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 person in a red hoodie and black jacket hugs a black dog with alert eyes on grass. A badge reads "2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit." Leaves are scattered.

ARL Named an Early 2026 Top-Rated Award Winner by Great Nonprofits

Thank You to Everyone Who Shared Their Stories and Made This Recognition Possible Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is honored to be among the first organizations recognized with a 2026 Top-Rated Award from Great Nonprofits, the leading platform for community-sourced stories about nonprofit impact. Award winners are determined by stories and reviews shared by supporters—including donors, adopters, volunteers, and fosters—who highlight their firsthand experiences and offer insights for others considering getting involved. This recognition reflects the voices of our community and the meaningful experiences they’ve had with ARL. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to

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Three kittens sit on a concrete floor in a rustic setting. The foreground shows a tabby and a black-and-white kitten, with another kitten partially hidden.

Community Cat Match

Community cats need you now! A generous donor is matching all donations for community cats, up to $20,000, now through July 15, 2026! Your $9 to help local cats will become $18 and can provide TWICE as many: ️Nutritious meals Life-saving vaccines and medication Toys and scratch pads that help cats engage and play ARL is the only large animal welfare org in MA with a dedicated agent working with community cats and kittens. But, with no government funding for this important work, cats must rely on financial support from people like you to get the care they need, when

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A brown dog in a blue sports jersey holds a green toy while a woman kneels behind it, smiling. The setting is a warm, indoor space with red chairs.

ARL’s Pup Rally Celebrates the Patriots’ Road to Super Bowl LX

Adoptable Pups Show Their Patriots Pride as the Community Rallies Behind Them This week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has been busy celebrating the Patriots’ road to Super Bowl LX with a very special “Pup Rally.” Our adoptable pups have been showing off their Patriots pride, sporting jerseys and bandanas generously donated by the Patriots Foundation. The shelter has been filled with team spirit—and plenty of wagging tails. Search adoptable dogs. The excitement doesn’t stop there. We’ve placed a friendly wager with Seattle Humane: the shelter associated with the losing team must name a few dogs after the

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A person in a red hoodie and black jacket hugs a black dog with alert eyes on grass. A badge reads "2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit." Leaves are scattered.

ARL Named an Early 2026 Top-Rated Award Winner by Great Nonprofits

Thank You to Everyone Who Shared Their Stories and Made This Recognition Possible Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is honored to be among the first organizations recognized with a 2026 Top-Rated Award from Great Nonprofits, the leading platform for community-sourced stories about nonprofit impact. Award winners are determined by stories and reviews shared by supporters—including donors, adopters, volunteers, and fosters—who highlight their firsthand experiences and offer insights for others considering getting involved. This recognition reflects the voices of our community and the meaningful experiences they’ve had with ARL. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to

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

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