Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc.
Our Mission
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is dedicated to protecting the welfare of animals, preserving the precious human-animal bond, and preventing the overpopulation of companion animals. Every day, we strive to give thousands of pets the second chances they deserve, transforming lives across Iowa.
A Legacy of Compassion
Since our founding in 1926, the ARL has grown into Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, serving thousands of pets and the people who love them each year. As a 501(c)(3) organization that relies entirely on individual and corporate generosity, we are proud to be a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity that manages resources with care to ensure we can help animals for decades to come.
How We Care for Our Animals
We treat every animal as an individual, providing comprehensive medical care, behavioral support, and enrichment in a safe environment. While our primary focus is our shelter facilities, we also utilize a dedicated network of foster homes to give pets a comforting, home-like space to recover or prepare for their forever families. We are committed to caring for every animal as long as it takes to find them a home, ensuring they are safe and free from suffering.
Your Role in Their Journey
Adopting from the ARL is more than just finding a new family member; it is a partnership that changes a life—yours and theirs. We focus on thoughtful, transparent matching to ensure every pet finds the right fit for your household and lifestyle. When you choose to adopt, you become a vital part of our mission to provide rescue and hope to those who need it most.
Join Us Today
Ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to browse our currently available pets on our website or through our app, or visit us at one of our locations to see these wonderful animals in person. Together, we can continue to change lives, one adoption at a time.
- Compassionate end-of-life services
- Supportive surrender process
- Appointment-only friction
6/24 - How you can spend a day with a shelter dog for free this June
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s “Dog’s Day Out” program is free in June. The program gives people the chance to give a rescue dog a field trip. Normally, participants pay a $…
6/23 - Keeping pets safe and calm during Fourth of July fireworks
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa offers tips to help keep your pets calm during Fourth of July fireworks and festivities.
5/14 - Iowa animal shelters seeing huge uptick as 'kitten season' ramps up
It's kitten season, and that means local animal shelters are seeing an influx of cats. Here's what experts say to do if you see a cat outside:
5/5 - ARL of Iowa to take in dozens of Ridglan Farms beagles
Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin agreed to sell 1,500 beagles to rescue groups, including the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Here's what to know.
5/4 - Animal Rescue League of Iowa prepares to take in beagles saved from Ridglan Farms
Ridglan Farms gave up its license to avoid potential felony animal mistreatment charges.
5/3 - Spock's Sanctuary sees community support after fire leaves reptiles homeless
A fire at Spock’s Reptile Sanctuary prompted heroic efforts by the community, saving 147 animals.
5/2 - Reptile rescue center faces tragedy as fire kills 20+ animals
DES MOINES, Iowa — Crews are working to recover after a fire sparked at Spock’s Sanctuary overnight, claiming the lives of more than 20 reptiles. Spock’s Sanctuary, located at 210…
5/2 - Animal Rescue League of Iowa to care for beagles rescued from Wisconsin facility
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is preparing to take in rescued beagles bred for testing.
3/30 - Des Moines declares March 30 'Animal Rescue League of Iowa Day' to celebrate ARL's 100th year
Since its founding in 1926, the Iowa ARL has become the largest nonprofit animal shelter in the state, caring for more than 13,000 animals each year.
3/6 - DMPD searches for man accused of abusing girlfriend, puppy
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department is asking the community’s help in locating a wanted man they say abused his girlfriend and a puppy. Des Moines Police says the invest…
