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 2025 Top-Rated

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 large brindle dog sitting outside in the snow.

Arctic Cold Puts Pets at Risk

Reports of Animals Left in the Cold Are on the Rise As frigid temperatures continue to grip the region, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is urging pet owners to keep animals safe in the extreme cold. ARL has been receiving an increased number of calls from concerned citizens regarding animals being left out in the cold this December. Here are steps to keep pets safe when temperatures plunge: Prepare your dog for the cold elements. If your dog has a longer coat, let it grow out for the winter; for shorter coat dogs, sweaters, coats and booties can

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A person holding a small kitten. A red background is shown with Giving Tuesday hearts.

Thank You for Helping Animals this Giving Tuesday!

Blue background with "Sweet 16 Million Adoptions" in white text. A dog and a cat wear yellow party hats, celebrating. Hill's Pet Nutrition logo at the top.

ARL Hosts Adoption Event To Celebrate Hill’s Milestone

Waived Adoption Fees for Boston Pets Ages 1+ Through December 14 ARL is teaming up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Hill’s) to offer WAIVED adoption fees for animals at ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center one year and older through December 14th! Adopters will also receive a New Pet Parent Kit from Hill’s, which includes a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet, a coupon and post-adoption tips. The event is part of Hill’s “Sweet 16 Million Adoptions Celebration,” which honors the milestone of 16 million pet adoptions supported by the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program since its inception in 2002.

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A large brindle dog sitting outside in the snow.

Arctic Cold Puts Pets at Risk

Reports of Animals Left in the Cold Are on the Rise As frigid temperatures continue to grip the region, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is urging pet owners to keep animals safe in the extreme cold. ARL has been receiving an increased number of calls from concerned citizens regarding animals being left out in the cold this December. Here are steps to keep pets safe when temperatures plunge: Prepare your dog for the cold elements. If your dog has a longer coat, let it grow out for the winter; for shorter coat dogs, sweaters, coats and booties can

Read More

three circles showing ARL staff members with animals
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animals helped
with your support in 2024!

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