About
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year.
The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more. The Animal Rescue League is dependent on individual and corporate contributions to care for its animals.
- The ARL receives no state, federal or United Way funding.
- The ARL takes seriously the investments of its donors and supporters for the care of the animals.
- The ARL, governed by a volunteer board of directors, adheres to standard accounting practices; conducts an annual independent audit; and carefully and frugally manages its resources in order to care for as many animals as possible for decades to come.
- The ARL is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
- The ARL is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity, meeting all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
- Click here to view the ARL’s 2025 year to date numbers.
- View the 2024 990 Form or the 2023 Audited Financials.
Mission & Values
Protect the welfare of animals, preserve the human-animal bond, and prevent the overpopulation of companion animals.
Who We Are
The ARL depends on its dedicated staff to care for the thousands of pets that come through the doors each year.
History
The ARL has grown dramatically since its founding in 1926, expanding its programs that serve both people and homeless animals across Iowa.
Reporting
The ARL helps thousands of pets each year. View the ARL’s year to date numbers here.
News
Stay up-to-date on the latest news from in and around the ARL.
Careers
Every member of our team plays an important role in changing the lives of animals and the people who love them.
Tailwaggers
Tailwaggers is a publication featuring unique content from the ARL that highlights the impact we make in the community— for pets and for people.
Impact Report
Read how your generosity changed lives in our Impact Reports — and get inspired for what we can accomplish together next year.
Animal Services
Adoptions, Stray Drop-off for Des Moines, and Animal Services.
Partners
We’ve expanded our impact across our community and beyond, thanks to our partnerships with businesses, foundations, and community organizations.
FAQs
Browse our FAQs to learn more about the ARL, and find answers to your questions.