Animal Lifeline of Iowa Inc.
Our Mission
Animal Lifeline of Iowa is dedicated to reducing the number of special-needs cats and dogs who are euthanized by providing compassionate care, temporary shelter, and the promotion of positive long-term pet guardianship.
Who We Are
Founded in 1986, we are Central Iowa’s only animal shelter exclusively focused on special-needs cats and dogs. Serving the entire state from our base in Des Moines, we have spent three decades ensuring that no animal is left behind simply for needing extra care, time, or medical attention.
Our Commitment to Care
As a no-kill shelter, we prioritize animals who face higher risks in traditional settings, including those who are injured, handicapped, abused, pregnant or nursing, or orphaned. Every animal in our care receives comprehensive veterinary treatment through VCA Avondale Animal Hospitals, ensuring they are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered before finding their forever homes. Our dedicated team manages our intake based on available resources and adoption demand, allowing us to provide personalized attention to every resident.
Finding Your Perfect Companion
We believe that every animal deserves a loving, stable home, and we are committed to finding the right match for both the pet and the adopter. Because we provide specialized care for animals with unique medical or rehabilitation needs, we work closely with potential adopters to ensure a successful transition. Adopting from us means you are contributing to a compassionate community where every life is valued.
Take the Next Step
We invite you to join us in our mission to save lives. Please visit our website to view our currently adoptable animals or call us at (515) 285-7387 to schedule an appointment for a visit. Your support helps us continue to provide a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Community support and dedication
10/23 - Custom chair helps Milo eat safely at an Iowa shelter
Milo, a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix with a rare condition, is recovering at Animal Lifeline of Iowa thanks to specialized care and a custom-made feeding chair.
7/3 - Mending Moxie's heart: Five-month-old puppy is recovering after specialized surgery
A five-month-old rescue puppy named Moxie is recovering from a five-hour surgery to address congenital heart defects and is already showing some signs of success.
10/31 - With the help of our Community Outreach Partners KnoPros Remodeling, B-Side Bois, SingleSpeed Brewery and 3 Beards Media presented Animal Lifeline with a $700 donation today!! This was raised during Episode 185’s Live Podcast at SingleSpeed where for every beer sold they donated 1 dollar! Then the West Des Moines Wombats matched the donation with 3 Beards adding more! Thank you everyone who showed up to the live podcast episode, watched online, or supported in other ways! It was a great day, with great people, for a great cause!
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10/28 - She’s giving it 2% and, you know what, we respect that. Sophie is available for adoption!
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10/20 - It's hard work being this ✨ fabulous ✨ Balin has been busy prepping some Halloween costumes, and let's just say he's got a few tricks up his sleeve! What is he dressing up as? You'll have to wait and see! 👀🎃
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