Animal Rescue League of Boston

I adopted my first kitten (as an adult) from the ARL last summer, and the whole experience was fantastic. Professional staff, and adorable animals. The process was simple, and we are so thankful for the ARL for bringing our cat into our lives.

We love Dogs, Cats and all other animals. What I will say is that the cats we have adopted from ARL have been the loves of our lives. For the past 25 years we have been blessed with some of the most amazing animals. But I will say our latest is the bestest. now known as Alora - FKA Rosebud was the first attempt at fostering. We went to her foster to let her meet us and see if we passed her acceptance and she won our hearts immediately. She went right to my husband, and I can tell you we did try. We failed but we tried. We adopted her shortly after joining our pack. She sleeps in our bed with 2 other dogs and another ARL Alum FKA Pooh now known as Apollo-the cat. This Rescue deserves every accolade it can get - and I would and do tell everyone that is looking for a new family member to go to them. Thank you ARL Dedham/Boston. Our lives would not be the same without our adopted babies.

I love ARL! All the animals receive exceptional care and love. I've adopted all of my pets from ARL, and I always will! Thank you for doing the amazing work you all do.

When we discovered a feral cat that we always see around had her kittens under our deck, I knew at some point finding a rescue would be necessary! I came across ARL of Boston via Google and they responded SO quickly (compared to others who most never even responded to emails/calls). They set up traps for TNR within 2 days of calling and taught me how to set them as well. Once we trapped Mom they came the next day and happened to catch the little kittens!!! Informed me through every step, and answered all questions… even when I just wanted to know how all the cats were doing! I can’t say enough amazing things about ARL! Watching these kittens since birth they quickly became loved like our own pets and ARL cared for them as if they were their own pets as well. The staff is kind, resourceful, patient and friendly.

ARL is truly a gem in the animal welfare world! The staff and volunteers are compassionate, the advocacy for animals is unwavering, and and their commitment to helping their community is admirable. ARL gave me my best friend!

The mission of the Animal Rescue League of Boston is to be an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes, which we witnessed firsthand when our dog Pierce joined our family. Pierce was in the care of the ARL for about 6 months, and while he was in their care, the staff and volunteers gave an extraordinary amount of time, love, and training to Pierce, to prepare him to thrive in his forever home. Many rescue organizations wouldn’t have committed the amount of time, money, or resources that Pierce needed to blossom in his forever home, but the ARL did not consider any other option, and for this we are forever grateful. It hasn’t been easy, but Pierce has flourished in our home and he relishes his role as big brother to his two small human brothers. We couldn’t imagine a life without Pierce, in fact we joke that he will outlive us all, and this life couldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of the ARL.

I adopted my cat in 2021 from ARL. They were so kind and helpful throughout the process, making sure me and my cat were the perfect fit! The staff there is patient and friendly. Will be adopting again from Boston ARL!

I have been involved with ARL in a number of different ways, but the best way by far has been as an adopter. I got my Julie in 2015 and I can't imagine my life without her. I am so grateful to ARL for introducing this incredibly special cat into my life!

I've adopted many animals over the years from ARL! Life would not be the same without my pets and I'm thankful to ARL for connecting us!

I have been a foster volunteer for ARL for a few years and have found ARL to be a great organization! It has a knowlegeable and dedicated team that guides you through each foster experience. I also am a client as I have adopted 2 dogs from them (George & Lucas). The adoption experience was very smooth and everyone I interacted with was caring and professional. The boys have been the perfect addition to our family.

I was put in touch with Animal Rescue League of Boston by the town of Plymouth animal control officers after seeing a feral kitten in my yard. The lady from the community cat program came down and tried to set traps during working hours. Unfortunately it was only coming out at night. So after buying my own traps and trapping it, the community cat team came down the very next morning early to take him back to their facility in Boston. They had their vets assess the kitten, give appropriate vaccinations, and neuter him. The team also assessed for the ability to socialize as he was already 8 months old. I got a call from the community cat team at Animal Rescue League of Boston saying that the kitten showed signs of socialization and asked if I wanted to try socializing it. So they brought him back to my house and I started the socialization process. I'm happy to report the kitten was socialized (very quickly I may add!) and he is now my very happy (and very spoiled) indoor cat named Bandit. But I can't thank Animal Rescue League of Boston enough for helping me with the process and they have been available for any questions for their animal behaviorist or any other concerns while I started socializing. They work so hard for all the animals in Massachusetts. I was so fortunate to be put in touch with them. Thanks Animal Rescue League of Boston!!!!

I had the best experience ever, they were so friendly and helped me to find my kitty Francine (I call her Mel), the sweetest girl that I could adopt.

In February of 2020, my husbands dog was dying of brain cancer and it was time to bring some feline love to our home. Through the help of the incredible volunteers they were able to match us with first fur son, Mr. White. A few months after, upon realizing Mr. White needed a friend, ARL helped us find Dexter fka Kingsley. This sweet four week old needed a specific home because he was found feral outside. ARL supported us in so many ways with this process. Their behavioral volunteers were so responsive and when difficult arose with introducing both cats, they were patient, realistic and kind. Now, we have two very happy boys that fill our home with so much love and joy. ARL is an incredible shelter that provides true quality care, love, and support to all the fur babies and their families. We are so grateful for ARL!

Probably one of the best-run non-profits I’ve encountered,and I worked in the non-profit field for many years. Not only caring for animals but caring for people as well. So impressed during the height of Covid when the group was helping people and their pets who couldn’t afford or didn’t have access to pet supplies and care.
Most importantly I adopted my little buddy, Doug, from them a few years ago. Even though Doug had been a feral cat for a year and was extremely shy, they were able to see that he had potential to become a spoiled little pet. Through a great fostering program, Doug slowly became more comfortable with people before I adopted him into my home. Four years later he is a different cat! Don’t know what I’d do without him. And so happy that ARL gave him a real chance at a happy life!

We took our rescue dog Pepper to a weekly group behavior class at ARL and the instructors were fantastic. They were very patient with our nervous pup and helped us learn strategies to make her more comfortable around other dogs and people.

I was so lucky to adopt the sweetest cat named Gordon. The staff were great in helping me find a cat that loves to sit on the couch with me and always brings a smile to my face! It’s been almost two years since I got my roommate and I am very grateful!

I have adopted two cats and a dog from ARL Boston and have been a financial and in-kind donor for many years. Each adoption experience was very positive and the staff took the time to answer all of my questions and make sure that the placements were a good fit. My pets are part of our family and each one has been a wonderful addition. continue to be in awe of the amazing work the staff and volunteers do to help so many animals in need.

My cat of almost 21 years passed on April 15, 2020. I swore up and down I'd never get another cat. Didn't think I could go through that pain again. I wanted an older cat as I'm 61. I searched around for a few months and couldn't find one that was near me. (I don't drive). I've also never adopted before. All my cats were given to me. I was about to give up and this girl showed up on Boston ARL. I called right away and set up an appointment. I was nervous as I didn't know what to expect from a 10 year old cat that I didn't raise. Ryan opened the cage and she came right out and head butted me. I fell in love. She is gorgeous, very very smart (it's like she knows what I'm saying!). Her name is Kimshee . She gives kisses and hugs all day and truly has stolen my heart. I'm so glad I didn't give up! Ryan and everyone at ARL was so nice and I felt very comfortable with the adoption process.

I have had many questions regarding adopting a cat after loosing my 19 year old cat and I wasn't sure that my resident cats would go for so I asked them for some advice. Not only did they give me the advice I needed they also provided me with a link that took me step by step through the process of adopting and bringing a new cat home. They always willing to listen and help. They do such outstanding work and have saved countless pets.

We adopted our first pup from ARL and they were nothing but amazing! They gave us all the necessary paper work took care of her neutering and gave us great people to work with. The locations are clean and staff is super friendly.

Animal Rescue League of Boston helped me find Evie, the perfect cat. Throughout the adoption process they kept me Informed and was very professional. I felt very confident working with the the individuals at the organization. She has made a great addition to my family and I can’t thank them enough. I highly recommend.

I love the ARL - I adopted my bff babzz from them and the staff was amazing. Babzz (topsie at the time) was a shy kitty that wasn’t great around others and had a bit of a tude. There was a cat I was interested in that was living in the main area, but the staff let me know that by the time I got there to visit him a second time and hopefully take him home, that the kitty was a little “over loved“ for the day and needed a break as he was getting cranky. I mentioned how I thought cranky cats were funny, and the staff members face lit up! She let me know that there was a cat who had been at the shelter for 3 months as she was a little too cranky to be in the main area. “Topsie” had a private office upstairs that she shared with a staff member - and when we met, it was love! She’s a total sweetie and just didn’t like shelter life. The staff was thoughtful and literally hand picked our match and I couldn’t be more grateful!

I visited the ARL as a hopeful first-time cat owner and was welcomed right away. I arrived with three friends who were there to support me on my journey, and the staff was so kind to all of us, not just me (the person actually looking to adopt). I saw one cat and immediately fell in love, and a staff member worked with me for the next 30 minutes to an hour to help me get to know the cat, instead of dismissing me and telling me to look at other cats. She took my profile down and was very encouraging despite my newness to cat ownership, and thankfully the cat I had my eyes on was one that fit my needs and abilities as a first-time owner. Because the cat was shy and scared, she was sitting in the very back of her cage so I wasn't able to pet her. The staff member was so helpful, getting treats and food in the cage to help the cat warm up and get me to meet her. We all then stood there for the next 15 to 20 minutes while I pet the cat and sobbed because of how much I loved her. The staff member encouraged me to take my time and wasn't pushy about getting me out of there and to the cash register, which really helped me take the time to get comfortable with the cat before I took her home. The way the staff are with the cats and hopeful adopters shows how much they care for their animals and care for their potential owners. Everyone was so helpful in educating me about cat ownership and setting me up for success as I left, and I even hugged the staff member who helped me on my way out. The ARL staff are patient, kind, caring, and clearly love what they do. A staff member even called me a few weeks later to follow up and see how my girl was doing and emailed me some information to help me better care for my cat! I would highly recommend adopting from them. I can't thank the ARL enough for helping me find my girl, Pippa!

I’ve gotten my two best cats from ARL, one was a calico, Nea, whom I had for over 18 years until she died and the other is Viva, my cuddly, little brown Tabby who will be 2 in April. She’s such a little charmer, with a super high voice, who loves to play fetch with toy mice including one that used to belong to Nea!

ARL of Boston is one of the nicest shelters I’ve ever been to. My husband and I adopted our bunny, Thumper (formerly Dandy) last June at the Dedham location and we couldn’t be happier. He is thriving with us. He does binkies, watches TV and loves eating his puff treats. Everything we learned from the ARL staff is still what we do daily for Thumper. You made the adoption process very easy for us. Thanks for all that you do!

Both our babies are from Brewster ARL.. Big Boy Ben is my best bud and hiking companion .. and Mitzy our kitty is a sweet kind “old soul”.. so blessed to have them both in our lives.. Rescues are the best.!! ❤️

On a unseasonably warm February day in Boston, a coworker and myself brought some of clients with intellectual disabilities to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

The clients who attend our day hab program made homemade dog treat and cat toys for animals in shelter. When the shelter staff brought the clients to where the dogs were staying, there was one older lady who walked right up our clients.

This lady was named Maya, a German Shepard/greyhound mix. Two days later my fiance and I took Maya home. We celebrated her one year adoption with us this past Monday and we celebrate her 12th birthday in May. Maya has brought us so much joy; she is the first to greet you at the door and protect you from suspicious looking squirrels.

We are extremely grateful we able to give this sweet senior lady a home and we love her so much for trusting us as pet parents.

Thank you ARL for all the great work that you do!

Sarah Risko

I adopted Gunner (front), a black mini schnauzer, 7 years ago. He is a cuddle bug and we absolutely adore him. Thank you Animal Rescue League of Boston for giving us the opportunity to have him. Forever grateful.

My wife and I have adopted 3 cats from ARL Dedham.

Our first cat together (my first cat ever) was Chewie (formerly Cilo). She has been the greatest cat we could ever hope for. She was so shy, and we spent an hour at the shelter quietly trying to get her out of her enclosure. She finally did, and she has been by my side ever since.

Our second cat was Pepper (Asia). We thought Chewie needed a friend, and so we went to look for another cat. I saw Pepper, who was a beautiful Bengal. I fell in love and asked about her. She was already being boxed up for another family. I had talked with the staff that day about Chewie, and about how I loved Pepper; they were very friendly and easy to talk to. Fast forward a few weeks, I get a call from the staff at the Dedham office and they told me that the family that took home Pepper brought her back in because she was throwing up. They remembered that I fell in love with her and asked if I wanted to come and get her. I came in with my wife that night and picked her up. We had Pepper for a little over a year before she passed from heart failure. She wasn't really a friendly cat, and she certainly was annoying, but we realized how much we missed her when there was no noisy orange cat greeting us at the door after work.

We decided to wait before we adopted again. We waited 2 months or so, and the first time we visited ARL again we saw a tiny little orange kitten in the office. We didn't see any other cats that were a good fit for us from the selection they had that day, and decided to chat with the staff and told them about Pepper, etc. They told us that the little kitten was also returned because he was "needy" and "annoying". They let us go to the office to play with him, and again, we fell in love. We stayed for a while and decided this was right for us, and they agreed to hold him until he got some other shots. We picked him up a couple of days later and he has been our "little one" for the last 2 years. Rupert (Logan) is super annoying, but we love him so much. The staff at ARL has been amazing since day 1 and I would recommend them to anybody and everybody.

We adopted our little boy Cypress in June 2017 after seeing him at ARL and immediately knew he was different. He was a goofy, energetic, and clever and climbed onto our laps the first night he came home with us. Unfortunately he passed away last winter due to acute leukemia and fought every day until the end, especially for those extra meaty snacks from the vet. We thank ARL for introducing us to the most loving addition to our family!

This organization is amazing! We have rescued a very sweet white mouse named Abe and 2 darling goats who came from a truly horrific situation. They were knowledgable, organized and supportive throughout the whole process. You guys are my heroes and Gwenny and Gump think so too!

My family has adopted several pets from the ARL. One dog was a foster, he was rescued from a terrible situation. Our foster experience with ARL was amazing, we got to see first hand how they advocate for the animals who can't speak for themselves. We often stop by to visit their facility. Here is a picture of my Spock, he's s happy fella

I adopted my kitten from the ARL of Boston. Amanda was wonderful answering all my questions and concerns. She gave me great suggests for helping my cat adjust to a new kitten. We also thoroughly went over the records kept on my little guy. It was a great experience and would recommend adoption from this organization!

I have adopted 2 cats through ARL Dedham. Fantastic group. My first beautiful baby , Penelope, a dilute calico Maine Coon mix lived to be 13 and was best friends with my 3 dogs. My current gorgeous girl is 15 and still going strong. She's amazing.