Where to help animals around Boston

Want to do more to help animals than simply going vegan? Check out where in the Boston area you can connect with people helping animals every day. Volunteer. Adopt. Donate. Create a benefit event. There are tons of options. Don't see something near you? Here is a list of shelters & animal advocacy organizations for the state of Massachusetts.

Alliance for Animals - The city of Boston's only no-kill shelter for cats & dogs. Affordable spay/neuter services. Want to go visit the cats? You don't need to call ahead, they're open every day from 11am-4pm. (617) 268-7800, 232 Silver Street, South Boston, MA.

Angell Animal Medical Center - ASPCA veterinary services, plus animal adoption center. Volunteers at Angell need to fill out an application and be at least 16 years old (but check out the MSPCA Lemonade Stand 11-4 on weekends if you're under 16, & the Little Bookworms Story Time every Wednesday morning). You can also join the Animal Action Team to help promote and support animal-friendly legislation. Angell Medical Centers are located at 350 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, (617) 522-7282 and MSPCA-Angell West, 293 Second Ave., Waltham, MA, (781) 902-8400.

Animal Rescue League - Founded in 1899, the ARL "is dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect." Contact their Emergency Rescue Team if you know of an animal in need by calling (657) 777-2752, 55 Anna's Place, Dedham, MA. For other contact info, including how to foster, adopt, or volunteer, consult this detailed list.

Animal Umbrella - A no-kill volunteer cat rescue & adoption organization. Visiting hours: Saturdays, 3-5pm. (617) 731-7267, 320B Charger Street, Revere, MA (on the second floor of Paws Here).

Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton - Shelter for stray & unwanted companion animals. (508) 435-6938, 5 Rafferty Road, Hopkinton, MA.

Black Cat Rescue - No-kill cat rescue. Black cats are only half as likely to be adopted! Foster or adopt. Boston, MA.

Buddy Dog - Located in Sudbury, MA, Buddy Dog is a division of the Humane Society, Inc. Its goal is to find permanent, responsible homes for dogs and cats. Anyone age 15 and older can volunteer at Buddy Dog! My 12 year old, who runs his own dog-sitting/walking business, may think that's unfair, but Buddy Dog has fabulous suggestions for ways that younger kids can also help. Contact the Director of Volunteer Services, Donna DeWallace at (978) 443-6990 or volunteer@buddydoghs.com for more info.

Cat Connection - Foster/adopt program to control the local feral cat population. (781) 899-4610, Waltham, MA.

Charles River Alley Cats - Adoption program aiming to reduce the homeless and feral cat population "in the greater Boston area through non-lethal means." (617) 945-2430, Boston, MA.

Ellen M. Gifford Shelter - Originally sheltering a variety of animals in 1884, the Gifford Shelter now houses only cats. Volunteer, foster, adopt, or enjoy the Kitty Cam. (617) 787-8872, 30 Undine Road, Brighton, MA.

Greyhound Friends - Dedicated to saving racetrack greyhounds and other high-risk dogs. Adopt a dog or learn how else you can help. Open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm. (508) 435-5969, 167 Saddle Hill Road, Hopkinton, MA.

Hilltop Humane Society - "Rescuing, fostering and placing cats in loving homes on the south shore of Boston since 1965." No-kill cat shelter with an enclosed outdoor area. (781) 961-3638, Randolph, MA.

Kitty Connection - Cat and dog rescue offering low-cost spay/neutering and public education. (781) 393-9995, 6 Cudworth Street, Medford, MA.

Lowell Humane Society - Founded in 1873 to prevent animal cruelty, educate the public, and provide care to distressed animals in need. Volunteer opportunities for kids and teens! (978) 452-7781, 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA.

Maple Farm Animal Sanctuary - An animal sanctuary providing "lifelong homes for abused, abandoned, and unwanted farm animals while promoting veganism and respect for all life through public information." Visit the sanctuary's many varied residents for a tour, volunteer, or attend a benefit event. (508) 473-7539, 101 North Avenue, Mendon, MA.

Massachusetts Humane Society, Inc. -  Adoption services and caring for lifelong unadoptable animals. Separate adoption listings for cats, dogs, and "other" animals. Animal shelter search engine. Foster a cat, or help with dog and cat care. (781) 335-1300, 87 Wharf Street, Weymouth, MA.

Metrowest Humane Society - Focusing on the well-being of cats in the Metrowest Boston area, MWHS provides adoption services, lifelong care, and public education. (508) 875-3776, 30 Pond Street, Ashland, MA.

Neponset Valley Humane Society - Dedicated to helping companion animals and feral cats. Volunteer and foster/adoption opportunities. (781) 769-1990, Norwood, MA.

New England English Springer Spaniel Rescue - Volunteer, foster, adopt! (877) 861-7701, Ashland, MA.

Northeast Animal Shelter - Established in 1976 and open daily, visit to adopt a cat or dog. Check their calendar for benefit events! (978) 745-9888, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA.

Pets In Need - Located in Dracut and Somerville, Pets In Need is a small private adoption program, saving animals that could otherwise not be cared for. Dracut: (978) 459-8700, Somerville: (617) 718-0943.

Quincy Animal Shelter - Foster/adopt a cat or dog from this no-kill shelter. Attend a volunteer orientation session if you are at least 18 years old. (617) 376-1349, 56 Broad Street, Quincy, MA.

Saint Meows - No-kill cat shelter. Visit the cats on Thursdays from 6-8pm at the First Church of Somerville. Adopt a cat or sponsor a feral cat. 89 College Avenue, Cambridge, MA, cats@saintmeows.com .

Save A Dog, Inc. - Humane Society focusing primarily on abandoned dogs. Adoption and holistic animal health education. Canine meet and greet visits. (978) 443-7282, 604 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA.

Stray Pets in Need of Massachusetts - Promoting the well-being of animals and responsible human/animal relationships via carefully selected adoptive homes. (781) 235-1218, Wellesley, MA. Meetings take place in Natick, MA.

Whiskers of Hope - No-kill adoption organization for cats & kittens. Adoption meetings every Wednesday evening and every other Saturday. (781) 648-4095, Arlington, MA.

Winslow Farm - A farm sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and care of abandoned and mistreated animals. The farm also offers animal-oriented activities for children. (508) 285-6451, 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA.

Allston Food Crawl

In proper hobbit spirit, I've eaten second dinner quite a few times, even third dinner. But this was the first time I'd ever attempted a food crawl. It was my oldest son's twelfth birthday this month. I gave him a choice: one expensive restaurant, or every restaurant with a vegan option in a city block. He chose the latter.

We attempted to eat at the seven restaurants on Packard Corner in Allston (there is also a bubble tea cafe and a liquor store). This particular strip is loaded with vegan options, including three entirely vegan establishments.

• YoMa Myanmar Tea Cafe & Burmese Cuisine - Don't go without trying the tea salad. And tofu made from chick peas instead of soybeans? Yep. Order the Burmese Tofu Udon Noodles.
• Grasshopper - All vegan Chinese & Japanese menu. Try the famous No Name seitan dish. 
• Root - Vegan restaurant with fresh juices. Probably the only vegan hush puppies around!
• Roxy's - Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. They were out of Daiya on this night, but normally I'd recommend the vegan classic grilled cheese plus whatever favorite add-ins you prefer, and a side of truffle fries. This night we had a simple cup of pumpkin bisque. 
• Fomu - Vegan ice cream cafe with all the fixins. I particularly like the pistachio-cardamom ice cream. If you want something besides ice cream, go for the Magic Bar. Or better yet, do what we did and order Magic Bar ice cream on top of a Magic Bar. And an ice cream cake to go. Yeahhh. 
• Lone Star - Taco bar. Great margaritas and tofu tacos with corn and grilled avocado. If you want a side of guacamole & chips, ask for the guac to be made vegan without sour cream.

Deep Ellum is connected to Lone Star, but is a separate restaurant and bar. They have a vegan veggie burger, if you're not too full like we were!

Have you ever done a vegan food crawl? Where are your favorites spots around Boston? Elsewhere?

Socializing

Where do you go to meet other vegans? Does it just happen by chance? Or do you generally go out of your way to socialize where you know you'll find other vegans? I have vegan friends in parts of the world who feel very much alone. While this is rapidly changing in urban areas, it can still be discouraging. Luckily, Boston has many options.

Whether you're looking for a dining partner, fellow activist, a relationship, or just a friend who won't bring pork rinds to your beach picnic, you can get out there and enjoy the company of like-minded compassionate folk at any of these fabulous groups:

• Boston Vegetarian Society - The BVS is best known for organizing the two-day Boston Vegetarian Food Festival in October for almost two decades. Vegans are usually in the majority at the monthly BVS dinners and lectures, focusing on education and increasing ethical awareness. You can meet other vegan volunteers at exhibits and social gatherings throughout the month by checking the BVS events calendar.

• Boston Vegan Association - The BVA belongs to the International Vegan Association and is therefore strictly vegan in its advocacy. Monthly educational opportunities include speakers such as Gary L. Francione, as well as reading groups, volunteering at events, film screenings, and public discussions. Keep up to date by following the IVA Boston page on Facebook.

• Vegan MetroWest Network - It's worth the short commute by car or commuter rail out to the suburbs if you want to participate in an active and outgoing vegan community. Dining, hikes, group discussions, and advocacy--this group is also very family-friendly. Join them on Meetup and Facebook. 

• VegWorcester - This is the group that hosts the spectacular Worcester VegFest each year. Worcester isn't that far if you carpool out via I-90. Their blog will keep you updated on local events and advocacy info.

• Boston Vegan Collective - The BVC is a relative newcomer to the area, mainly a social outlet and advocacy group for Boston locals. Find them on Meetup and Facebook.

• Boston Vegan Fitness - A small group focusing on physical activity and animal advocacy. Get involved via their Facebook page.

• Meetup - There are a multitude of vegan Meetup groups in the the greater Boston area. Start by joining the Boston Vegan Meetup Group, with a monthly dinner, happy hour, and over 750 members. Then search for other Meetups specific to your personal interests.

• VeggieDate - Looking for a date? Relationship? Activity partner? When you prefer to spend your personal time with another vegan, go to VeggieDate. Sort through potential matches by town/city. There are lots of other vegans looking for someone to share their lives with.

• FitnessSingles - If you crave a significant other or activity partner who also enjoys a healthy, active lifestyle, check out this dating site. You can specify a vegan match, among many other qualities.

While many activities within these groups are family and kid-friendly, it's helpful to get to know other vegan families to normalize veganism for children. A decade ago, Sprouts, a subset of the BVS, used to meet regularly with playdates and potlucks. Now those vegan kids are teens, and there are more vegan children than ever. Maybe it's time to revive this group? Or begin something new? What do you think? How can we nurture the next generation of Beantown vegans?