New York City Rescue Cats Arrive In Boston In Search Of Forever Homes

BOSTON — Rescue cats from overcapacity shelters in New York City were set to arrive in Boston on Wednesday as the Animal Rescue League of Boston seeks to find forever homes for the kitties after the Animal Care Centers of NYC said it could no longer accept surrenders last month.

The NYC shelters said in July that they would no longer take animals because of "critical capacity issues" with more than 1,000 pets in their care. The ARL reached out to offer assistance a month ago to help alleviate the space crunch and find cats their path to adoption in New England.

An ARL spokesperson said local shelters are also experiencing a rising number of pet surrenders due, in part, to the housing crisis, rising cost of living, and lack of access to affordable and quality veterinary care.

This year, the ARL has seen a 78 percent increase in pet surrenders due to cost. This summer, ARL has seen a 95 percent increase in intakes from Animal Control officers throughout Massachusetts.

ARL strives to keep pets in homes with their owners, and offers those in need pet food for their animals, pet supplies, affordable veterinary care, and temporary pet housing. ARL also supports legislation to increase pet-friendly housing in Massachusetts.

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