Salem Shelter Guinea Pigs, Rabbits In 'Urgent' Need Of Holiday Homes

SALEM, MA — Those looking to stuff someone's stocking with a new furry little friend can do so adoption fee-free at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem and MSPCA-Angell centers across the state this weekend.

For the fifth time this year, the Salem shelter is waiving adoption fees on small animals after another large intake of animals in need and what the shelters call an "urgent call for adopters."

Northeast and the MSPCA recently brought in a surrender of 15 parakeets, 12 guinea pigs, six rats and three rabbits from a home in Plymouth County, as well as 16 rabbits from a home in Worcester County.

This is in addition to the surrender of American Bully puppies from a home in Fitchburg last week, and 18 horses from Alford taken in at Nevins Farm in Methuen.

The new guinea pigs and rabbits put the shelters near or over capacity with a 66 percent increase since this time last year.

"The surrenders happened for different reasons," said Bryn Rogers, assistant director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell. "One family became overwhelmed and could no longer care for the animals, while the other began experiencing health problems that impacted their ability to care for their animals."

"Both families recognized that the best outcome for the animals was to surrender them to our care, where we could find them new loving homes."

In addition to the fee reduction for older dogs, Northeast and the MSPCA are offering a special "Home for the Holidays" fee-waiving for rabbits and guinea pigs this weekend where adopters will save $85 per rabbit and $30 per guinea pig — funds that can be put toward care for the new pets.

Those interested in adopting and assuming lifetime care of a small animal in the spirit of the season in Salem can do so here.

"What we're seeing is kind of a perfect storm," Rogers said. "We're getting a high number of surrenders at a time of year when adoptions tend to slow down."

"We really need adopters to step forward and give these small guys a loving home for the holidays to ensure that we're able to continue helping animals who need us."

(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.)