Baypath Humane Society Grows in Hopkinton

January 21, 2026

Kiara Ford, 978-844-1380
kford@massdevelopment.com

HOPKINTON, Mass. – MassDevelopment has issued a $2,520,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton, Inc. Baypath is using bond proceeds to build a new 8,200-square-foot facility located at 90 Fruit St. in Hopkinton, a five-acre town-owned parcel leased to the nonprofit through 2077. The project addresses critical space limitations that have long constrained Baypath’s ability to meet growing animal welfare and community needs. The new facility will feature expanded capacity for dogs and cats, dedicated medical space, increased workspace for staff and volunteers, and a multipurpose room for training and education. The organization will also maintain its existing 1,700-square-foot facility located at 500 Legacy Farms North in Hopkinton, as an isolation facility for out-of-state cats and dogs entering Massachusetts. Construction of the new facility began in September 2025 and is expected to be completed by early fall 2026. The tax-exempt bond, purchased by UniBank, helped the borrower achieve a lower cost of capital.

“This new facility will enhance the capacity of Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton, a team dedicated to caring for animals in need,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “We are glad to see tax-exempt financing from MassDevelopment and UniBank support this project, which will allow for greater community participation and a higher quality of life for local animals.”

“MassDevelopment is pleased to support Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton as it builds a new, state-of-the-art facility that will advance animal welfare in Central Massachusetts for years to come,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “We are grateful for our banking partner in UniBank, making tax-exempt bond financing possible for this critical nonprofit organization.”

“Baypath has been an important part of the Hopkinton community for many years, and it is exciting to see them grow and develop the new facility,” said Hopkinton Town Manager Elaine Lazarus. “The Town was pleased to provide support by leasing the land to Baypath for the new shelter, and looks forward to our continued partnership.”

“We are honored to be a part of the Baypath Humane Society’s expansion project as they do great work for the Hopkinton and Central MA regions and their good and important mission aligns with our mission of doing good for the community,” said Michael Welch, CEO of UniBank.

Founded in 1977, Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton connects people and animals to build a compassionate community. By providing shelter, care, and enrichment to animals in need, Baypath helps animals find loving homes, and promotes well-being through outreach, education, and partnerships. In 2025, more than 850 animals entered into Baypath’s care, with 230 volunteers giving 14,500 hours to support animals in need.

“This investment ensures Baypath can continue showing up for animals and the people who love them—today and for decades to come,” said Elizabeth Jefferis, Executive Director of Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton. “Our new facility will give us the space and tools to respond to increasing local demand and deepen our partnerships across Hopkinton and beyond. We are incredibly thankful to MassDevelopment, UniBank, and town leadership for supporting this milestone for our community.”

This is MassDevelopment’s second recent financing for an animal welfare nonprofit; in December 2025, the agency announced a $21 million tax-exempt bond to help the Animal Rescue League of Boston build and equip a new three-story, 30,000-square-foot facility in Boston’s South End.

MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, delivers financing solutions, real estate expertise, and other assistance to strengthen and grow the Massachusetts economy. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, developers, banks, and municipalities, providing resources to help create jobs, build housing, and foster vibrant communities across the state. During FY2025, MassDevelopment financed or managed 409 projects generating investment of more than $4.65 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 25,246 jobs and build or preserve 2,867 housing units.