Help the Animal Rescue League in Dedham Find Homes for 772 Dogs and Cats

The Animal Rescue League of Boston is close to its goal of finding homes for 1,200 dogs and cats before the August 31 deadline of the 2013 ASPCA Rachael Ray Challenge. 

"Reaching this goal will benefit numerous animals and help the nonprofit qualify for critical grant money to continue its life-saving services," Mia Tavan said. 

In Dedham, the league is trying to find homes for close to 70 adult cats.  The staff feels that there is a surplus of cats because adopters tend to focus on adopting kittens.

According to the organization, the ages of the cats are between one-years-old and five-years-old.

"Sadly, their average stay in the shelter is 31 days, whereas a cat under a year old is typically only in the shelter between three and 14 days,"Tavan said. "A month is a long time for a cat to wait for a home."

Due to a generous donor, the shelter is offering to waive the adoption fee for seven cats that are over five years old.

Maryann Regan, Director of Shelter Operations says that there are many benefits to adopting an adult pet. 

“For the most part, older pets have passed their critical development stages," Regan said. "Therefore, the personality you see is the personality you get. This might help an adopter make a successful match for his or her lifestyle." 

According to Regan, senior animals can be calmer and possible better trained than younger cats.

"Additionally, by adopting an adult cat, you are saving a second animal’s life by freeing up space in the shelter," Tavan said. 

If you would like to learn more about the Challenge and animals that are available for adoption, visit arlboston.org.

Also the Dedham shelter will extend its adoption hours.  On Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, the hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.