Massachusetts shelters waive dog adoption fees for “World Pup” weekend

Summer can feel like a double‑edged sword for animal shelters. On the one hand, intake numbers swell as families head outdoors with their pets; on the other, adoption rates usually slump once the heat sets in. That tension is exactly what the MSPCA‑Angell and its Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support (MASS) coalition partners hope to ease with a quirky, soccer‑themed adoption weekend.

From Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, the “World Pup” adoptathon will waive the usual adoption fee for any dog that’s a year old or older. The idea is simple: lower the financial barrier, give the older pups a spotlight, and let families walk away with a new best friend without the extra cost.

“Summer is a challenging time for shelters because we’re facing pressure from both sides—intake is especially high, while adoptions have historically dipped,” explains Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA‑Angell Animal Protection Division. “Fee‑waived events, especially when we team up with the MASS coalition, help us move animals faster and open up space for those who need it most.”

This weekend marks the coalition’s second anniversary. Since its inception, the partnership has facilitated the placement of roughly 1,350 dogs and 357 cats across the Commonwealth. By pooling resources and sharing outreach, each shelter can reach a broader audience than it could on its own.

The rollout is statewide. All four MSPCA‑Angell adoption centers—Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod—will host the event, alongside the Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Dakin Humane Society, Lowell Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League. Each location will have its own set of hours, so prospective adopters should check the specific schedule before heading out.

If you’ve ever thought about adding a dog to your family, now might be the perfect moment. Swing by one of the participating shelters, meet the hopeful pups, and you could walk away with a wagging tail and a waived fee. For details on times and any last‑minute updates, visit mspca.org/feewaived.