News

With severe winter weather in the forecast, here are some tips from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) to keep your pets – and the pets in your community – safe in these cold temperatures.

Yesterday, ARL Animal Services officers assisted Des Moines Police in rescuing two dogs, named Supreme and Legend, after an investigation into a 911 call about a man violently abusing a dog in a downtown neighborhood.

When our Animal Welfare & Response Team responded to an urgent call from law enforcement to help dozens of animals living in a single-wide mobile home in southern Iowa, they were overwhelmed by the chaos they found.

Turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie…your mouth waters simply thinking about Thanksgiving. And although it’s a day to give thanks, your pets won’t be any too grateful if they end up at the vet’s office due to a holiday emergency.

It just keeps happening. Our Animal Welfare & Response Team has responded to multiple back-to-back calls for help just weeks after our rescue of over 100 dogs, mobilizing quickly time after time to help additional pets in need. In total, we have taken in 162 MORE rescued animals in the span of just 12 days.

Halloween is a fun holiday that is celebrated with tricks, treats, and costumes of all kinds, but it can also be a night of dangers and stress for pets. In order to keep your pets happy and safe during this spooky holiday, follow these simple steps!

No matter how many times we see unimaginable suffering, it never gets easier. When Birdie and Benji arrived at the ARL just a few days ago, our hearts dropped. Two small puppies, one very weak and in severe pain, and the other so near death he was unresponsive.

If you’re handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, here’s a great way to help get the word out about adoptable pets at the ARL!

When we received an urgent call from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s office about 100+ dogs living in dangerous conditions, we were already stretched to our limits. Our kennel space has been at a critical level for months – when one kennel opens, it immediately fills up again. But we couldn’t say no to these dogs.

When Clover and Ivy arrived, the sight of them was heartbreaking. They were dangerously emaciated and dehydrated. Their ribs and hip bones pressed against their skin, and their noses were dry and cracked. Their fur was also heavily stained with urine, indicating they’d been living in their own waste. They didn’t get this way overnight. They had been suffering for weeks, if not months.

11 dogs who had been living in terrible conditions at a Pocahontas County residence are now safe at the Animal Rescue League after our Animal Welfare & Response Team responded to a call to assist law enforcement.

Every summer, hundreds of cats and dogs die needlessly due to their owners not taking the proper precautions regarding the extreme heat. Here are simple steps you can take to make sure your animal enjoys the summer months.

Less than two years after helping remove 30 dogs from an unlicensed breeder in Cedar County, the ARL team was back on the same property … this time working with authorities to rescue 32 MORE dogs.

When our Animal Welfare & Response Team was called to assist the Decatur County Sheriff in removing multiple dogs trapped in a filthy trailer, they arrived to see puppies poking their heads out of broken windows, looking for a way out.

Behind the eyes of many of the adorable puppies selling for thousands of dollars hides the horrors of the dogs they leave behind at some of Iowa’s worst puppy mills. These breeders, many operating illegally without licenses, care more about profits than the dogs.

Yesterday, just months after helping rescue more than 100 dogs from a puppy mill in Boone County, the ARL team was back on the same property … this time working with authorities to free 46 MORE dogs and puppies from the cycle of commercial breeding.

Our kennels are full, but the calls keep coming in. This time it was to rescue 30 dogs from an unlicensed breeder. We needed to get these dogs out. We figured out a plan. Our team got on the road, and we brought the dogs safely to the shelter.

It’s the height of summer – a time when our shelter is already full – and the calls just keep coming. Law enforcement agencies are reaching out daily – a spike from even a few weeks ago – and our rescue team has been mobilizing quickly and repeatedly when animals need us most.

The loud booms, pops, and fizzes associated with fireworks can make pets feel uneasy. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to help calm your pet’s nerves.

A small dog curled up by the train tracks. Cold and alone. Just skin and bones. Thankfully a good Samaritan spotted Ryder and stopped their car to help. Up close, it was clear he needed more assistance than they could give, so they bundled him in a towel and rushed him to the Animal Rescue League.

As warm weather approaches, the temperatures of outdoor surfaces, such as cement or asphalt, can quickly become dangerous. Take these steps to prevent injury to your pet’s paws.

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

It’s the time of year we all love – long walks and visits to public dog parks! As dog owners, we want to be sure that crossing paths with other dogs in public spaces is safe for all parties involved. Here are a few tips for when you are out and about with your dogs this summer.

The odds were stacked against them. The four tiny puppies had just lost their mother to critical injuries related to their birth, and now they were alone and helpless – too small to eat on their own or even control their own body temperature. We knew they would require specialized nursery care just to survive.

As the ARL sees an increase in dogs with parvovirus, learn what to do to protect your dog.

Walking and jogging are two of the best hobbies you and your dog can share. Aside from costing next to nothing (all you need is a leash, walking shoes, and a place to wander), there are three amazing benefits of walking and jogging with your dog.

Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don’t know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it’s a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start.

This method of housetraining is focused on preventing “accidents” instead of waiting for the accidents to happen. The goal is to make it easy for the puppy to do the right thing in the first place. If you already own an adult dog with housetraining problems, you can use this method to start fresh just as you would with a puppy.

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you’ve welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.

Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don’t speak human (and we don’t speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Traveling with your cat may seem daunting, but it can be done! Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your cat when traveling.

Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.

There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.

Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.

Are you having problems getting some Z’s with your new cat. Here are a few tips to help you get some shut-eye.

Plants add the needed finishing touches to any decor. But, if you have a feline that beautiful plant could become a deadly enemy.

Learn the proper steps you should take before and after your pet has been spayed or neutered.

When Bella arrived, it was clear she was suffering. Her skin was deeply infected and almost all of her fur was gone. Her exposed skin, from her face to her swollen paws, was red, scabby and painful to the touch. Our veterinarian said there was almost no healthy skin on her body. Her eyes were also infected and cloudy, and she bumped into walls as she entered our exam room.

When the four orphaned kittens looked up at us with their tiny blue eyes, it was clear they needed help. They were dehydrated, underweight and cold to the touch. We were told they were found all alone in a barn after their mother had been hit by a car. They had nowhere else to turn.

Kitten season is upon us, and we’re already seeing an influx of kittens and mamas coming through our doors. Read on to find out more about kitten season and how you can help

Our Animal Welfare & Response Team works tirelessly, partnering with law enforcement and other agencies across the state to respond when animals need us most. So when we received an urgent call for help with a situation involving dozens of dogs at a commercial breeder two hours away, we immediately began the hours of preparation needed for a rescue of that magnitude.

Did you find kittens outside? Use this chart to help you determine the next steps you should take.

Apollo arrived at our Second Chance Ranch in rough shape. At 2 years old, he was weak, heartbreakingly thin and suffering from a serious head wound. He struggled to eat and drink, and, on top of everything else, we were told he was likely suffering from strangles, a highly infectious disease that can cause painful swelling and abscesses.

A dog who was stolen during a break-in at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s (ARL) Animal Services location Feb. 18 has been safely recovered and is now back in the ARL’s care.

We can’t imagine what Huey went through. The sight of him when he came through our doors was heartbreaking. This little puppy was suffering from severe burns to all four paws, as well as burns to his face and his tiny ears. It was clear he was in pain.

Yesterday, in the middle of this bitter cold snap we’re all enduring, five vulnerable puppies arrived at our doors. They’d been found abandoned in a plastic tote, left by the side of the road in rural Iowa – where temperatures were in the single digits, with wind chills as low as 15 below zero.

The list of benefits for indoor cats is long! If you’re on the fence, read more to make an informed decision.

The most festive time of the year is upon us, and we want to make sure your pets enjoy the holly-jolly times with you while staying safe and sound.

When deputies responded to a medical call at a rural residence, they were shocked to also come across another level of suffering – dozens of sick cats living in extremely poor conditions alongside the residents.

Winter weather is here to stay. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe in cold temperatures.

When our Animal Welfare and Response Team arrived in Mason City to assist police with dozens of cats trapped in a van this week, temps were already in the 90s, making temps inside the enclosed van life-threatening.

It’s late October, but kitten season isn’t slowing down! Dozens of tiny fluffballs – some cuddled up with littermates, others orphaned and alone – are finding refuge at the Animal Rescue League.

When Roxie came through our doors, our hearts broke. This senior girl was found wandering alone, incredibly thin, and missing much of her fur. One look at her sad, cloudy eyes, and we knew she needed help. They said so much.

When Belle came through our doors, it was a heartbreaking sight. At just 3 months old, she had already lived her young life in pain. The skin on her face, legs, tail and ears was inflamed, swollen and covered in scabs. Her ears were infected and bleeding. She was hurting so much that she could barely bring herself to move from the bed we gave her.

Every shelter across the country is full right now, and the ARL is no different, but when we received a call to help 27 animals from a hoarding case in Wayne County, we couldn’t say no. They had nowhere else to turn. Now they need your help.

It was a sight we’d never seen and hope to never see again: A giant, shockingly thin horse being forced to pull a carriage in downtown Des Moines.

We’d never seen so many fleas on such tiny kittens. When the ARL rescue team arrived, we found 21 cats and kittens living in a filthy, bug-infested Des Moines home. The cats were in bad shape, but it was the 14 kittens – many just days old – that were suffering the most.

Hazel is in desperate need of help. She arrived emaciated, dehydrated and so frail she could not walk. She had clearly been starving for a very long time.

Nine dogs who had been living in a cramped, filthy wire kennel inside a Webster City home are now safe at the Animal Rescue League after our Mobile Rescue Team was called to assist Webster City Police with a case of alleged animal neglect on Valentine’s Day.

When Moe arrived, he was covered in fleas and ticks and we could see every rib. He was just 6 months old, and already so sick. We began treatment, but his condition quickly turned critical.

The ARL Mobile Rescue team has been deployed to remove hundreds of dogs from commercial breeders and puppy mills over the last few months, and the latest call for help was just days ago

It happened again. Late in the day, we received a call from law enforcement asking us to help rescue dozens of animals from horrible conditions. There were 60 dogs and cats living inside the property, where, sadly, deceased dogs had also been found.

When the ARL got the urgent call from the Dallas County Sheriff’s office to assist with the removal of 46 horses – many injured and thin, with little to no food and water – our rescue team quickly prepared for our largest horse rescue operation in years.

Litter after litter, the puppies keep coming. It’s been nonstop – every week, more underage puppies arriving at the ARL looking for a chance at survival. We’ve already taken in 100+ MORE puppies than last year at this time … and they keep coming! They need your help!

A few days ago when our team arrived to begin caring for the dozens of horses at our Second Chance Ranch, there he was: A clumsy, adorable foal gazing wide-eyed at the world.

When Dalila arrived at the ARL, it was clear she was in pain. Her skin was red and raw, and she was missing fur all over her body. She was covered in scabs from scratching intensely at her inflamed skin. She shied away when we tried to touch her.

The ammonia in the air was stifling. Every room in the house was covered in cat feces and trash that clung to ARL rescuers’ boots with each step they took. Cats were everywhere.

Spaying and neutering has major health and behavioral benefits for your pet.

Danny was found on a rural Iowa road, alone and in severe pain. We can only image how terrified he was – just 4 months old and injured with no one to help him.

It’s only a few days into the new year, and we’re already receiving calls for help. A law enforcement agency reached out asking for assistance rescuing pups living in terrible conditions in a home in northern Iowa. When our team arrived, the residence smelled strongly of urine and the floors were covered in feces and debris.

When we initially rescued 46 horses from a Dallas County property, we could immediately tell it was bad, very bad … but after we had equine veterinarians come to the ARL Second Chance Ranch to thoroughly examine each one, we learned it’s actually far worse than we originally thought.

As ARL Animal Services officers entered the small Des Moines house, they were overcome by what they saw, heard … and smelled. There were 33 animals (31 dogs and 2 cockatiels) crammed so tightly into the tiny space that our rescuers could barely move. Every dog was barking at the top of their lungs – as if they were pleading to be saved from the conditions they had been living in.

Community cats will be looking for food resources and warm shelter to protect them from the cold of winter. We recommend the following tips for caretakers to help colonies get through the cold season.

The ARL has become a full member of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO), a leading global network of organizations specializing in human-animal interactions and animal-assisted interventions.

It was just before midnight when the ARL Mobile Rescue Team arrived with a final load of dogs after responding to an urgent plea from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Over the span of 12 hours our team had removed 96 dogs from a property, most rescued from an unoccupied trailer home that was absolutely horrific.

A new Des Moines Animal Services building is nearing completion, bringing expanded services to the pets and people of Des Moines and the surrounding community.

When an ARL Animal Services officer arrived at an apartment to assist Des Moines Police, he found two very thin large-breed dogs – and the condition of one was especially dire.

When our ARL Animal Services officer responded to a call about an injured dog, he found a horrific sight: a young dog with blood covering the front part of his body.

It happened again. Just as we were working to take in a large number of dogs from a case in southwest Iowa, another desperate call for help came in – this time on the other side of the state … and it was urgent.

Every shelter across the country is full right now, and the ARL is no different, but when we received a call to help dogs from a hoarding case we couldn’t say no.

At just 10 weeks old, little Churu was found in a field in a rural area with serious head wounds. Her head and neck were extremely swollen when she arrived. She hung her head, barely opening her eyes, too sick and painful to move.

It was nearly closing time when we received the urgent call. The good Samaritans had called multiple other shelters in their area and no one would help take in the 6 puppies they had found that were covered in ticks.

He is emaciated, incredibly frail and stained with urine. He struggles to stand and walk and has almost no muscle across his body. We were told he was found in a ditch.

The ARL urges people to adopt from their local shelter and has set a goal to find homes for 1,000 dogs by the end of the summer.

For the first time in their lives, 34 dogs woke up this morning in new beds, never again to spend another day inside a dog breeding operation.

Now is the season when we start seeing a big increase in calls asking for help with large-scale rescues all across the state. We already received one … from 3 hours away in northwest Iowa. A trailer home was full of cats living in terrible conditions

Our Miracle Medical Team was ready and waiting when an ARL Animal Services officer rushed in carrying a thin, badly injured 8-week-old puppy in his arms.

When the ARL’s Mobile Rescue Team was contacted by Keokuk County Sheriff’s deputies to assist with a rescue, we arrived to find four horses – two of whom were in such terrible condition they were literally skin and bones. It was clear they needed immediate help.

When ARL Animal Services officers received a shocking call about a husky who was so starved and dehydrated it had to be humanely euthanized, we also were alerted to something else alarming: There were other dogs in the home that may be in trouble.

Murphy was soaking wet, his fur completely matted and pulling at his skin when an ARL Animal Services officer responded to an urgent call to help a dog found lying on the side of the road.

Unprecedented flight cancellations have left thousands of people stranded at airports this week, but the airlines weren’t to blame for a sweet dog being stranded at the Des Moines, IA, airport yesterday.

Luna’s body was hot to the touch and covered in sores when she arrived at the Animal Rescue League. Her skin was red and raw, and the smell of infection filled the room.

When an ARL Animal Services officer stepped into a Des Moines home, the stench was overwhelming. Following the sounds of barking, the ARL officer discovered two large dogs in a basement, shut in separate wire crates, living in their own filth, with no food and no water.

Holly arrived at the Animal Rescue League limping, with a badly swollen leg, a puncture wound, and deep bruising on her lower half. We were told she was found by the side of the road, likely hit by a car.

Multiple cat households are common and keeping the peace is important for the emotional well-being of all cats in the home.

There are many ways to enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
Here are some ideas, products and objects that you may consider to enrich your cat’s daily life!

Nearly 140 goats, sheep and pigs are recovering under the care of the ARL, after the ARL’s Mobile Rescue Team assisted with a large-scale farm animal rescue in Washington County.

20 cats and kittens were abandoned in an apartment with no food or water.

Four cats meowing loudly and desperately reaching their paws through the bars of a wire kennel. That was the first thing our ARL Animal Services officer saw when responding to a call about multiple cats trapped inside an abandoned van.

Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques these cats can become a part of the family.

We were called again yesterday – this time to rescue dozens more sick and suffering cats. This is our third large-scale cat rescue in the last three weeks … and the total number of cats from these cases is now up to 103.

When our Mobile Rescue Team received a call to help a family struggling to provide for a large number of sick cats and kittens that had multiplied in their home, we didn’t hesitate. We knew we had to help.

ARL Animal Services officers found 15 animals crammed into a small trailer home, filled with junk and reeking of urine. They assisted Des Moines Police with the removal of a dog, eight cats and six rabbits from a toxic, trash-filled trailer in southwest Des Moines.

After three glorious months of having the undivided attention of their children companions — playing outside, taking long naps, and going on the occasional car ride with mom and dad — your pet has probably noticed by now that things are quite different. Lazy days have been replaced with hectic mornings and long lonely days, which can result in your pet becoming stressed.

This senior boy (we estimate him to be at least 10) arrived at the ARL after a good Samaritan found him and rushed him to us for help. He was in pain, confused and unable to use his leg – it appeared he was hit by a car.

Humphrey’s thin body was hot to the touch and covered in sores when he arrived at the Animal Rescue League. At only 8 weeks old, his ribs showed clearly through his patchy fur. He had obviously never had proper medical care.

The Animal Rescue League’s Mobile Rescue Team spent hours removing 30 cats and kittens from a home in Pocahontas County after being asked by local law enforcement to assist. The cats and young kittens had been left by their owner — shut in a hot, filthy house, without any food or water.

When the ARL officer arrived, she found a Great Dane, named Kal, shut in the crate with no food and no water – wasting away in an apartment where people were living. And no one was helping him.

The pups were emaciated, their fur stained from lying in their own waste. They were so weak from starvation and dehydration that their legs shook as they walked.

Goldie arrived this week with two large wounds on his head, one of them very deep at the base of his ear, painful, and oozing. The larger wound is so bad that today he went under anesthesia for a procedure to help with his healing.

Jonesy arrived at the ARL in extremely critical condition – drooling, panting and in obvious distress. We were told that a company had laid poison in the apartment building he was living in and that Jonesy had been eating mice in his home that had likely been poisoned.

65 more dogs and puppies are now in our care after we assisted authorities in rescuing them from a property near Hedrick, IA, in Keokuk County – the third time in two months that our team has been called on to conduct a large-scale rescue where animals were in urgent need of care.

Just months after the Gingerich puppy mill rescue, the Animal Rescue League has once again assisted authorities in removing dogs from terrible conditions at an unlicensed breeder — this time 3.5 hours away in Southeast Iowa.

The ARL Mobile Response Team assisted law enforcement this week with the removal of additional animals from the same unlicensed breeder in Southeast Iowa that we had already removed dogs and hamsters from late last month, bringing the total to over 300 animals rescued.

Amilia and Scrappy were found trapped in their kennels inside an abandoned apartment on Des Moines’ north side, with no food or water. The situation was dire.

Cloud, Casper and Cupid arrived at the Animal Rescue League late last week suffering from severe burns after ARL Animal Services officers received a call about a fire in a Des Moines area inhabited by people without housing.

At a time when homes are lit with merry holiday lights and presents are wrapped under the tree, Zoey was living a nightmare. The 6-month-old puppy had suffered serious trauma … and her injuries were shocking.

Little Spud is only 3 months old, but she has already been through so much. She arrived at the Animal Rescue League in rough shape, with a long, gaping wound at her throat and another at the back of her neck.

Aspen arrived wet and shivering after being found alone and starving in a snowbank in the cold. The 12-week-old kitten was weak, dehydrated and very thin, making his situation even more critical. He needed help right away.

The ARL Mobile Rescue Team has arrived back in Des Moines after a multi-day rescue operation to remove more than 500 dogs from a commercial breeder at six locations in Iowa. The dogs were saved from horrific conditions at the hands of Daniel Gingerich, who has been accused of 190 violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The operation to save these dogs began weeks ago, and while they are finally safe, the hardest part is still ahead. Now they need YOU.

For her entire 4 years of life, she churned out puppies for Daniel Gingerich, a commercial breeder with a long history of animal cruelty. And now that she could no longer even stand, she had been discarded, left to suffer alone. She was one of 500+ dogs the ARL recently assisted in rescuing.

Oatmeal was found all alone in a fast-food parking lot struggling to walk. When she arrived at the Animal Rescue League, we immediately made her comfortable and began figuring out how to help her. X-rays showed severe problems with both of her back legs.

ARL assists with rescue of animals ranging from black bears to hamsters are being rescued from Cricket Hollow Zoo, a roadside zoo in Manchester, Iowa.

When 12-week-old Potato arrived at the Animal Rescue League, it was obvious the little round puppy was in pain. He held one of his front legs out from his body at an odd angle, and his eyes looked tired and confused.

Using the proper collar and leash is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for your dog, and you, whether attending events, going on their daily walk or exploring new territory! Prong collars, e-collars, and choke chains increase a dog’s discomfort level in their throat area when pressure or shock is applied, or emotionally since the dog may not understand why it’s happening.

The Animal Rescue League team has rescued 43 animals from terrible conditions during a two-day rescue at a property in Marion County. The dogs, cats, rabbits, horse and pot-bellied pigs were living in horrendous conditions alongside deceased animals with no food and no clean water.

Thank you to everyone who has contacted us regarding the extremely disturbing video and eyewitness accounts about a dog named Echo who was allegedly abused in Waukee by her owner Zac Brooks. We would like to see Echo rehomed immediately – either voluntarily or under the provisions of the law – as well as a continued full investigation to determine further potential charges.

With extreme temperatures expected over the next several days, the Polk County Health Department encourages residents to take extra precautions to stay safe. As we brace for this extreme heat, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is prepared to help pets and pet owners stay safe during these high temperature heat indexes.

14 miniature horses rescued in terrible condition from an eastern Iowa property are safe and receiving care at the Animal Rescue League’s Second Chance Ranch.

When ARL Animal Services officers responded to call about a dog in a dumpster on the Fourth of July, they arrived to find Des Moines Police frantically pulling trash out looking for what sounded like a puppy crying. With temps in the upper 80s and the puppy sounding so young, we knew we needed to act fast.

Ghost is just 6 months old and has already been through so much. He came to the Animal Rescue League in serious pain, struggling to walk with a severely swollen back leg. X-rays in our Miracle Medical Ward showed a long fracture and muscle atrophy, indicating the break isn’t fresh. Sadly, this poor pup has been suffering for a while.

Highway Bobby arrived at the Animal Rescue League as a tiny injured kitten, weighing just 1.7 pounds. A good Samaritan had found him by the side of a highway with severe trauma to his back end.

28 pairs of fuzzy ears and 28 pairs of eyes looked up at us from the two large kennels in our medical exam room. All at once, six mama cats and 22 kittens had arrived at the Animal Rescue League.

The ARL has received reports that individuals have approached people’s homes selling items and claiming the proceeds will benefit the ARL. The ARL has never collected door-to-door donations, so anyone claiming to do so is not doing it with our consent.

Some national news stories have been circulating recently claiming a trend in which animals who were adopted or purchased during the pandemic in record numbers are now being surrendered to animal shelters in record numbers. Data shows this is actually not the case for most shelters across the country, including the ARL.

When an ARL Animal Services Officer responded to a call about a puppy in distress, she came across a dire situation: The young puppy’s collar was deeply embedded in her neck, nearly killing her.

This senior dog was in considerable pain, with a severe skin infection across 75% of his body. His inflamed skin was hot to the touch and severely itchy. He had lost nearly all his fur, and everywhere on his body he had crusted or open sores.

Urine-soaked and covered in feces, he was lucky help came when it did.

As soon as Simon arrived, our Emergency Care Team rushed to help him, carefully cleaning his wound and administering pain medication and antibiotics. We don’t know what happened to this poor cat, but he arrived at the Animal Rescue League just in time.

When Jax arrived, the sight of him took our breath away. He was literally skin and bones. No fat. No muscle mass. We weren’t sure how he was even standing.

She arrived dehydrated and ravenous, and our medical team immediately rushed to her aid. She is so dangerously thin — just 20 pounds — that she could not have survived much longer without help.

We recently received 20 cats and kittens who had been living in horrible conditions, many of whom arrived in need of extensive medical care.

The cats are now at the Animal Rescue League, where they’re receiving the medical and behavioral care that they need. All of the cats in this case are very fearful, and we expect many of them to be in our care for weeks.

April has arrived and with it comes sunshine, warmer temperatures, and unfortunately, insects. Keeping your cats safe from some of the worst pests, like fleas and ticks, is normally a no brainer, but what about heartworms?

Millions of pets go missing every year and can take days, months, or even years to be reunited with their family. Don’t let this happen to you! Take the steps below to keep your pet safe and give them the best chance to be reunited with you should they get out.

Carlisle High School Senior Carley Deery raises $2,250 to help area first responders have access to pet oxygen masks.

We knew that with negative double-digit temperatures ahead, these dogs couldn’t wait. On the way to the property one of the 4 vehicles in our caravan slid off the road, so we towed it back on and continued on. But we knew it meant we had to act fast.

To lighten the mood on your next Zoom video conference, we’ve created 4 downloadable backgrounds of various pets you can sit on the call with — without the noise and surprises!

The poor kitten, who we have named Olaf, is lucky he was found when he was. If he’d spent any more time in the bitter cold and brutal wind he may not have made it.

We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

By the time Wrigley arrived at the Animal Rescue League, he had been in pain for a very long time. He’d been suffering for so long that the inflammation had permanently damaged the insides of his ears, making it harder to cure any infection.

30 dogs just arrived at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa from an overcrowded shelter in Mississippi. Like many shelters in the south, they were overwhelmed with animals and they desperately needed help to give these dogs the second chance they deserve.

In addition to helping families, we also help the heroes on the frontlines by providing FREE pet oxygen masks for local first responders so they have everything they need to save not only human lives, but to save their pet family members as well.

He was in so much pain and fear he wouldn’t let us touch him. He has a long recovery ahead, but you can give him hope.

In a year that has brought so many challenges, your unwavering support meant more to the animals than ever. Watch this video to see many of the incredible transformations from this past year — all made possible because of you.

Because of heavy snow and freezing rain in the forecast today, multiple ARL facilities will be closing at 2 p.m.

Generous donations to our Tree of Life have already brought a spark of joy to some of the animals here at the Animal Rescue League. Watch this heartwarming video to see which of the donated gifts these adoptable dogs picked out.

This extremely sweet dog arrived at the Animal Rescue League with Stage 3 heartworms — the most serious stage there is — and each and every day, with the help of our medical team, he is fighting for his life.

Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

The cats that have arrived so far are literally skin and bones, with body conditions ranging from very thin to emaciated.

Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

Watch the video to see how your generous donations brought a big helping of holiday cheer to the nearly 800 pets in our care!

15-year-old Millie arrived at the Animal Rescue League, grieving and in need of medical care. Her owner had just passed away and she had been alone inside the home for some time, waiting for help to arrive.

The cat was huddled in the bathroom, bleeding from multiple stab wounds, soaking wet, and terrified.

The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act is an amendment to a federal law specifically related to fetish “crush videos.” The original law made the production, possession, and sale of such videos a federal felony, but it did not criminalize the underlying act of cruelty itself.

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month! We have so many pets available for adoption, but we want to highlight a few reasons tto adopt a senior pet.

Multiple large exotic birds who had been living in deplorable conditions in a Des Moines home are now safe at the Animal Rescue League.

A culmination of years of work, the new law makes many meaningful and long-overdue improvements to Iowa’s companion animal cruelty laws.

The Animal Rescue League is currently in the process of taking in multiple sick cats and kittens living in toxic conditions. We already have the majority of the cats at the ARL under the care of our medical team, and we are still receiving more.

Her eyes were full of sadness and worry when she arrived at the Animal Rescue League. The tiny dog was found alone near a busy intersection, infested with fleas and shivering.

When a stray black cat arrived at the ARL, it was clear that something was terribly wrong. She was a tiny cat, but her belly was huge and distended … and not because of pregnancy.

As the need for medical care for every animal in our care has increased, our Miracle Medical Fund is running critically low.

A 12-week-old kitten was the victim of the abuse and was saved when two men confronted the suspect and physically removed the kitten from him.

When Elliot arrived at the Animal Rescue League, all we were told is that he had been hit by a car. One of his back legs was severely injured, with a deep, gaping wound by his ankle.

Every blink, every movement of Zina’s eyes, brings pain and irritation.

The ARL Mobile RescueTeam is on-site with ARL Emergency Response trailers and equipment to help remove piglets from an overturned semi.

When Blueberry arrived at the Animal Rescue League, her thin body was hot to the touch and covered with scabs and sores, her fur was thin and patchy, her eyes were red and infected, and her feet were oversized from swelling.

We may never know how this poor kitty got these horrific injuries. But we do know she needs surgery right away to save her life.

A juvenile suspect in this case is being charged with 2 counts of animal torture, an aggravated misdemeanor, among other charges in adult court.

Duke and Mariah arrived at the ARL in the nick of time, rescued from their Des Moines home.

The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) are among the winners.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s Mobile Response Team spent hours removing dozens of sick cats and kittens from a small home 2.5 hours away in Mitchell County yesterday, after being asked by local law enforcement to assist.

Jasper County Animal Rescue League has asked the ARL to find loving homes for over 100 animals, after announcing closure of their shelter.

A box of 9 kittens was set on fire with two suffering severe injuries and the others escaping with singed fur and ash.

Goodburn is accused of abandoning 2 dogs and leaving them trapped in the apartment to fend for themselves, which ultimately led to their deaths.

Daisy arrived struggling and could barely put any weight on her back leg.

Dewey needs surgery now to fix a badly broken leg after he was hit by a car.

As we continue to monitor the Covid-19 coronavirus situation, we are also implementing additional safety measures as needed and will update this page as necessary.

When we first saw Thunder, it took our breath away: a massive, infected wound covered about a third of this sweet cat’s back like a giant, raw crater.

Like many others, we are taking necessary precautions for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We also provide a critical service to animals and that must continue, so in order to prepare for the expected increase of animals who will need our help soon, we need YOUR help now.

Families in the Des Moines metro experienced another crisis today as fires ravaged their homes in two apartment complexes. Because so many of the apartments’ residents had pets as part of their families, the ARL’s Emergency Response Team was called by Polk County Emergency Management in the middle of the night to help.

We asked Iowa to Do Better for companion animals, and yesterday, Iowa senators did, passing HF737 by a 44-3 vote.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) Mobile Rescue Teams worked for hours into the evening last night to rescue 74 cats and kittens (and counting) from a basement in Des Moines.

Dawn was alone in the cold, severely burned and crying in pain when a Des Moines Police Officer heard her and rushed her to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund just released its state rankings for animal welfare laws, and Iowa has surged… down to 49th, only ahead of Mississippi. This is a gravely serious problem because it has been proven that unchecked violence towards animals leads to escalating violence against other people.

Witnesses said they’d seen the little white dog crying out in pain as the woman repeatedly hit him, choked him, threw him, and stomped on him.

Watch the video to see which donated toys our pets picked out from under this year’s Tree of Life at the ARL.

With your help the ARL saved a record number of pets in 2019. Watch the video to find out how many.

GIFTS DOUBLED … ALL MONTH! You can be the miracle for TWICE as many homeless pets at the ARL! Through the entire month of November, every gift you give will be matched, up to $127,000, thanks to a generous offer from the Van C. Owens estate.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the majority of the state of Iowa. As we brace for this extreme heat, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is prepared to help pets and pet owners stay safe during these high temperatures heat indexes.

In spite of everyone’s efforts this legislative session, Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver (R-Ankeny) and Senate President Charles Schneider (R-WDSM) couldn’t be persuaded to bring companion animal cruelty bill HF737 to the floor for a vote.

Nola was abandoned at the ARL overnight with a severely broken leg. We found her first thing in the morning in our drop box, shaking and in pain. A note said she had been hit by a car.

Letter from ARL CEO Tom Colvin about the incident on December 15, 2019.

Pets make wonderful additions to the family, and if you’re thinking about adding another set of paws to your household, you first need to take these thoughts into consideration.

Chances are you’ve heard of the term microchipping from your family, friends, and veterinarian, but you may not know what it means exactly. And that’s okay, because we’re going to change that right now!

Twenty-six animals crammed in a small, feces-filled house in Des Moines have been rescued and are now safe at the ARL. The 21 dogs and 5 cats and kittens were found crawling with fleas and reeking of urine, and nearly all of the dogs are suffering from hair loss and skin infections.

Despite an outpouring of support by lawmakers and concerned citizens for a change in animal welfare laws, the Iowa Legislature failed yet again in 2019 to pass meaningful reform in the Iowa Legislature. Here’s what you need to know as we prepare to enter the 2020 legislative session.

Three neglected horses are recovering at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa after the ARL’s Mobile Rescue Team assisted authorities in removing them from a Warren County property. The horses are extremely thin, and it is clear that they had been deprived of food and medical care for quite some time.

Ellie arrived at the ARL emaciated, with a skin infection, ear infection, covered in fleas, a mass over one of her eyes, and so much more.

Just one week after ARL Animal Control officers rescued 26 cats and kittens from a one-bedroom Des Moines apartment, ARL officials were again called to a Des Moines home, this time to rescue 24 cats from a single-family house.

The tiny dog, who we named Rosie, has one of the worst cases of skin infection that our Emergency Care Team has ever seen. Her skin was literally sloughing off her body, creating open wounds.

September is National Preparedness Month, and we at the ARL want to make sure that you and your family — both two-legged and four-legged — are safe when disaster strikes.

Final Update 6/17/19: 186 living cats and 194 deceased cats have been removed from the property.

The ARL Mobile Response Team spent all day at a property in Madrid, IA, on Tuesday (06/04/19), removing HUNDREDS of living and deceased cats and kittens from multiple buildings at a personal residence. This was an 11-day rescue operation, ensuring all cats were safely removed from the property.

ARL Animal Control Services and the ARL Mobile Rescue Team were on-site at a property on Des Moines’ west side July 10, 2019 assisting the Des Moines Police Department to rescue cats from another hoarding case. A total of 42 cats were removed from the home.

The ARL Mobile Response Team deployed June 25 to Audubon County to help remove 13 dogs in need of veterinary care from a residential property in Exira, IA. When the ARL team arrived, they found the dogs outside in a muddy, chain-link dog run, covered in a tarp that was sagging with water collected from the overnight rain.

Martell Holloway-Simpson has been charged with 1 count of animal torture for his alleged role in the brutal stabbing death of his family’s dog.

The ARL has an impact on everything related to animal welfare in the state, from boots-on-the-ground investigative work and education to high-level legislative efforts. Leading the charge are two professionals with years of experience and a drive to make Iowa a better place.

26 cats and kittens who had been living crammed in a one-bedroom apartment in Des Moines are now safe at the ARL.

On December 6, two adolescent kittens were brought to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) by their owner, in horrific condition. Both kittens were approximately 6 months old and it was immediately evident to the ARL staff that the kittens needed immediate veterinary attention. The Polk County Sheriff’s office was contacted and an investigation began.

Bella arrived at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa emaciated – hunched over, shivering uncontrollably, and covered in urine and feces. She had been neglected and abandoned and was so weak from starvation and dehydration that she could barely stand. On top of that, she was suffering from hypothermia

In partnership with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved with the suspicious dog deaths near Dawson, IA in Dallas County.

Scarlett was rushed to the ARL’s Emergency Care Team after she was seen jumping off of a bridge and crashing to the ground below. She had dislocated both of her wrists and was in excruciating pain. We couldn’t believe she survived.

On January 18, an Animal Rescue League of Iowa Animal Control Officer (ARL ACO) assisted the Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) on a call to save a dog in distress at the 2800 block of Boston Ave. The young, male dog was inside the home with facial swelling nearly 4x the normal size.

In the middle of this bitter cold snap, we’re relieved to say that two dogs left outside in the freezing snow and brutal winds are now safe and warm at the ARL. Many more need your help.

This neglected, emaciated dog was trapped in a kennel and thrown in a dumpster – left for dead. Luckily, the kennel broke open upon impact and Oscar was able to climb to the top of the trash pile, but he was too weak to jump out of the dumpster.

As Central Iowa braces for extreme weather this week, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is prepared to help pets and pet owners stay safe during these low temperatures and high winds.

On Monday, January 21, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) Mobile Response Team assisted Monroe County officials in rescuing several animals from a property in rural Monroe County near Albia, IA. Three horses, one burro, one steer, and two dogs were all outside in the elements without any food, water, or adequate shelter.

Jack, a 3-month-old kitten, was found all alone in the bitter cold, suffering from frostbite, a fractured tail and an upper respiratory infection. His ears were curled from the below-zero temps and toes on all four of her feet were frozen solid. He was thin, dehydrated and miserable.

A good Samaritan discovered 4-month-old kittens Colby and Jack alone and badly injured so they rushed them to their local shelter in southwest Iowa. The shelter was unable to help the kittens, so the good Samaritan made the 3-hour round trip to the ARL to make sure they got the care they needed and deserved.

Three dogs arrived at the ARL together, two of them were adult dogs with deep indentations, abrasions, and scarring around their muzzles and jaws. Upon further inspection of their kennel, ARL officials discovered two thin, black bungee cords that were an exact match to the indentations on the dogs’ muzzles.

On Monday, December 17, the Des Moines City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance change that allows for a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to humanely and effectively reduce community/feral cat colonies in Des Moines.

The ARL received a call from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s office to provide guidance for a horrific case they responded to. Two dogs were abandoned inside a house in the city of Humboldt. “Boston” and “Murphy” were locked inside their kennels and left to die. Both dogs suffered immensely from being withheld food and water.

The (ARL) responded to a call for help after a woman in Burlington, IA suffered a stroke and could no longer care for her 25 exotic birds.

The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously to approve a 10-year contract for Animal Control services with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL). The ARL has been the city’s preferred vendor for animal control services since 2005 and this contract will now extend this relationship into at least 2029.

On September 28, 2015, a dog named “Diesel” was involved in a bite incident resulting in a laceration to the neck of a four-year old deaf and autistic boy. Accusations by the Plaintiffs and Plaintiffs’ counsel, and some others on social media, that Diesel was an “innocent service dog” who was “illegally” seized by Animal Control, and that there was “no evidence of a bite,” are simply inaccurate and are directly contrary to the substantial evidence presented during the administrative hearing and

Each year, hundreds of thousands of horses are transitioned from career or ownership. A growing number of these horses end up at risk of inhumane treatment.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) has received a new $26,348 grant from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America.

Last year we responded to the devastating hurricanes along the coasts, but this year the devastation is in our own backyards. We need your help today so we can continue to provide a safe haven for the nearly 50 flood victim pets who are already in our care – and the others we expect to help as families remain displaced.

The ARL in Des Moines is one of 66 animal welfare groups in 30 states who were chosen from more than 300 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs.

Minnie arrived at the ARL horribly matted, dehydrated from the 90-degree heat, and unable to put weight on one of her front legs. One of the thick mats was wound so tightly around her wrist that it had cut all the way down to the bone. She needed surgery right away.

The noise caused by fireworks can cause dogs and cats to go to great lengths to escape their house, fenced yard, or even a leash. This is why more lost pets end up in animal shelters on this holiday than any other time of the year.

The ARL is known as a national leader in animal behavior, but a first-of-its-kind partnership has given us a chance to pass on our knowledge to help street dogs overseas.

Dimitrije Radanovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) began interning at the ARL in early December with the goal of learning everything he could about dog behavior and training. Next month, he’ll take that knowledge back with him to BiH to help animal shelters working with the large population of street dogs in the region.

Dog, Zeus, was stabbed multiple times by Michael Thomas Mitchell of Des Moines during an altercation between two Dogs.

Just before the disposition hearing for Paula Redding, to determine whether she would get back the 10 horses she’s charged with neglecting, she voluntarily signed them over to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL).

Nearly 60 Welsh ponies were found without any access to food or water. Two deceased ponies were also found. Of the living ponies, many had ribs that were visibly showing, hooves that had overgrown and curled up to the point of cutting their legs, hair loss, and other ailments. The youngest on the property was of nursing age and the oldest was about 31 years old.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) assisted the Des Moines Police (DMPD) to remove 85 chickens and roosters from a property on the East side of Des Moines.

The ARL team received a call from the Des Moines Police Department to assist with removing 6 dogs from a feces-covered home. There were also three very young children left home alone.

Updated 4/3/18: 15 charges have been filed against Leland Moffitt for the 52 living and 8 deceased cats rescued from his Des Moines house.

(UPDATED 04/03/18)Jose Barrios has been charged following the removal of 104 chickens and roosters from his Des Moines property.
03/09/18 The ARL has assisted Des Moines Police in removing 104 chickens and roosters from a property in Des Moines.

Learn all you need to know about the care involved in owning chickens! From housing, to common illnesses, to raising chicks!

Otto arrived at the ARL in severe pain and with major injuries to both of his front legs. He is suffering from a dislocated left shoulder, and his right leg is severely broken.

There has been some misinformation circulating lately regarding a dog named “Pinky”, so we wanted to explain the ARL’s involvement in this case and our enrichment protocol for dogs held in our care during lengthy court cases.

The ARL Mobile Rescue Team was called to assist Polk County officials to help rescue and remove animals from an apartment fire in Pleasant Hill. The ARL team rescued 4 hedgehogs, 2 aquariums of fish, 2 dogs, and 2 cats.

Learn how to make a tasty treat that’ll be sure to cool down your pup on a hot, summer day!

Traveling by car or by plane soon? The ARL has a few tips to ensure safe travels on your upcoming trip. Whether you and your animal friends decide to go on a short exploration or a grand adventure, it’s important to keep safety the number one priority.

The ARL was called to assist after a trailer overturned carrying 140 pigs. More than a dozen ARL staff mobilized in minutes and rushed to the scene. When staff arrived they saw the trailer on its side. The pigs were stacked on top of each other, many of them injured and in shock.

Pet toxins loom around every corner in your home — from the bathroom, to the kitchen, to the front porch. Do you know what substances are poisonous to your pet? Do you know what signs to look for if your pet ingests one of these substances? Do you know what to do if your pet gets into a toxin?

Willard William Street, 32, of Des Moines, was captured on video, allegedly repeatedly punching his dog with a closed fist. Des Moines Police arrested Street and charged him with one count of animal neglect (under 717B) and two counts of failure to license a pet.

Updated 1/18/18. Iowa ranks 49th in the nation for the effectiveness of our animal cruelty laws. Too often we see cases where the penalties don’t seem to “fit the crime”, due to lax enforcement, generous plea deals, and weak sentencing. SF421 is the result of lessons learned by law enforcement, prosecutors, and a survey of best practices across the nation.

Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

VIDEOS: Get a behind-the-scenes look at different areas and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The segments cover information about cruelty intervention, adoption and foster, the ARL’s new Clowder House for cats, and our medical suite.

UPDATE 12/01/17: The issue has been delayed in the city council, so discussion will be at a later date. We’ll update you when we know anything more. — The Des Moines City Council is considering a proposed change to the current urban chicken ordinance. The city council will be discussing the proposed ordinance at the council meeting on Monday, December 4 at 4:30 at 1551 E. MLK Jr. Pkwy. Those who are interested in commenting, are encouraged to attend.

Officals found multiple dogs’ bodies in various stages of decay, in and around kennels covered in feces, and with their collars still on their remains.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) has released the number of animals’ lives they have saved from January through March this year. A total of 2,033 homeless pets were saved during this time period through adoption, returning lost pets to their owners, and transferring to other shelters through the ARL’s Transfer Partner program

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s (ARL) Animal Care & Control department recently received an anonymous tip to check on the welfare of rabbits at a Des Moines home. When the ARL Animal Control Officer arrived, they found 8 living and 1 deceased pet rabbits in wire hutches on the property.

The Polk County Health Department, the National Weather Service, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, The Salvation Army and Polk County Emergency Management are recognizing Thursday, June 8, 2017 as Iowa Heat Awareness Day.

Volunteer Iowa announces the certification of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) as a Service Enterprise Organization by Points of Light and the Iowa Service Enterprise Initiative.

June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, and the timing to celebrate cat adoptions couldn’t be more perfect since kitten season is in full swing.

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Animal cruelty happens every day around the world. To help minimize the number of animals in abusive situations, follow the four R’s!

UPDATED 09/25/17: The remaining members of the ARL Mobile Rescue team are now back in Des Moines after a 9 day deployment to help at the ASPCA’s emergency animal shelter. With them, they brought 35 dogs to enter our adoption program and find forever homes.

With the recent legalization of fireworks in Iowa and the 4th of July right around the corner, it’s more important now than ever to make sure your pet is safe and calm during fireworks displays.

Friends, bonfires, and fireworks make for a great 4th of July celebration, but keep your pet’s safety in mind. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday:

Pet Travel Safety Day is January 2, so the ARL has a few tips to ensure safe travels on your next trip.

With the help of the community’s involvement in the Paw It Forward program, 151 homeless animals at the ARL found new homes between Thursday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 30.

Every summer, hundreds of cats and dogs die needlessly after they are left inside cars. During this time of year, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) receives about 5 calls each day alerting us to pets locked in cars.

Volunteer Iowa announced the selection of six organizations as participants in the Service Enterprise Initiative certification training. Science Center of Iowa, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Iowa Child Advocacy Board, Iowa Sister States, and the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman will complete the training to achieve the Service Enterprise standard of integrating volunteers at all levels of their operations.

Temperatures this week are expected to near 100 degrees with heat indexes reaching triple digits. Take extra precautions to keep animals safe:

Earlier this month the Des Moines City Council voted unanimously to have the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) continue as its animal control provider – a role we have served for a little over 10 years.

You may have heard that the contract for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa to provide animal control services and housing for the City of Des Moines is expiring on June 30. We have negotiated the contract with city staff for the past several months and it will be presented to the council for a vote on Monday, June 13.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) officials are asking for the public’s help as they face a record number of homeless animals in their care – nearly 1,500 animals – and growing each day.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is one of the over 300 animal rescue organizations chosen to compete in the national Michelson Found Animals Saving Pets Challenge. The organization who raises the most money on the challenge website will win a grand prize of $50,000. Cash prizes are also awarded to 2nd through 5th places.