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 2025 Top-Rated

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 Boston and Dedham

Medical Care

Offering high-quality, low-cost
veterinary services

Community Programs

Meeting animals and people
where they live

ARL In Action

MAC Grant blog thumb

ARL Awarded Grant from “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Funds

Grant provides subsidized spay/neuter surgery for more than two dozen pet owners The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is happy to announce the organization is a recipient of a 2025 grant from the MA “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program. Funds will be used towards ARL’s community-based programs to provide subsidized spay/neuter services for more than two dozen pet owners in Boston. This month ARL’s Spay Waggin’ held two spay/neuter clinics, one at the Franklin Park Zoo, the other at a private business in Mattapan, to provide the service for local pet owners. Clients included one pet owner who

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a person kneeling down with two dogs

ARL Hosts Community Rabies Vaccine Clinics

Rabies vaccine state-mandated for all dogs, cats, and ferrets The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recently held its annual rabies clinics at its Boston, Dedham, and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers, vaccinating more than 200 pets. In Massachusetts, all dogs and cats over six-months-old, as well as ferrets, must be vaccinated against rabies, and these clinics are an important piece to ensuring pet owners have access to free or low-cost vaccination options for their pets. The clinics offered free rabies vaccinations for residents of Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, and just $10 for non-residents – a substantial savings compared

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A tabby kitten lying down inside a cat kennel

ARL Rescues Community Cat Living Under Shipping Container in Charlestown Construction Site

ARL offering $20,000 donation match for Community Cat Program This past week the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department rescued an eight-week-old community kitten who was living under a shipping container at a construction site in Charlestown. ARL’s Community Cat Program focuses on this particularly vulnerable group of animals in Massachusetts. Community cats are feral, stray and abandoned cats who live outdoors in harsh elements. ARL has seen a dramatic rise in the number of community cats who need help in recent years and is offering a $20,000 donation match challenge to allow the organization to help

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MAC Grant blog thumb

ARL Awarded Grant from “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Funds

Grant provides subsidized spay/neuter surgery for more than two dozen pet owners The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is happy to announce the organization is a recipient of a 2025 grant from the MA “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program. Funds will be used towards ARL’s community-based programs to provide subsidized spay/neuter services for more than two dozen pet owners in Boston. This month ARL’s Spay Waggin’ held two spay/neuter clinics, one at the Franklin Park Zoo, the other at a private business in Mattapan, to provide the service for local pet owners. Clients included one pet owner who

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three circles showing ARL staff members with animals
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animals helped
with your support in 2024!

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