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

Small puppy outside scratching its ears

Summer Pet Safety Goes Beyond Tick Bites

Tips to Protect Your Pet From Hidden Summer Dangers For pet owners, ticks and tick-borne illnesses naturally become a concern when the weather warms up. However, bites and stings from other insects can impact the comfort and overall health of pets. Ants, mosquitoes, spiders, bees, among others, can cause a myriad of impacts on our pets – from minor skin irritation to life-threatening allergic reactions. As with ticks, it’s important to check our pets when returning from the outdoors. If your pet has been bitten or stung, here are some non-emergent remedies to try at home: You want to remove

Read More

kittens being held by ARL staff member

You Can Help Vulnerable Cats This Kitten Season!

Every year, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) helps hundreds of community cats across Massachusetts—but as the weather warms up, we face a growing crisis: a surge in kittens born in need of intensive care. These kittens are at high risk from the moment they’re born, facing threats like: Harsh weather Illness and injury Predators Lack of food and shelter These fragile babies urgently need your help! Double Your Impact During the Kitten Shower Join us for this year’s Kitten Shower, as we bring awareness of the reality of kitten season and rally support to help them. Now through June 30, 2025, your donation can go twice

Read More

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

Read More

Small puppy outside scratching its ears

Summer Pet Safety Goes Beyond Tick Bites

Tips to Protect Your Pet From Hidden Summer Dangers For pet owners, ticks and tick-borne illnesses naturally become a concern when the weather warms up. However, bites and stings from other insects can impact the comfort and overall health of pets. Ants, mosquitoes, spiders, bees, among others, can cause a myriad of impacts on our pets – from minor skin irritation to life-threatening allergic reactions. As with ticks, it’s important to check our pets when returning from the outdoors. If your pet has been bitten or stung, here are some non-emergent remedies to try at home: You want to remove

Read More

three circles showing ARL staff members with animals
0

animals helped
with your support in 2024!

We’re social!