About Us

Overview & Mission

The Animal Rescue League is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. Since 1899 we have advocated the philosophy of our founder, Anna Harris Smith, that “Kindness Uplifts the World”.

Vision

The Animal Rescue League of Boston will be a leader among animal welfare organizations in providing rescue and law enforcement services and promoting a compassionate and responsible attitude towards all living beings. The Animal Rescue League of Boston envisions a day when all pets are cherished, and animals are no longer threatened with abandonment, neglect, abuse, exploitation, or extinction. The Animal Rescue League of Boston will accomplish its mission by focusing on the following objectives:

To be a national leader in humane rescue of animals in need;
To be the community leader for humane investigation and the prevention of cruelty to animals;
To enrich the quality of life for our region through our outreach and educational programs;
To maintain state of the art facilities that emphasize humane care, treatment and encourage adoption;
To develop and implement long-range plans that ensure the future of the organization;
To enlist the confidence of our donors, members, and the community at large by demonstrating effective services and sound business practices which encourage a culture of philanthropy and investment in the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Position Statements

The Animal Rescue League of Boston believes that the power and beauty of the animal human bond is intrinsic to efforts to stop all forms of violence in our society.

A fundamental premise of the humane community is that if a child is taught to be kind to animals, there is a greater likelihood that the individual will mature into a person who respects not only humanity, but also all living things. This premise has been the subject of sociological studies and is expressed in literature and the arts. With a deep belief in this premise, Animal Rescue League of Boston founder Anna Harris Smith initiated a humane education program for children by establishing The Kindness Clubs in the neighborhoods of Boston.

Today, the League believes that it must leverage its reputation, programs, and financial resources to be part of a larger effort to stop violence in our communities and in our world. We know that animals, with their ability to give us unconditional love, can be a powerful force to bring reason, order, and a sense of truth and beauty to a world in desperate need of civilization. To read our position statements, click here.

Privacy Policy

To read the ARL of Boston's privacy policy, click here.