MSPCA-Angell helping families worried about eviction feed, spay and neuter their pets

BOSTON — Housing advocates predict up to 80,000 Massachusetts residents could lose their homes when the state’s eviction and foreclosure expires in mid-October and back rent is due.

Because of that, the MSPCA is worried about an influx of homeless pets they may have to be put down. Cats, horses and dogs are usually the first to go.

The MSPCA-Angell is mobilizing to keep as many pets with their families. Their community outreach programs have already provided more than 700,000 pet meals and more than 3,300 free or low-cost spay and neuter surgeries and vaccinations in Boston, Lowell and Lawrence.

They recently extended services to Cape Cod where pet owners have dealt with a record number of restaurant and bar closings and a sagging rental market.

“Companion animals are so important to us especially during a pandemic, and we would hate to see a situation where animals are forced to be given up because of eviction issues," said Mike Keiley, Director of Adoption and Programs at MSPCA-Angell. “People are struggling financially and we need to make sure families stay together. So we’re really hoping that extension of the moratorium happens and there’s an overall plan to address housing for people."

MSPCA-Angell has also seen an uptick in emergency case referrals because a lot of vets and veterinary hospitals have had to shut down because of the pandemic.

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