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.
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.
ARL In Action
It’s World Rabies Day!
September 28, 2026
Today marks World Rabies Day, a day to raise awareness about the public health impacts of human and animal rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans, and kills nearly 60,000 worldwide annually. The virus attacks the central nervous system and can be secreted in saliva. Infected animals show no fear of humans, drool and act in an agitated fashion. While we mostly associate rabies to wild animals – mainly skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cats have become the most common domestic animal infected with rabies.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Host “Home Sweet Homecoming” Adoption Campaign
September 27, 2026
Adoption fees for dogs 40 pounds and over will be waived September 30-October 4 thanks to a generous donation from Hill’s Pet Nutrition The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is teaming up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition for “Home Sweet Homecoming,” a nationwide adoption campaign taking place September 30 through October 4. Inspired by the excitement of school homecoming, the campaign celebrates the new beginnings that come with welcoming a pet into your family. During the five-day campaign, adoption fees will be waived for eligible dogs 40 pounds or more at ARL’s Boston, Brewster, and Dedham Animal Care & Adoption
Rabbits Make Excellent Household Pets!
September 26, 2026
Info you can use for these cute and cuddly herbivores From Rex to Angora to the French Lop, there are a wide variety of domestic rabbits, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) routinely has a large population of adoptable rabbits to choose from. Aside from being a great option for families living in smaller spaces, rabbits are incredibly clean, intelligent, friendly, and curious, making them fantastic pets! Rabbit Basics ARL believes that rabbits should always be housed indoors. Your rabbit’s enclosure must be large enough to contain a litter box (yes, they can be litter box trained!), food
It’s World Rabies Day!
September 28, 2026
Today marks World Rabies Day, a day to raise awareness about the public health impacts of human and animal rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans, and kills nearly 60,000 worldwide annually. The virus attacks the central nervous system and can be secreted in saliva. Infected animals show no fear of humans, drool and act in an agitated fashion. While we mostly associate rabies to wild animals – mainly skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cats have become the most common domestic animal infected with rabies.
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