Super lengthy process! I was approved after an extensive period with a long application and…read moremultiple screenings/interviews. It's easier to get a job or apartment than this rescue shelter! Then, once I was ready to meet dogs, they told me to sign up for their Saturday adoption days online. You only get 30 minutes to choose what dog you like from just their photos or else you have to wait until the next two weeks to look again. They don't even update the website with the dogs they have available - all of which are pitbull mixes. When I asked about several dogs that had been on the website for a long time, they said he would need a backyard. As a single apartment tenant in Boston who has had 10+ years owning a dog actively walking him every day, I think this was ridiculous as so many people have dogs in Boston and take better care of them than some folks I know from my hometown. Isn't it better for a dog to go to a nice home for the rest of its life than have it be sheltered or move from foster to foster home? Why did you approve me then?

they are a fantastic organization! We've adopted two dogs from them with ease. We appreciated that…read morethey approve you before you start looking at dogs available to ensure a dog isn't already adopted by the time you are approved.

We went to the Waltham location tonight with our first baby, Nala our cat. We had recently had a…read morehorrible vet experience so we were willing to travel a little farther for phenomenal care, and I'm telling you it went above our expectations. From the phonecall to walking in, getting updates, friendly staff, knowledgeable doctors, discussion about care and finances. Dr. Gilbert was wonderful, the front desk staff, erin and Kayla I believe, and a handful of nurses I didn't get the name of, all our interactions positive! We will be using Angell Waltham for future needs! Thank you for your kindness with our baby

DO NOT TAKE HOUR DOG HERE. I rushed into Angel Vet around…read more10:00 PM on Thursday the 14th of August 2026 with an active emergency: my service dog had an open, bleeding wound on her chest. I was in a slip dress, slippers, and wet hair, it was unmistakably a crisis. I thought they were going to take good care of us, but they did the exact opposite. Instead of triaging a bleeding animal, the late-night staff stared at me like I was crazy and left us waiting in a full room. When someone finally spoke to me, they skipped the bleeding chest wound entirely just to make a snarky comment about leashing my service dog, who was calm and posing zero threat. Treating a critical trauma case like an inconvenient joke is pure neglect. The staff working the 10:00 PM shift on Thursday the 14th showed a complete lack of medical judgment, basic empathy, and professional competence. Management needs to fire the people working this shift before their gross negligence costs an animal its life. Unacceptable

I've adopted pets before, and while understanding they need to be careful, this was the worst…read moreexperience. It's a long, drawn out process, and come to find out as you are going through the process and hitting all the marks needed they are continuing to look for other families. They also aren not kind, or communicative. They answer emails with one word answers. It's a huge waste of time when there are animals that need homes.

Just visited to drop off some supplies left after we had to put our sweet cat down. Staff were…read moreabsolutely wonderful and kind. The address here is wrong - they have a lovely new building at 99 Quarry St. Will return if we decide to adopt a new kitty.

They were extremely gentle with my elderly dog and on time for my appointment. He gets very…read morenervous going to the vets so this is very important to me.

Absolutely the best process, we are so thankful for Melrose…read moreHumane Society!! Mary was an amazing care coordinator and always open for questions, and Yan was an amazing foster parent. Our cat is exactly as described as far as behavior and temper. I'm so happy to have out forever!! These people genuinely care about the animals.

Roy was incredible. He found me the best cat I could ask for. He was quick to respond to my inquiry…read moreabout adopting a furry friend, and the process was super smooth. We went from initial email to adoption within about a week. And what a wonderful pet I have now, rescued from a kill shelter. I'm tempted to get another furry friend through Melrose Humane Society, if only I had more space!

I adopted my Tillie from here when she was 6 months old and we just celebrated her 10 yr double…read moredigits birthday. She is the most wonderful dog. I took my Dad back here last summer to adopt a senior cat named "Slick"... he is the meanest cat I've ever encountered but we love him. Everyone is always so kind whene we visit. The animals are well cared for while they wait for their forever homes and the place is always clean.

I adopted my cat, Oreo, from here back in 2004, and it was one of the best decisions of my life…read more She was the most intelligent, beautiful, and amazing companion I could have ever asked for. The team at the shelter was wonderful during the adoption process, and thanks to them, I had 19 incredible years with her. Oreo touched our hearts and souls so deeply, and I miss her every day. I would never hesitate to return here to find a new family member--they truly bring special souls into people's lives.

I adopted my first cat from Guardian Angels a few months ago and Kim and Susan were so kind and…read morehelpful. It was clear to me that they really know each of their cats and care for them very well--they took the time to get to know me and understand what I was looking for, and suggested a cat who seemed like the perfect fit. They both were eager to answer all of my many questions throughout the process and even helped me out by dropping my new kitty off since I don't have a car. My girl had a few minor health issues after arriving (most likely due to the stress of moving/change in food) and Susan offered me advice about different things I could try and followed up numerous times to make sure she was settling in okay. The process overall couldn't have been any smoother and I am so appreciative of Guardian Angels and the care and diligence they put into finding good homes for all of their cats. If I ever decide to adopt another cat I'll definitely work with them again.

We've worked with this organization for over 5 years as a foster family. From this perspective I…read morecan strongly affirm that the cats are extremely well cared for. All have vet visits, great food, and most importantly, attention and caring to help their transition from whatever their previous situation was. The fostering process is great at getting the cats ready for their new homes. If you're looking for a cat, I suggest Guardian Angels without reservation!

I spoke to Wendy on the phone she was on her way to to Arizona to pick up an animal, she was very…read moreinformative and helpful looking to adopt a lil doggie girl. Small breed Joe Riley

What an incredible person! When one of Wendy's longtime clients lost a dog, Wendy put an…read moreincredible amount of time & effort into the dog's safe recovery, even though it was the client who had lost the dog. Wendy drove a long distance to oversee the search personally, taking along the client's other dogs to saturate the area with familiar scent. When she had to leave the area, she contacted me (LostPetTracker.net) about the advisability of utilizing Search K9s and hired a local to oversee a successful humane trapping. Happy Ending! Wendy's compassion seems to be surpassed only by her dedication & determination!

Formerly known as "Corndog" by the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), we adopted Arthur…read moreCornelius on June 29th, 2024. Arthur was surrendered to the ARL with two of his family members at the end of April. Arthur tried to wait patiently for his turn to find his furever home, but it was tough because he loves being with his people. When we met Arthur, it was obvious he was well cared for and how much the ARL staff and volunteers loved him. Despite being in the shelter for about two months, Arthur was friendly and trusting. Today, Arthur is living his best life with his new parents going on lots of adventures. The ARL staff and volunteers are kind, compassionate, and dedicated. In 2023, they facilitated 3,173 adoptions including cats, dogs, small animals like bunnies, and even some livestock! And overall, they helped around 21,000 animals in lots of other ways. Thank you for giving Arthur a second chance to live his best life. I highly recommend the ARL!

I fell in love with a dog who has massive separation anxiety. After Wendy (ARL Brewster) explained…read morehis history and needs, I took him home knowing it would be a long road. The ARL has been very helpful and has never made me feel bad about asking for advice. I live in Needham and had reached out to the Dedham shelter a couple of weeks after Arlos adoption, they were kind and accomodating. Laney the behavioralist has been so nice and helpful giving advice and tips. I am happy and grateful to the ARL and the hard work and care that the staff put in even after adoption.