MassDevelopment issues $20.75m tax-exempt bond to Animal Rescue League of Boston to build new facility

Boston, MA MassDevelopment has issued a $20.75 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), which is using proceeds to build and equip a new three-story, 30,000 s/f facility located at 10 Chandler St. in the city’s South End. The new, larger facility will replace ARL’s existing building on the site. Construction began in June and is expected to be completed, in two phases, by December 2026 and December 2027. The expansion will support 40 full-time jobs and six part-time jobs. The tax-exempt bond, purchased by Eastern Bank, helped the borrower achieve a lower cost of capital.

Once complete, the facility will feature a new adoption center, a shelter and new community veterinary hospital, Boston Veterinary Care (ARL’s full service public veterinary hospital), and the flagship location for ARL’s humane education program. It will also include increased space for animal care, dog training classes, and support services for pet owners.

“Massachusetts is made stronger by our network of nonprofits that serve and support those who call this state home – including our animals in need,” said Economic Development secretary Eric Paley, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “We are glad to support the Animal Rescue League of Boston as it builds a new home where it can expand its operations, create jobs, and grow its impact.”

“For more than 125 years, the Animal Rescue League of Boston has been working to ensure that animals in Massachusetts are safe, healthy, and have the opportunity to find their forever homes,” said MassDevelopment president and CEO Navjeet Bal. “MassDevelopment is pleased to partner with Eastern Bank to provide tax-exempt financing as the nonprofit creates a new state-of-the-art facility in Boston’s South End neighborhood and expands its team to provide even more animals with this type of compassionate care.”

“We are proud to work with MassDevelopment to help the Animal Rescue League of Boston achieve its vision and attain a lower cost of capital for the financing of its new, larger facility in Boston’s South End,” said Pamela Feingold, senior vice president and group director of Eastern Bank’s Community Development Lending Group. “This expanded building is expected to make a real difference in the lives of so many, not only through the addition of new jobs and staff but also through the greater services that will be available for animal care and pet owners.” 

“Our new facility isn’t just a building; it’s a symbol of our commitment to animals and the people who love them,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, president and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “The new, world-class Animal Care & Adoption Center will provide animals with the highest standards of care for generations.”

The belief that pets are family is at the heart of the work of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. ARL is the first female-founded animal welfare organization in Massachusetts and is proud to carry on a legacy of kindness and compassion, helping more than 20,000 animals annually since 1899. Recognized for innovative, award-winning programs that go beyond sheltering, ARL addresses the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who love them. By partnering with communities, ARL helps animals heal and thrive, keeps pets and people together, and protects animals from harm.