Boston Animal Shelter Lands $2 Million Donation for New Facility Construction
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has received a significant boost in funding for its new three-story facility, with a whopping $2 million donation from Arthur and Paula Rabe. The gift is the largest single donation in ARL's history, according to the Boston Business Journal.
The new facility, which broke ground in April, will provide much-needed space for the organization's growing number of animals. However, the current South End shelter no longer meets the standards of care required by the animals, and the Rabe family has expressed concerns about the outdated infrastructure. "Our Boston shelter is the heart and soul of the ARL Boston, but it is outdated and no longer meets the standard of care that animals deserve and that we can provide," Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL's president & CEO, said.
The new facility will feature an animal adoption center, veterinary hospital, outpatient clinic, dog training classes, and various support services. The exterior design was crafted by Boston-based architecture firm J. Garland Enterprises to seamlessly blend with the South End's distinctive architecture.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, although the original shelter will remain open during this period. The Rabe family has been supporting ARL since 2007, when they adopted a cat named Jill from their facility.
"This new building will provide an accessible, affordable center so people who desire an animal can share their lives with one," Arthur Rabe said.
The $2 million donation brings the total construction cost to $48 million. With this significant investment, ARL is poised to improve its services and provide better care for animals in need.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has received a significant boost in funding for its new three-story facility, with a whopping $2 million donation from Arthur and Paula Rabe. The gift is the largest single donation in ARL's history, according to the Boston Business Journal.
The new facility, which broke ground in April, will provide much-needed space for the organization's growing number of animals. However, the current South End shelter no longer meets the standards of care required by the animals, and the Rabe family has expressed concerns about the outdated infrastructure. "Our Boston shelter is the heart and soul of the ARL Boston, but it is outdated and no longer meets the standard of care that animals deserve and that we can provide," Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL's president & CEO, said.
The new facility will feature an animal adoption center, veterinary hospital, outpatient clinic, dog training classes, and various support services. The exterior design was crafted by Boston-based architecture firm J. Garland Enterprises to seamlessly blend with the South End's distinctive architecture.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, although the original shelter will remain open during this period. The Rabe family has been supporting ARL since 2007, when they adopted a cat named Jill from their facility.
"This new building will provide an accessible, affordable center so people who desire an animal can share their lives with one," Arthur Rabe said.
The $2 million donation brings the total construction cost to $48 million. With this significant investment, ARL is poised to improve its services and provide better care for animals in need.
they really r doing it 4 the animals now i hope dey finish dis project on time cuz those animals deserve a comfy place to stay btw i cant imagine how outdated de old shelter must b but $48 mil?? dat's crazy 
! It's gonna be so cool having a three-story place with an adoption center, vet hospital, and dog training classes - it's all so adorable 
. The Rabe family is literally changing lives by helping animals get better care 
. I'm all for this! Construction starts in 2026, but the old shelter will still be open during that time 
. It's awesome to see people giving back like this 
and it's so awesome that they've been supporting ARL since 2007 - talk about long-term commitment 
it's like, the more space, food, love, and medical care they get, the better their chances of getting forever homes 
. i'm literally so excited to see the finished product and know that ARL is gonna keep on doing amazing things!
... they've been supporting the Animal Rescue League of Boston since 2007 and now this?! It's like they're making up for lost time 
! I'm so grateful that people like them are out there who truly care about giving back to their community. And let's be real, our furry friends deserve the BEST 
... it's heartbreaking to think about all the poor souls stuck in outdated shelters. This new facility is going to change SO MUCH for these adorable creatures 
