Our Mission
The Animal Rescue League of Boston is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in homes.
Recognized for our innovative, award-winning programs that go beyond sheltering, we address the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who love them.
By partnering with communities, we help animals heal and thrive, keep pets and people together, and protect animals from harm.
Because there is no government funding for this important work, animals must rely on people like you to get the care they need, when they need it most, 365 days a year.
ARL In Action
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Sponsors Fee-Waived Adoptions at the Animal Rescue League of Boston August 28 Through 30
August 27, 2026
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is teaming up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Hill’s) for a special adoption event from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, as part of NBCUniversal’s 12th annual Clear the Shelters campaign. During the three-day event, adoption fees will be fully waived for all dogs and cats ages 1 year and older at ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, thanks to the generous support of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Adopters will also receive a New Pet Parent Kit from Hill’s, which includes a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet, a
Learning in the Field: Tufts Students Support ARL’s Community Programs
August 25, 2026
Tufts Students Gained Hands-on Experience While Supporting ARL’s Community Programs This summer, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) welcomed two students from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine who gained valuable real-world experience while supporting programs that help animals and the people who care for them throughout Massachusetts. Through two different academic programs, Lindsey Powers and Mariana Pavia spent their time with ARL working alongside staff, learning firsthand how veterinary care, community outreach, animal welfare, and public policy can come together to create meaningful change. Expanding Access to Veterinary Care Lindsey Powers, a first-year veterinary student at Tufts
A Call to Protect Animals from Harmful Rodeo Practices
August 24, 2026
In the following letter, Dr. Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA, ARL’s President & CEO, outlines ARL’s concerns about the return of the Boston Rodeo. The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) strongly opposes rodeo practices that subject animals to fear, distress, pain, or risk of injury for the purpose of competition and entertainment. No tradition or form of entertainment justifies compromising the welfare of animals. ARL is calling for protections to prevent rodeo practices and implements that unnecessarily cause animals pain, fear, distress, or injury. On October 16-17, the Boston Rodeo will return to the city for a second year,
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Sponsors Fee-Waived Adoptions at the Animal Rescue League of Boston August 28 Through 30
August 27, 2026
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is teaming up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Hill’s) for a special adoption event from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, as part of NBCUniversal’s 12th annual Clear the Shelters campaign. During the three-day event, adoption fees will be fully waived for all dogs and cats ages 1 year and older at ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, thanks to the generous support of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Adopters will also receive a New Pet Parent Kit from Hill’s, which includes a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet, a
Stay up to Date
Sign up for ARL’s e-newsletter for the most current animal stories, advocacy and program updates, events, and more!