homeless dogs need specialized help from behavior experts to adjust to shelter life long enough to find their adoptive homes,” the statement said.

To help animals struggling to adjust to shelter life, MSPCA-Angell plans to create a behavior outreach role. The person will work with animals at various shelters and help coalition members learn animal behavior remedies.

While working to address the broad challenges of shelter overcapacity and behavior training, MSPCA-Angell hopes to work with partners to solve issues that are unique to parts of Massachusetts, the statement said.

For example, in Springfield, shelters are experiencing an increase in disease outbreaks. Keiley said there needs to be an increase in vaccines, as well as spay and neuter services.

MSPCA-Angell plans to expand its Community Outreach program to Springfield to make animal care more affordable for families in need, the statement said.

“… Expanding this program to Springfield as part of the coalition is a no-brainer, especially considering that a major piece in fighting the dog population crisis is providing resources needed to keep pets in their homes with the families that love them,” Keiley said.

The organization also will work with the Dakin and O’Connor organizations to increase spay and neuter services, the statement said.

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Maeve Lawler can be reached at maeve.lawler@globe.com. Follow her @maeve_lawler.