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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 Boston and Dedham

Medical Care

Offering high-quality, low-cost
veterinary services

Community Programs

Meeting animals and people
where they live

ARL In Action

mixed breed dog hiding under a gray blanket

Pet Thunderstorm Safety

5 Tips to Comfort Your Pet During a Storm (Hint: You’ll both rest easier!) Many New Englanders welcome the cooling relief of a thunderstorm. But while thunderstorms might bring down the temperature, they can send our pets’ anxiety levels soaring. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, there are about 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. each year. If your dog suffers from astraphobia—a fear of thunder—that’s a lot of stressful moments (and sleepless nights) for both of you. Common signs of thunder anxiety in dogs include: Hiding Whining or barking excessively Pacing or restlessness Scratching doors or furniture Destructive chewing Even

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A person holding a small dog in front of the ARL's Spay Waggin

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ Visits Martha’s Vineyard

Spay Waggin’ clinic provides much-needed services for island community This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Spay Waggin’ made a trip to Martha’s Vineyard for a special low-cost spay/neuter clinic for nearly two dozen pet owners on the island. The clinic was held in collaboration with the Tisbury Animal Control office. ARL’s trip to the Vineyard was much-needed, as according to Tisbury Animal Control, veterinary care is not only limited on the island, vets are still unable to take on new clients. The Spay Waggin’ provided 22 animals, eight dogs and 14 cats, with spay/neuter surgery, and

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a group of kittens sitting inside a kennel on a blanket

ARL Caring for Cats and Kittens Rescued from House Fires

House fire cats and kittens brought to ARL through referral from the American Red Cross Over the past few weeks, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has stepped up to help families following house fires, providing services from temporary pet housing to pet food and supplies. The pet owners were referred to ARL through the American Red Cross, a national organization dedicated to helping during times of emergency, to help the families when they had nowhere else to turn for their pets. Following a house fire in Boston last week, ARL took in two cats for temporary shelter while

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mixed breed dog hiding under a gray blanket

Pet Thunderstorm Safety

5 Tips to Comfort Your Pet During a Storm (Hint: You’ll both rest easier!) Many New Englanders welcome the cooling relief of a thunderstorm. But while thunderstorms might bring down the temperature, they can send our pets’ anxiety levels soaring. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, there are about 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. each year. If your dog suffers from astraphobia—a fear of thunder—that’s a lot of stressful moments (and sleepless nights) for both of you. Common signs of thunder anxiety in dogs include: Hiding Whining or barking excessively Pacing or restlessness Scratching doors or furniture Destructive chewing Even

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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