A person smiling, holding a small black and white dog

Pets are family.

This belief is at the heart of everything we do at ARL.

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.

a veterinary tech trimming a tabby kitten's nails
  • Classy Awards 2023 Winner
  • Great Non Profits 2026 Top-Rated badge

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.

Adopt

Matching adoptable animals
with a loving home

Dog Training

Courses are offered
in Dedham

Medical Care

Offering high-quality, low-cost
veterinary services

Community Programs

Meeting animals and people
where they live

ARL In Action

A smiling veterinary worker in scrubs holds a clipboard while speaking with a woman outdoors near parked cars.

Learning in the Field: Tufts Students Support ARL’s Community Programs

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

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Black and white image of a rodeo rider on a bucking animal.

A Call to Protect Animals from Harmful Rodeo Practices

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,

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puppy's microchip being scanned

August is Microchip Month at Boston Veterinary Care!

Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) answers your Microchip FAQs Did you know… that microchipping your pet DOUBLES their chances of finding their way home? August 15 is National Check the Chip Day, and for good reason: During the Summer months, pets will be spending more time outside—or may find themselves extra eager to slip out the door into the sunshine. In the event that you and your pet ever become separated, you’ll want to make sure that you are reunited as quickly and easily as possible. That’s where a microchip comes in handy! Once microchipped, your pet can be identified throughout its

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A smiling veterinary worker in scrubs holds a clipboard while speaking with a woman outdoors near parked cars.

Learning in the Field: Tufts Students Support ARL’s Community Programs

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

Read More

three circles showing ARL staff members with animals
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animals helped
with your support in 2025!

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