Medford's Kitty Connection, Inc. Receives Grant from “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Funds

MEDFORD –May 15, 2026– For the second year in a row, Kitty Connection, Inc. is happy to announce it has received a grant from the Massachusetts “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program. This year’s $3,800 grant will be used towards Kitty Connection’s low-cost spay and neuter services, including support for trap-neuter-release (TNR) efforts in feral cat colony locations.

“Kitty Connection rescues more than 450 homeless animals each year and arranges for their adoption into loving, forever homes in Greater Boston and the North and South Shores of Massachusetts,” Kitty Connection Founder and Director Marie Mazzeo said. “We also offer a low-cost spay and neuter program and fund over 375 spay and neuter procedures for pet owners in need each year. This grant will assist that program. We thank everyone who purchased an “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate for making this possible.”

Funded with extra license plate fees paid by motorists who choose an “I’m Animal Friendly” Massachusetts license plate, grants are awarded annually by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) to organizations that demonstrate a need for funding and provide low-cost spay/neuter programs.

Mazzeo said supporting spay and neuter programs for feral cats is particularly challenging, since there are no current owners or future adopters to share the cost. Kitty Connection’s 2026 MAC grant is $2,800 more than received last year and enables Kitty Connection to continue its TNR efforts in cat colonies around Greater Boston – a strategy that is proven to be a humane and effective way to limit the growth of feral colonies and keep them healthy. Kitty Connection trapped and spayed or neutered 67 feral cats in 2025, at a cost of over $8,400.

With the cost of veterinary care increasing, donations to this program are always needed and welcome, Mazzeo said. For more information about Kitty Connection’s low-cost spay and neuter program, email lowcost@kittyconnection.net. To donate, visit www.kittyconnection.net/donate/.Donations can be made via check or through Kitty Connection’s PayPal Giving Fund or Venmo account.

Participation in Kitty Connection’s current and upcoming fundraisers is another way to donate. Opportunities include:

·A Pampered Chef fundraiser through June 30 (https://table.pamperedchef.com/party/2668887gfz);

·Kitty Connection’s table at the June 4 Medford Farmer’s Market, Condon Shell Park, Route 16 in Medford;

·An online Paw and Play Mini Auction June 12-14 (check www.kittyconnection.net for details); and

·A fundraiser featuring dining, raffles, and sale of Kitty Connection themed merchandise at The Ford Tavern, 61 Locust Street, Medford on July 21.

About the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and the “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Program

• Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) is a statewide, non-profit organization

comprised of animal welfare professionals and individual volunteers dedicated to working together to decrease the number of homeless, neglected, displaced and abused animals in Massachusetts. MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program helps fund spay and neuter programs across the state. These charitable plates are available through Massachusetts RMV and are tax deductible. www.petplate.org

About Kitty Connection, Inc. - Kitty Connection is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to rescuing homeless, abandoned, abused and unwanted cats and dogs. We are a network of foster homes with an extensive volunteer community that assists with a wide range of daily responsibilities, including adoptions into forever homes, transportation to veterinary appointments, fundraising and communications. Kitty Connection also provides low-cost spay/neuter programs to pet owners in need and works to educate the public on the importance of responsible pet ownership.