Go Big & Go Home: MSPCA, Northeast Animal Shelter of Salem Waive Large Dog Adoption Fees

SALEM, MA — For the second time in the past month, MSPCA-Angell and the Northeast Animal Shelter of Salem are waiving adoption feeds on certain breeds of dogs in an effort to help clear the shelters amid what they have called a "dog euthanasia crisis" nationwide.

Through Sunday, the adoption fee for large-breed adult dogs aged 1 year and up will be waived.

The adoption incentive is taking place amid the overpopulation of dogs living in U.S. shelters and with the MSPCA and Northeast shelters at 90 percent capacity.

"But we're determined to do everything we can to continue to help our relocation partner shelters, as well as to provide a safe place for local surrenders to land," MSPCA-Angell said. "To do this, we're hoping to find homes for as many dogs as possible."

(Also on Patch: MA Bill Aims To End Dog-Breed Discrimination In Housing, Insurance)

MSPCA-Angell and Northeast Animal Shelter will be hosting a series of adoption events on the second week of every summer month.

Available dogs can be viewed here. The shelters also carry needed supplies such as food, toys, crates and other essentials for potential adopters.

The MSPCA and Northeast Animal Shelter said it placed 250 dogs in June — more than in any single month in the MSPCA's 150-year history — during the "Hot Fur Summer" push that included waiving the adoption fee for older and larger-breed dogs.

MSPCA Director of Adoption Centers and Programs Mike Keiley said 100 dogs were placed from June 12 to June 18 alone, in addition to 155 more cats, farm animals and small pets.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)