MSPCA Changes: FAQs
Click here to read further about the closure of the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Brockton, Martha's Vineyard and Springfield.
Q: What portion of my donations goes to care for the animals?
A: On average 88 cents from every dollar donated goes to providing direct hands on care to animals at the MSPCA and around the Commonwealth. Donations are used to honor the specific wishes of the donor which can include where they are needed most within the organization as well as for individual funds or programs.
Q: In these tough economic times, has the MSPCA-Angell researched salary levels and cutbacks before considering closing adoption centers?
A: As the economy began to decline the MSPCA first looked at compensation cutbacks which continue to be made today. The office of the President has had a salary reduction of nearly $90,000 and a self-imposed salary freeze for the past three years. In addition the MSPCA reduced the size of its senior management team from seven officers to five officers with the team’s self-imposed salary freezes now in their second year. These financial moves have saved the organization hundreds of thousands of dollars while still allocating 88 cents from every dollar to the direct hands on care of animals.
Q: Is it true that many officers earn salaries of over $200,000?
A: This is false. The MSPCA President is the only staff member who earns more than $200,000. MSPCA salaries are set using a third party who compares salaries at hundreds of comparable organizations nationwide. MSPCA staff members have salary levels set below the national average of these organizations to ensure that the animals of Massachusetts are receiving care. Recently reported compensation figures add in benefit packages of up to 32% of an individual’s salary to inflate these numbers. Benefits reported by the media include health insurance, life insurance and maternity leave which are offered to every member of our staff at every level. In fact, benefits at the MSPCA do not include bonuses or perks for exceptional work which is expected of our staff on a daily basis.
Q: Why did the MSPCA decide to close its Animal Care and
A: The MSPCA has faced serious financial challenges in recent years. We have all worked hard to cut costs and streamline operations while continuing to provide outstanding care for thousands of animals in need. We have exceeded our goals for cost savings and revenue generation, but unfortunately these accomplishments have been dwarfed by the financial consequences of the collapsing economy.
As a result, like many other organizations, the MSPCA has incurred substantial investment losses over the past several months that have devastated our financial standing. Sadly, our organization is not immune to the financial woes facing the nation.
We must now take action to ensure our long term financial health and ability as an animal welfare organization to serve the greatest good for animals across
Q: Will this impact the Animal Care Adoption Centers in
A: This decision involves the Animal Care and
Q: Why was a new facility built in
A: Prior to opening the new facility on
Q: What will happen to the homeless animals once the adoption centers are closed?
A: We will work with local animal rescue organizations and shelters, as well as our remaining four adoption centers, to ensure the placement of the remaining homeless animals in our care at the three closing facilities. We will also do the best we can to find alternatives to our services as well as to provide guidance for people to help animals in those areas that must now be without us.
Q: What will happen to the buildings in Brockton, Martha’s Vineyard and
A: The MSPCA is currently reviewing all possibilities including the use of these buildings by local animal welfare organizations. However, it is too early to comment or speculate on further plans. Updated information will be available on our website as developments unfold.
Q: What will happen to donations given to the closing adoption centers?
A: Any contributions given to one of our closing adoption centers up until the date of closure will go toward supporting care for the animals in those locations. Following the closures, these resources will go toward helping to care for and rehome any remaining animals from these facilities.
Click here to read further about the closure of the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Brockton, Martha's Vineyard and Springfield.
