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 black and white dog looks up while sitting inside a car with the window slightly open. The background shows blurred cars, suggesting a parking area.

When the Temperatures Rise It’s Too Hot for Spot®

As summer approaches, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is once again launching its annual Too Hot for Spot® safety campaign to remind pet owners about the potentially deadly dangers of leaving animals inside parked vehicles. During the warmer months, pets may be left in cars while their owners visit beaches, bike trails, grocery stores, banks, post offices, and other everyday destinations. It can be tempting to think, “I’ll only be gone for a few minutes,” but even a brief errand can take longer than expected, and a vehicle’s temperature can rise dangerously fast. Even when the outside temperature

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Group shot of Lobby Day 2026 on a large staircase inside the Massachusetts State House.

Lobby Day 2026

On Wednesday, June 10, ARL joined with other animal protection organizations to host “Lobby Day for Animals” at the Massachusetts State House. We were joined by over 100 advocates who came to Beacon Hill to make their voices heard. Every session, ARL undertakes an ambitious legislative agenda. In March of this year, the Senate took up a number of these bills in one package, dubbed the “PETS Act.” This legislation would protect animals across Massachusetts by: banning the retail sale of pets, prohibiting homeowners and renters’ insurance from discriminating on the basis of dog breed, ending the use of animal

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Person in a red ARL t-shirt holding a black and white puppy and a blue sign saying "Congratulations You Got It!" It's a sunny outdoor setting.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston Awarded $75,000 Cummings Foundation Grant

The Funds Will Help Support Our Mission of Keeping Pets and People Together We are honored to announce that the Animal Rescue League of Boston has been awarded a $75,000 grant over three years through the Cummings Foundation’s competitive annual grant program. Selected from a record 959 applicants, only 150 organizations were selected, and ARL is proud to be the only animal welfare organization among them. This recognition means a great deal to our team. Every day, our staff and volunteers show up for the animals and families who need them most, providing emergency pet housing, pet food and supplies,

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A black and white dog looks up while sitting inside a car with the window slightly open. The background shows blurred cars, suggesting a parking area.

When the Temperatures Rise It’s Too Hot for Spot®

As summer approaches, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is once again launching its annual Too Hot for Spot® safety campaign to remind pet owners about the potentially deadly dangers of leaving animals inside parked vehicles. During the warmer months, pets may be left in cars while their owners visit beaches, bike trails, grocery stores, banks, post offices, and other everyday destinations. It can be tempting to think, “I’ll only be gone for a few minutes,” but even a brief errand can take longer than expected, and a vehicle’s temperature can rise dangerously fast. Even when the outside temperature

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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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