Local Shelters Waive Cat Adoption Fees for Halloween Weekend

Local animal shelters are seeking to rehome cats during Halloween weekend by waiving adoption fees. On October 31 and November 1, four MSPCA-Angell locations, as well as the Berkshire Humane Society, Lowell Humane Society, and Baypath Humane Society, will participate in this initiative, which includes approximately 100 cats involved in the Spirit Cat Halloween program.

Alyssa Krieger from MSPCA-Angell noted that the cats available include both shyer ones that require quiet homes and those with special needs, such as Eli, who has a medical condition. This initiative comes as cat surrenders at their shelters have risen by 20% compared to last year.

The program also aims to combat misconceptions surrounding black cats, which are often unfairly stigmatized. Mike Keiley, Vice President of Animal Protection at MSPCA-Angell, explained that some shelters refrain from adopting out black cats in October due to myths surrounding their adoption during this time of year.

Krieger emphasized the urgency of the program, with some cats having been in the shelters for several months. "We are hoping to get every single one of them into homes, so it's going to be a challenge. We need as many people to step up as possible," she stated.