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
ARL, Animal Advocates Gather at Massachusetts State House for Lobby Day for Animals
July 2, 2025
Animal welfare organizations collaborate to lobby for animal-protection legislation This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Advocacy team joined other animal welfare organizations at the Massachusetts State House for Lobby Day for Animals, to help citizen animal advocates make an impact by meeting and encouraging their elected officials to prioritize animal-protection legislation. ARL presented briefings on current pieces of legislation and also offered guidance to those in attendance on how to effectively lobby their elected officials to help garner support for these proposed bills. Priority bills included: An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets (H.1559);
Keeping Pets Safe This July 4th
July 1, 2025
Why Fireworks and Furry Friends Don’t Mix Fireworks and July 4th go hand-in-hand; however, they can cause stress and anxiety in our pets. Many dogs already struggle during thunderstorms, and while both storms and fireworks are loud, there’s a key difference: Dogs can sense an approaching storm through changes in barometric pressure. Fireworks, on the other hand, are sudden, unpredictable, and startling. “When storms happen, the barometric pressure will tell them that it’s coming; not with fireworks—and it’s so detrimental,” says Laney Nee, ARL’s Shelter Behavior and Enrichment Manager. Fireworks can lead to anxiety and long-term behavioral issues in pets.
Good Samaritan and Social Media Post Helps Reunite Lost Cat with Family
July 1, 2025
ARL offers tips should a pet become lost or missing A lost cat who was missing for three weeks is back home safe and sound thanks to a Good Samaritan, social media, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) Mary, a 13-year-old cat, had never been outdoors, so when she snuck out of her Lowell home, her owner was instantly worried and turned to Facebook to report the missing animal. About two weeks later, a resident was driving along Chelmsford Road near Route 3 in Lowell, and spotted the cat. Concerned for her safety, the Good Samaritan pulled over,
ARL, Animal Advocates Gather at Massachusetts State House for Lobby Day for Animals
July 2, 2025
Animal welfare organizations collaborate to lobby for animal-protection legislation This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Advocacy team joined other animal welfare organizations at the Massachusetts State House for Lobby Day for Animals, to help citizen animal advocates make an impact by meeting and encouraging their elected officials to prioritize animal-protection legislation. ARL presented briefings on current pieces of legislation and also offered guidance to those in attendance on how to effectively lobby their elected officials to help garner support for these proposed bills. Priority bills included: An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets (H.1559);
Stay up to Date
Sign up for ARL’s e-newsletter for the most current animal stories, advocacy and program updates, events, and more!