Rescue Services

The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston is unique among animal welfare agencies in having an entire department dedicated to mobile, field animal rescue services. Our highly-trained rescue specialists respond to all kinds of animal emergencies, including injured stray pets and wildlife, fires, pets trapped in trees or on ice, or in other difficult and inaccessible places. They also transport sick or injured animals to Boston Veterinary Care at the Animal Rescue League of Boston and other animal hospitals for emergency care.

What does it take to be an ARL of Boston rescue specialist? Click here to find out.

Rescue specialists at the ARL of Boston receive special training that enables them to perform ice rescues, high angle climbing, technical rope work for cats in trees, swift water rescues, large animal rescues, disaster response and chemical capture. Our rescue specialists are supported by fully-equipped, state-of-the-art animal rescue vehicles and trailers containing nets, catch poles, snares, remote-controlled drop nets, humane traps, kayaks and ice boats.

The Rescue Services Department also plays a critical role in assisting the ARL of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department in responding to cases of animal abuse, particularly when large numbers of animals need to be safely transported. They also pilot our state-of-the-art Mobile Adoption Rescue Vehicle (MARV). 

To read our recent rescue success stories, click here.

Our staff is recognized locally and internationally for their expertise, providing training to other animal welfare groups in the region, serving as instructors for the Animal Control Academy in Massachusetts, and working in collaboration with national and international animal welfare groups to provide expert assistance during natural disasters.

ARL of Boston rescue specialists bring a stray dog to safety in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Our Rescue services Department works closely with animal control officers, environmental police, state and local municipal officials and agencies, wildlife rehabilitators, other humane organizations, police and fire departments and municipal and private animal shelters throughout the state.

Please call (617) 426-9170 if you see an animal in distress.