Animal Rescue League of Boston - Headquarters
Our Mission
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is an unwavering champion for animals in need, dedicated to keeping them safe, healthy, and happy in their homes. We believe that pets are family, and our work is rooted in the conviction that every animal deserves compassion and a life free from harm.
Our History and Community Commitment
Founded in 1899 by Anna Harris Smith, ARL is the first female-founded animal welfare organization in Massachusetts. Since our inception, we have championed a legacy of kindness, evolving from a local shelter into an innovative force that addresses the root causes of animal suffering through partnerships and community support.
How We Help Animals Thrive
We go beyond traditional sheltering by providing award-winning programs that reach animals and families where they live. From our mobile Spay Waggin’ and Wellness Waggin’ to our expert field services and specialized veterinary care at Boston Veterinary Care, we provide essential resources that keep pets and people together. We are proud of our 90% live release rate and remain committed to finding creative solutions for animals in every situation.
Your Role in Our Story
Adoption is the beginning of a beautiful partnership, and we are here to ensure that every match is made with care and thoughtful consideration. Whether you are looking to welcome a new friend into your home or seeking behavior guidance for your current companion, we provide the resources to ensure success. When you adopt from ARL, you are joining a compassionate community dedicated to the well-being of all animals.
Join Us Today
Ready to meet your new best friend or learn more about our work? Explore our available pets online or visit one of our Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, or Brewster. We invite you to be part of our 365-day mission to protect and care for the animals who need us most.
- Knowledgeable and dedicated staff
- Thorough pet-matching process
- Inflexible surrender and adoption policies
10/27 - MBTA Turns Park Street Into ‘Bark Street’ for Shelter Dog Celebration in Boston
Boston commuters may notice a few extra wagging tails at Park Street Station this week. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) have...
10/20 - Kitten ‘lucky to be alive’ after rescue from I-93 in Woburn - The Boston Globe
Staff at Animal Rescue League of Boston named her “Freeway.”
10/15 - Animal Rescue League, Subaru to host Hyannis pet adoption event
Families can meet adoptable shelter animals at a Hyannis event on Oct. 24 hosted by the Animal Rescue League of Boston and Copeland Subaru.
9/30 - Chris Evans helps inseparable shelter dogs find home together | JFeed
Actor Chris Evans featured two bonded shelter dogs in a viral video, helping them find a family willing to adopt both together after staff refused to separ
9/28 - Pawtriots Howl-ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest
The Kraft Family and New England Pawtriots invite Patriots fans to join us for the first ever Pawtriots Howl-ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest on October 30, 4-6 PM at Patriot Place. Fans are encouraged to dress up their dogs and enjoy the parade featur
8/27 - Mass. lawmakers debate ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats
The House and Senate versions of the Massachusetts PETS Act differ in a provision that would have a major impact on pet sales.
7/28 - Dozens of Dogs find forever homes at second-annual Pawtriots Training Camp dog adoption event
The New England Patriots introduced their latest class of ‘rookies’ at opening day of training camp, hosting the annual Pawtriots dog adoption event during practice Saturday. So far, 34 dogs have caught on with their new team.
7/21 - Pawtriots to Host Second Annual Training Camp Opening Day Dog Adoption Event on Saturday, July 25
On Saturday, July 25, the Kraft family and the Patriots will once again open training camp with another Pawtriots dog adoption event. Join New England Patriots players and the Pawtriots program in supporting pet adoption while meeting dozens of adoptable
6/29 - She started a pet food pantry in her dog’s memory. Now it’s helping Boston families
A Jamaica Plain resident and the MSPCA are among those stepping up to keep pets fed when finances fall short.
10/26 - 🐶Together with @arlboston, we're transforming Park Street station into "Bark Street." Bring your dog, learn about adoptable pets, interact with therapy dogs, and enjoy rider giveaways to celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog month with us. 🗓️Thursday, October 29 ⏰4:00 - 6:00 PM 📍Outside of Park St station Comment "Bark Street" below and we'll send you a link to more details about our upcoming event. #MBTA #shelterdog #Boston #AnimalRescue
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10/22 - Kevin is ready to shake it in his new home! 🎉 Earlier this month we posted about Kevin, an energetic kitten with a moderate form of Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination. After spending some time in foster, he is finally ready to find his new family. Special preparations will need to be done to Kevin’s future home to keep him safe and unharmed. And because Kevin was the only surviving kitten in his litter, we think he would benefit from having a playmate to help teach him some manners. But he is otherwise a happy, playful boy! Have questions about CH or what it takes to welcome a CH kitten into your home? Ask in the comments! Or come by our Dedham location (55 Anna’s Pl) to meet this little guy ❤️
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10/18 - They’re small. They’re sweet. They’ve been waiting for a new home for the last 2 months. Can we get this bonded pair a happy furever after? To adopt: @arlboston #adoptdontshop #rescue #yorkie #newengland
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10/18 - It’s National Pit Bull Awareness Month! Did you know it can take Pit Bull-type pups 3 times longer than other breeds to be adopted? For Manny, he has been waiting for the perfect place to call his own for over 275 days! Manny is an enthusiastic one-year-old who loves rolling in the grass, entertaining himself with squeaky toys, and going on car rides. He enjoys making new friends, both people and pups, and bonds hard with those he loves. Manny would benefit from an adopter who can keep up with his structured routine and provide him with the enrichment he needs. If Manny sounds like the perfect pittie for you, come meet him at our Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center (55 Anna’s Pl) 🐾
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10/17 - Before National Feral Cat Day comes to an end, we want to remind you of the challenges that community cats face every day. Feral cats are part of a larger population known as “community cats”, and can be found in almost every neighborhood across the country, with over 700,000 living in Massachusetts. These cats face risks of illness and injury, threats of harsh weather and predators, and lack of food and shelter. That’s why in 2017, ARL committed to focusing on these felines, becoming the only large animal welfare organization in MA with a dedicated Community Cat Field Agent. Through our Community Cat Program, we can assess cat colonies and rescue those in need. Cats are part of our community, and with your help we can continue to care for them like it ❤️🐾
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10/11 - Dog training classes that give back to shelter dogs? Sign me up! Cora and I had so much fun at @arlboston’s sports sampler class, and will definitely be adding this to our winter schedule!
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10/11 - It’s my birthday! 🎂 Another trip around the sun filled with belly rubs, treats, and lots of love from the guests at @fairmontcopley. Getting to celebrate with all of my favorite four and two legged friends was the icing on the cake.♥️ @arlboston @bigbiscuitbakery @souldogwines @onyvaclean
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10/9 - Kevin may have a little wobble in his walk, but with some support from you, he can continue to thrive! 🐱 As the only surviving kitten in his litter, Kevin has been through more than any little guy should. He was then diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination. Despite all of this, it hasn’t slowed him down! Now thriving in foster care, Kevin is showing everyone that even with a wobble, you can go a long way when you have the support to keep you steady. This $5 Friday, can you spare $5 for Kevin and other animals who need a little extra TLC? Your donation helps provide the care, comfort, and second chances that make happy endings possible ❤️
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10/3 - There’s just something about when Gordy comes running to you 🥹🐷 778 days. That’s how long Gordy has been in our care. And while we love having this bristly boy with us, he truly deserves a home to call his own! Know someone who’s looking to add a handsome, slightly grumpy, sometimes too smart for his own good, pig to their lives? Tell them to come meet him at our Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center (55 Anna’s St). #WorldFarmAnimalsDay
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