8,591 Pageviews Read Stories
Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals, Veterinary Services
Mission: Since 1926 the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) has been a safe haven for animals who have nowhere else to turn. Over the course of nearly a century, more than 1 million abused, abandoned, neglected and even very loved animals have found refuge within our doors. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. mission is protect the welfare of animals, preserve the human-animal bond, and prevent the overpopulation of companion animals. The ARL strives to serve people and pets in our community through our programs and services designed to promote animal welfare, to address the reasons animals end up in shelters, to find forever-adoptive homes for the animals in our care, and to help keep pets in their homes with the people that love them.
Direct beneficiaries per year: In 2023, we provided shelter and compassionate care for 12,946 animals, rescuing 406 from cruelty and neglect. Our outreach services also reached over 2,000 pets, supporting families in keeping their beloved pets healthy and safe
Programs: The ARL depends on private funds to provide services such as: Shelter and care for lost and found pets; Pet Receiving (of strays and owner-released animals); Pet Adoptions at two ARL locations and five adoption partner locations in the Des Moines metro; Outreach programs for pet owners: reclaim assistance, pet food pantry, crisis care, spay and neuter programs, microchip and vaccination clinics, and veterinary assistance programs for pet owners in need of help in the Des Moines metro; Pet Behavior classes and resources for pet owners; Horse rescue and adoption program; Animal Welfare Intervention program; Contractual relationship with the City of Des Moines to provide care and all animal control services to over 5,000 lost and homeless animals found by the public and animals picked up and/or seized by the ARL Animal Services, Animal Control Officers, who provide the service for Des Moines. The ARL receives no state, federal or United Way funding to fund its programs.