MSPCA - Northeast Animal Shelter
Our Mission
At the MSPCA at Northeast Animal Shelter, we are dedicated to bringing pets and people together to build lasting, loving bonds. Our mission is to protect animals, relieve suffering, advance their health, and work toward a compassionate society for all.
A Legacy of Care
Since our founding in 1868, the MSPCA-Angell has been at the forefront of animal protection in the United States. Today, we continue this proud tradition by providing hands-on care for thousands of animals each year, driven by the belief that every animal deserves a voice and a safe place to thrive.
How We Help
Our shelter in Salem serves as a vital resource for the community, providing refuge and medical treatment for owned animals and strays alike. Beyond housing, we prioritize the well-being of every animal through expert veterinary support, behavioral enrichment, and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work daily to ensure each pet is ready for their new home.
Your Adoption Journey
We take a conversational, non-judgmental approach to matchmaking, focusing on the unique personalities and needs of both the animal and the potential adopter. Whether you are looking for a loyal companion or a new family friend, our staff is here to guide you through the process, providing ongoing support long after you have welcomed your pet home.
Join Our Community
Are you ready to find your newest family member? We invite you to visit our adoption center in Salem to meet our currently available animals in person. Please browse our adoptable listings online and discover how you can make a difference in the life of an animal in need today.
Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 29, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 50+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Dedicated and helpful staff
- Successful and thoughtful matchmaking process
- Operational capacity/long wait times
Vetted by
How we assessCoverage We Reviewed
WCVB
10/9 - MSPCA transports dozens of shelter dogs to Mass. ahead of Hurricane Isaias
Hurricane preparedness isn't just for people. MSPCA-Angell is transporting about 30 shelter dogs from Alabama to create critical space for animals in Hurricane Isaias' path.
Salem, MA Patch
9/24 - Fee-Free Shelter Dog Adoption Weekend Aims To Find 100 Pups Forever Homes
MSPCA-Angell said shelter space is short with dog adoptions down 19 percent year over year.
WWLP
9/21 - Help needed as Massachusetts animal shelter takes in dozens of cats
The MSPCA-Angell is urging people to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate after taking in more than 60 cats from two large surrender cases this month, pushing the organization to capacity.
Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
9/16 - Salem MSPCA asking for water donations after nearby water main break - Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
SALEM, MASS. (WHDH) - The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) at Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem is asking for water<a class="excerpt-read-more" href="https://whdh.com/news/salem-mspca-asking-for-water-donations-after-nearby-water-main-break/">Read More</a>
WCVB
8/3 - MSPCA-Angell seeks adopters for 5 severely underweight young dogs
MSPCA-Angell is seeking adopters willing to provide extra care for five young dogs that are recovering in Salem, Massachusetts, after being surrendered from an Essex County property.
Salem, MA Patch
7/15 - Cat Adoption Fees Waived For 1 Day Amid Emergency Shelter Overcrowding
The one-day event on July 17 aims to ease crowding as more than 350 cats are in MSPCA-Angell care and more are expected.
Itemlive
5/3 - Saugus Scout fetches support for Northeast Animal Shelter
SAUGUS — Eagle Scout Candidate Sean Lynch of Troop 62 is currently working on completing his Eagle Scout project to earn the title by gathering donations for the MSPCA-Angell Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem. “My project will be run over the course of two weekends for households between Winter Street and Lincoln Avenue, east of Clinton […]
Recent Videos
10/27 - Last week, the cast of Love is Blind: Boston stopped by our MSPCA-Boston shelter to visit with adoptable dogs. When Morrey overheard us talking about the PETS Act, he immediately wanted to get involved! Morrey grew up in Braintree near a pet store that sells dogs and cats. He told us that he was never comfortable with the retail sale of companion animals and has long been passionate about the idea of ending this practice. So when he heard that we’re working on legislation that could do just that, he jumped on the opportunity to use his voice to help. The PETS Act is what’s known as omnibus legislation, meaning it contains multiple provisions that would strengthen animal protection laws in Massachusetts. A version of the bill passed in the MA Senate, and a slightly different version passed in the MA House of Representatives. They’ve since appointed a committee to work out the differences between the two bills. Once that’s complete, it can move closer to becoming state law. The Senate version contains a provision to end the retail sale of dogs and cats in MA pet shops while allowing stores to continue selling supplies and hosting adoptions for shelters. The vast majority of pet stores here already use this model. The House version does not contain this provision. So, Morrey joined us at the State House to talk with his representative @johnmoranfor9 about his passion for this issue and to tell him that as his constituent he wants this provision included in the final bill!! Thank you Morrey for using your platform to advocate for animals in our state. If YOU want to read more about the PETS Act and how to help, visit mspca.org/petsact now!
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10/26 - Sunshine truly lives up to her name. She’s a big, bright personality with so much love to give, and she enjoys being right in the middle of the action with her people. In the shelter environment she was shy at first, but quickly blossomed into a goofy girl. She loves to explore, play with stuffed animals, and soak up all the attention she can get! Sunshine has big feelings about the volume of other dogs here at the shelter, and is looking for a home where she won’t be required to interact with other dogs, or see many dogs in her environment. It’s a big ask, but when she looks at you with those gorgeous hazel eyes like you’re the only person in the world, you’ll know she’s worth it. If you’re excited about positive reinforcement training and are searching for your other half, Sunshine might be the girl for you! Stop by Northeast Animal Shelter to meet Sunshine. We have open adoption hours Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-5pm - no appointment needed to speak to a staff person regarding available pets
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10/26 - Georgie is a buff boy who is a bit of a busy-body. If something is happening he wants to be in the middle of the action, and he might just cause some ruckus of his own. Georgie is 2 years old and has lived well with other cats so we think a well matched, high energy cat friend would be a great idea for his future home. He is also FIV positive which means those who already have a cat with FIV are a great fit, but studies also show that transmission between cats in stable households is statistically negligible. This means you can consider him even if you don’t have an FIV+ babe already at home. Georgie has good looks, a big personality, and can be a BFF for your lonely cat. He’s basically the whole package! This handsome creamsicle is waiting for you at the Boston adoption center. We have open hours 12-4 Tuesday-Sunday!
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10/25 - Bubba and Misty have lived together their entire lives, and we want them to stay together! Recently, we took in a transport of 33 dogs from Alabama to help evacuate them out of Hurricane Isaias’ path. Bubba and Misty were on that transport together, and now they are ready for adoption! They are sweet and friendly little dogs who are looking for a home together. If you come adopt them today, their adoption fees are waived due to our adoption event for adult dogs! They are at Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem. We have open adoption hours Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-5pm - no appointment needed to speak to a staff person regarding available pets.
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10/24 - Who thinks Wilson owes Rocket a pup cup?? Hereeeeeeeee’s Rocket!!!!! Rocket is a high energy man whose personality packs a big punch! He is a young, exuberant guy who is still learning things like basic manners and leash etiquette and would love an adopter who is excited to continue his positive reinforcement training journey. Rocket is looking to be the only pet at home and could potentially live with older kids who are comfortable with a large, rowdy dog and are excited to participate in his training. Stop by our Boston Adoption Center to meet Rocket. We have open adoption hours Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-4pm - no appointment needed to speak to a staff person regarding available pets. This weekend through October 25th, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs over 1 year old at all four MSPCA adoption centers and our participating partner shelters: Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Lowell Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Care and Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League. Thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for generously subsidizing adoption fees and making this event possible.
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10/23 - Morrey & Mya has a nice ring to it! Say hello to Mya, a bulldog with a soft soul and a whole lot of love to give. This 6-year-old sweetheart has been through several big transitions lately, and is ready to blossom in a home filled with kindness and patience. At first, Mya can be a bit shy—new sights, sounds, and people are still a little overwhelming. But give her a gentle approach and a little time, and you’ll see her true personality begin to shine. She loves easy, slower-paced walks out in the world and snuggling up for some quality couch time with her favorite people. Mya could do well in a home with children who are able to read her body langugage and give her breaks as needed while she settles into her new home. Mya says no thank you to living with cats or dogs, please! If you’re looking for a sweet dog who enjoys a more easygoing pace through life, then come on down to learn more about Mya today! Stop by our Cape Cod Adoption Center to meet Mya. We have open adoption hours Tuesday-Sunday from 1pm-4pm - no appointment needed to speak to a staff person regarding available pets. Starting today through October 25th, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs over 1 year old at all four MSPCA adoption centers and our participating partner shelters: Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Lowell Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Care and Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League. Thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for generously subsidizing adoption fees and making this event possible.
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10/23 - Mark may not have found love in the pods, but we sense a spark with Sunshine!! Sunshine truly lives up to her name. She’s a big, bright personality with so much love to give, and she enjoys being right in the middle of the action with her people. In the shelter environment she was shy at first, but quickly blossomed into a goofy girl. She loves to explore, play with stuffed animals, and soak up all the attention she can get! Sunshine has big feelings about the volume of other dogs here at the shelter, and is looking for a home where she won’t be required to interact with other dogs, or see many dogs in her environment. It’s a big ask, but when she looks at you with those gorgeous hazel eyes like you’re the only person in the world, you’ll know she’s worth it. If you’re excited about positive reinforcement training and are searching for your other half, Sunshine might be the girl for you! Stop by Northeast Animal Shelter to meet Sunshine. We have open adoption hours Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-5pm - no appointment needed to speak to a staff person regarding available pets. Starting today through October 25th, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs over 1 year old at all four MSPCA adoption centers and our participating partner shelters: Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Lowell Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Care and Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League. Thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for generously subsidizing adoption fees and making this event possible.
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10/22 - Across our locations and departments, our days may look a little different, but the mission remains the same. This week, we’re celebrating the people who bring that mission to life each and every day! We couldn’t do it without you!
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10/22 - Sad. Mad. Bad. Not Glad. These are just some of the ways Stormi and Runaway Bride would describe their feelings about being around humans. At 10 weeks old they are already past their peak window of socialization so they’ll each need their own patient, committed family (ideally with an outgoing cat friend as a role model) to put in the hard work getting them to realize that people are good. If you can turn hisses into kisses and have a bit of cat whisperer in you, email cbourgoin@mspca.org or visit the Boston adoption center on Friday to be glared at by the cutest little grumps you ever did see.
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10/22 - We put Cam’s dad jokes to the test with some of our adoptable dogs… what do you think, does Rooney approve?? Rooney is a sweet, more reserved boy looking for his next home. He has shown us that it takes some time for him to get comfortable around new people but once he is comfortable with you will make a great couch potato friend or friend to lay next to you while you work! We don’t have any history on what Rooney’s living situation was like before arriving to our shelter, so we are looking for adopters that are ready to take things at his pace and are excited to learn about his personality as he settles in. We think Rooney could do well in a variety of living situations as long as his future family can go at his pace! Stop by our Boston Adoption Center to meet Rooney. We have open adoption hours Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-4pm - no appointment needed to speak to a staff person regarding available pets. From Oct. 23–25, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs over 1 year old at all four MSPCA adoption centers and our participating partner shelters: Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Lowell Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Care and Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League. Thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for generously subsidizing adoption fees and making this event possible.
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10/22 - This one deserved a spot in the feed!! We love our pets neutered and vaccinated 😍 Sarah from Love is Blind: Boston loved Caylex, and you will too!!! Caylex is an adorable and sensitive guy who is looking for a patient adopter. New things can be overwhelming for him, but as we’ve seen at the shelter with some patience and time he is open to exploration. Caylex would do best in a quieter home with a patient family who is excited to ease him into a new routine at his own pace and start some basic training. Caylex could live with a confident dog friend who can help show him the ropes. Adopters would need to meet on campus with their dog before adoption. Caylex has a history of resource guarding so adopters should be ready to manage things like food and toys especially if introducing him to a home with another dog. Stop by our Boston Adoption Center to meet Caylex. We have open adoption hours Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-4pm - no appointment needed to speak to a staff person regarding available pets. From Oct. 23–25, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs over 1 year old at all four MSPCA adoption centers and our participating partner shelters: Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Lowell Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Care and Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League. Thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for generously subsidizing adoption fees and making this event possible.
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10/22 - Will Lorna find the one this weekend during our “Love is Fee-Waived” adoption event for adult dogs?? Wilson loved her, and you will too!! Lorna is a 3 year old bully mix who is sweet as pie! She loves snacks and while she’s still working on some manners, she’s a fast learner. Stop by our Boston Adoption Center to meet Lorna. We have open adoption hours Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-4pm - no appointment needed to speak to a staff person regarding available pets. From Oct. 23–25, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs over 1 year old at all four MSPCA adoption centers and our participating partner shelters: Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Animal Control, Lowell Humane Society, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Care and Adoption Center, and Worcester Animal Rescue League. Thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for generously subsidizing adoption fees and making this event possible.
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10/20 - Meet the team… with a twist! In honor of Veterinary Technician and Support Staff Appreciation week, we asked our Inpatient team what their patient alert would be if they were a pet here at our hospital. Their responses didn’t disappoint! Along with their ability to bring laughter even on the busiest days, their commitment to the patients in their care is unwavering. From the moment a pet arrives at our ER, our triage technicians and assistants are there to quickly assess their needs and ensure they receive the care they need. Behind the scenes, our inpatient nurses work hand in hand with our triage team to seamlessly continue that care throughout each pet’s time with us. It’s a collaborative effort that ensures every patient is supported every step of the way, from the moment they walk through our doors until they’re ready to head home. Not only are we incredibly grateful to have you on our team, but our patients are just as lucky to have you in their corner.
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