Cape Ann Animal Aid

OUR MISSION

Cape Ann animal aid is a non-profit, no kill organization dedicated to facilitating appropriate placement of adoptable animals and enhancing the lives of all companion animals by promoting respect and well-being through education and outreach.

OUR HISTORY 

In 1964, the late Ruth Spoor and a group of animal lovers created the CAAA as a rescue group for the many cats and dogs often abandoned by summer residents. Over the years our organization grew from a few donated cages in an empty garage to occupying a 1,200 sq foot building at 260 Main Street to our present 7,500 sq foot facility at 4 Paws Lane, the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter. In June of 2017, we celebrated 5 years in our new home.

WE REACH OUT TO ANIMALS IN NEED 

Today we continue to make the rescue of local cats and dogs our first priority. Many of our animals arrive via owner surrender or from local overburdened animal control agencies, humane societies, and rescue groups. Due to effective spay and neuter in New England, we are also able to take in and find homes for animals from other areas of the country and beyond that are struggling with animal overpopulation issues.

OUR ANIMALS RECEIVE INDIVIDUAL CARE AND ATTENTION 

Specially trained staff and volunteers spend time handling, grooming, socializing, training and interacting with each animal in our care. Our animals are provided with a variety of interactive toys and receive lots of affection. Our dogs are walked regularly and our cats get time to roam outside of cages where they can investigate, play, and interact with other cats.

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR ANIMALS 

Some animals arrive at our shelter with health issues. We work closely with area vets to ensure that they receive the treatment needed to maintain a good quality of life. In addition, we work to rehabilitate animals with behavior issues to the best of our ability. Patron animal lovers like yourselves allow us to provide the extra care any of our special needs pets require. No adoptable animals in our care are ever euthanized for age, space, or length of stay.

FOOD FOR PETS PROGRAM

Cape Ann Animal Aid donates surplus cat and dog food and pet supplies to partner organizations that distribute the items to families in need within the community, helping to ensure that they are able to keep their animal companions.

SPAY MAMA PROGRAM 

Controlling pet overpopulation is important to us. Through this program, Cape Ann Animal Aid will cover the cost of a spay surgery for cats and dogs that have recently given birth. The mother and her babies are fixed and the mother is returned to the owner while the puppies/kittens are adopted out through the shelter.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS 

We are dedicated to providing opportunities for the public to learn more about shelter animals and the work of the CAAA. We periodically host school groups, Scout troops, and other community groups at the shelter to educate and strengthen the human-animal bond at every age.