About Us

Founded in 1884, the Gifford Cat Shelter in Brighton, MA, is the oldest no-kill, free-roam animal shelter in the country.

Our mission is to provide a safe haven for stray, abused, and unwanted cats until they are matched with their permanent loving homes. We uphold this mission by providing food, housing, and veterinary care in an outstanding cageless environment. At Gifford, cats are free to roam and play. They nap in sunny windows, get plenty of exercise, and enjoy love and attention while they wait for their forever homes. We believe that all cats should have a chance to live their lives free of pain and fear. No matter their story, every Gifford cat has a future to look forward to. And until they find their new homes, they'll spend their days in bright, open environments, getting all the love they need.

Our support comes from fundraising and private donations. The Cutest Pet Photo Contest fundraiser will help us provide food, housing, veterinary care, and medication to hundreds of cats each year.