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
Supporter Spotlight: Christopher Lapan and José Rodríguez-Villalobos
August 10, 2026
For over three decades, Chris and José have shared a life together rooted in partnership, kindness, and community. José has spent his working life as a financial advisor, bringing a steady and analytical lens to everything he does, while Chris, a retired hairstylist and former Provincetown restaurant owner, is known for his skills in the kitchen and his love of hosting dinner parties. The two first met at a Christmas party, then reconnected years later and the rest was history! Thirty-four years later, they continue to adventure through life together. Though it’s hard to believe, animals were not always a
Easing Back-to-School Stress for Pets
August 9, 2026
6 Steps to Help Your Pet Adjust to a New Routine As Greater Boston families prepare for the return of school-year routines, it’s important to remember that pets notice these changes, too. Dogs and cats are especially tuned in to our daily schedules. When summer routines suddenly shift and the morning rush returns, some pets may have a harder time adjusting. You might notice your pet following you from room to room, becoming clingier, or showing other signs of stress, including excessive barking, house soiling, destructive chewing, changes in appetite, or decreased interest in normal activities. The good news? A
Mother Cat and Kittens Rescued Near Somerset Firehouse
August 5, 2026
Their Rescue Highlights the Lifesaving Impact of ARL’s Community Cat Program. When firefighters at the Somerset Fire Department noticed a mother cat and her four kittens living near the firehouse, they knew the feline family needed help. Although they stayed close by, the mother was understandably too fearful of people to be safely handled. The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services team safely and humanely trapped the mother cat and her four kittens as part of ARL’s Community Cat Program. After evaluation by ARL’s veterinary staff, it became clear that the kittens and their mother would have different
Supporter Spotlight: Christopher Lapan and José Rodríguez-Villalobos
August 10, 2026
For over three decades, Chris and José have shared a life together rooted in partnership, kindness, and community. José has spent his working life as a financial advisor, bringing a steady and analytical lens to everything he does, while Chris, a retired hairstylist and former Provincetown restaurant owner, is known for his skills in the kitchen and his love of hosting dinner parties. The two first met at a Christmas party, then reconnected years later and the rest was history! Thirty-four years later, they continue to adventure through life together. Though it’s hard to believe, animals were not always a
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