Make a difference today

Learn about all the ways you can support the animals in our care.

Make a difference today

Learn about all the ways you can support the animals in our care.

Casper

Male / 2 years

In Foster

Mariah

Female

In Foster

March

Female / 9 years

ARL Second Chance Ranch

Monty

Male / 3 years

In Foster

Russell Crow

Male

ARL Second Chance Ranch

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa

ARL is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year.

GIVE SECOND CHANCES

Since 1926, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa has helped more than 1 million pets in need, and at the end of 2024, we saved thousands of lives. Thanks to your support, we were able to be there for all those pets in need last year. They’re just some of the thousands of pets you help each year.

Join the journey

Each year, the ARL assists in saving hundreds of animals from inhumane conditions. As the calls for help continue to grow, the facilities the animals can recover in must grow, too. You can help transform our rescue facilities so every animal who has been the victim of cruelty will have a safe place to begin their journey to a better life. Help transform their future by making a gift today!

Recent News

Upcoming Events

A promotional graphic for an adoption event by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, featuring a happy dog and a tabby cat beside bold text that reads Adoption Event on a yellow and purple background.

Adoption Event at PetSmart Ankeny

Adoption Event at PetSmart Ankeny Join us for an adoption event at PetSmart Ankeny on March 29! We will be there with adoptable dogs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. [...]

Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026

Location: PetSmart Ankeny

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Cats N’ Mats

Stretch, sip, and snuggle! Join us at the ARL for yoga with kittens! Enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga class taught by a professional with the purrs of adorable kittens all [...]

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Location: ARL Main; Mapes Auditorium

A man holds a small black and white dog in one arm and a sign in the other that reads, My name is Tucker. My family thinks Im a terrier/chi. They are inside a pet store with shelves of pet supplies behind them.

Dog DNA Day

Do people always ask what breed your dog is? We've got your answer! Uncover your pup's DNA mystery and help pets in need at one of our most popular events [...]

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Location: ARL Main

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Doxie Dash

Is your doxie ready to race? Join us at the Des Moines Buccaneers' final regular-season game against the Sioux City Musketeers! Bring your doxie along to watch—and for their chance [...]

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Location: Midmerican Energy Company RecPlex

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