At the Animal Rescue League (ARL), “every day is an adventure,” says President and CEO Edward Schettino, a dedicated veterinarian and animal advocate. Through a variety of programs and services, ARL works to address the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who care for them. 

Every day, the ARL moves animals between its Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster. “If an animal isn’t doing well with the stress and noise of Boston, we bring it out to the Cape,” explains the president. “We typically find that no one, human or animal, wants to leave Brewster after they’ve arrived,” he notes with a laugh. 

The organization’s huge network of volunteers—1,200 strong—complements its 120 full-time employees. “We couldn’t do what we do without them,” says Schettino. “The volunteers do everything from cleaning out paddocks to walking dogs to sitting with smallies [hamsters and guinea pigs].” 

Besides hands-on animal care, some volunteers donate their expertise. Chatham resident and photographer Kim Roderiques, for example, assembles stunning photo books like the uber popular Dogs in the Province Lands. All proceeds benefit the ARL. “I’ve volunteered for a variety of organizations, but I feel particularly passionate about ARL because of the camaraderie among the staff and volunteers,” says Roderiques. “Also, the president, Edward, as a vet, just gets it. He walks the walk and talks the talk.”

Edward Schettino took over the reins at ARL in May 2020, a particularly challenging time. 

“The world was changing daily, and, as an organization that interacts with the public, we had to adapt to keep serving animals and the community,” explains Schettino. “We launched a variety of safety net programs to help struggling pet owners; Covid only exacerbated these struggles. We started delivering pet food and supplies to those in need, and we continued this initiative post-pandemic.”

Other community services include a Wellness Waggin’, which provides under-resourced communities with a physical exam, vaccines, and microchip for $20, and temporary pet housing. “For owners facing housing instability or needing medical care, we will take their pets for up to 120 days,” says Schettino. They are examined by ARL vets and put into foster homes. This program has an impressive 80 percent reunification rate.

Avoiding surrendering is one of ARL’s primary goals. Keeping owners and pets together is a win-win for all, as humans benefit from an animal’s unconditional love just as much as pets benefit from safe and caring homes. According to Schettino, “Sometimes a family struggles with whether to put resources towards their household or pet. Our goal is to avoid them having to make this decision by providing low or no cost care.”

“We operate on the concept of one health: that human and animal health are intertwined,” continues the expert. “You can’t have a healthy community if pets are left out of the equation.” 

The headlines on its news feed say it all. 

“MSPCA-Angell takes in a dozen hound and beagle mixes surrendered from overcrowded South Carolina property.”

“MSPCA-Angell transporting dogs affected by California wildfires to Massachusetts.”

And that’s just a few examples. MSPCA-Angell is all about protecting animals, relieving their suffering, advancing their welfare, preventing cruelty, and working towards a more compassionate society. The nonprofit operates four facilities, with its Cape location centrally located in Centerville. 

“We are lucky to have such a well-integrated system of shelters,” explains Director of Operations Colleen Evans. “We can better meet and support the needs of our animals by shifting cases that may be more successful in a different shelter. Also, we can move animals between locations if we are overloaded.” MSPCA-Angell relocated almost 900 cats from other shelters in 2024, an impressive feat. 

Sheltering animals in need is just part of the equation—the MSPCA also prioritizes well-rounded animal care. Both its spay/neuter clinic and outpatient surgical procedures offer low-cost options for low-income pet owners. “We recognize that many are faced with food insecurity, and our community outreach team provides pet food and supplies to anyone who needs support,” adds Evans. 

Volunteers are a huge part of MSPCA-Angell. They assist with everything from programming and laundry to animal care and surgical recovery. “We have a total of 26 different types of volunteer roles, so there is a task for every interest,” continues Evans. “We would not be able to function without their support.” 

Evans enjoys her work for the nonprofit because every day is unique. “We are always getting new animals in, connecting with new clients, and finding ways to solve challenges. It keeps you on your toes,” says the director, “and I love the different hats we get to wear.” 

Patti Maroney grew up with horses and showed competitively with her sisters for years. Her love of all things equine spurred her to volunteer at a rescue, an experience that opened her eyes to the great need for helping ponies, donkeys, and horses, especially those that are past their prime. 

So, she started her own rescue on her five-and-a-half-acre property in Marstons Mills. Currently, Mills River Rescue and Sanctuary cares for 10 “littles” (ponies, donkeys, and mini horses) and three “bigs” (horses). Besides her charges, Maroney also works actively behind-the-scenes, helping Cape residents and horses in need by arranging for food deliveries and chore help through her horse-loving connections. “We find homes and place ponies without taking them in,” says Maroney.

Mills River rescues hail from a variety of places. Some are rehoused from locals who fell on hard times. Others are saved from auctions (and potential slaughter). Others were neglected or abused. Many are elderly and have medical conditions, which means that the goal is not adoption—the goal is to let them live out their lives safely and peacefully. 

Insulin resistance and sore joints aside, these residents are living their best lives thanks to regular vet care, clean stalls, high-quality feed, and the loving care of Maroney and her crew. “Taking care of the farm is a full-time job and can be exhausting,” admits the director, who also works long hours as a lab tech at our local hospital. “We have a team who handles the morning shift, feeding and cleaning stalls, and then another smaller team who brings in the horses, feeds, puts on blankets, and tucks them in for the night.”

Equines are expensive, and Maroney says she couldn’t keep the nonprofit afloat without help from sponsors, private donations, and volunteers. She schedules a variety of fundraisers year round, from wreath making at Christmas to an open house for Easter. Her favorite events are tea parties for the elderly with prizes and pony fashions. 

For all the freezing mornings and missed vacations, Maroney is quick to note that she wouldn’t have it any other way. She asserts: “These animals gave their whole life to humans, and now they’re old and still deserving of love and care. We believe we owe them something in return.”