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 tri-colored guinea pig

March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month!

There’s more than just cats and dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston Many people assume that animal care & adoption centers only have cats and dogs, but here at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) we have a knowledgeable staff and are able to accommodate a variety of animals including, guinea pigs. And they are just waiting for to find their perfect match! If you’d like to adopt a guinea pig (or other small animal) from the ARL, make sure to bring a photo of the cage that your new pet will live in to make sure it’s a good size

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A red and white mobile veterinary clinic van, labeled "Wellness Waggin'," is parked on a city street. It features images of dogs and an information board outside.

Animal Rescue League of Boston Receives $5K Grant from The ‘Quin House Impact Fund

Funding will support the organization’s ongoing efforts to protect and care for animals across Greater Boston The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) today announced it received a $5,000 grant from The ‘Quin House Impact Fund, marking one of the first grants from the fund made to an animal welfare organization. The grant will be used to support the ARL’s Wellness Waggin’®, which provides low-cost veterinary care throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. ARL is one of more than 150 Massachusetts nonprofits awarded grants this winter by The ‘Quin House Impact Fund. “This grant will make a meaningful impact for local pet families,

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A person in a red hoodie and black jacket hugs a black dog with alert eyes on grass. A badge reads "2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit." Leaves are scattered.

ARL Named an Early 2026 Top-Rated Award Winner by Great Nonprofits

Thank You to Everyone Who Shared Their Stories and Made This Recognition Possible Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is honored to be among the first organizations recognized with a 2026 Top-Rated Award from Great Nonprofits, the leading platform for community-sourced stories about nonprofit impact. Award winners are determined by stories and reviews shared by supporters—including donors, adopters, volunteers, and fosters—who highlight their firsthand experiences and offer insights for others considering getting involved. This recognition reflects the voices of our community and the meaningful experiences they’ve had with ARL. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to

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A tri-colored guinea pig

March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month!

There’s more than just cats and dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston Many people assume that animal care & adoption centers only have cats and dogs, but here at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) we have a knowledgeable staff and are able to accommodate a variety of animals including, guinea pigs. And they are just waiting for to find their perfect match! If you’d like to adopt a guinea pig (or other small animal) from the ARL, make sure to bring a photo of the cage that your new pet will live in to make sure it’s a good size

Read More

three circles showing ARL staff members with animals
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animals helped
with your support in 2025!

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