The ARL offers animal behavior counseling for pet parents that need guidance or help with their pet's behavior.
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa has witnessed too many animals abandoned by their families simply because of a lack of education. Together with our training and counseling programs we can help to reduce shelter populations by educating people about how to encourage and reward good pet behavior.
Cat Behavior Help
Online Resources
Answers to common cat behavior questions can be found in our online Cat Behavior Resource Library
Cat Behavior Helpline & Phone Consultation
- Call our Free Cat Behavior Helpline at (515) 262-9503. Enter extension 312 when the recorded greeting begins.
- Leave a voicemail that includes: Your name, phone number, and the problem you are experiencing.
- One of our cat behavior specialists will return your call and give you great advice to modify your cat's problem behavior.
Dog Behavior Help
Online Resources
Answers to common dog behavior questions can be found in our online Dog Behavior Resource Library. ARL behavior specialists have also published a book called For Love of Dogs that includes behavior tips and topics for pet owners.
Group & Individual Training Classes
The ARL offers a variety of group and private dog training classes, with discounts available for ARL adopters and veterans.
Dog Behavior Helpline & Phone Consultation
- Call our Free Dog Behavior Helpline at (515) 262-9503. Enter extension 310 when the recorded greeting begins.
- Leave a voicemail that includes: Your name, phone number, and the problem you are experiencing.
- One of our dog behavior specialists will return your call and give you great advice to modify your dog's problem behavior.
- Note: Separation anxiety may be referred to a behaviorist or the Resource Library.
In-Person Consultation at ARL Main
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If your issue cannot be addressed over the phone, the ARL offers in-shelter behavior consultations where we discuss the reasons why a behavior is happening, ways to manage the problem, and behavior modification plans that can be implemented at home.
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Our consultations are held at our ARL Main location and are $50 for a one-hour session. If this would be a financial hardship, please contact petbehavior@arl-iowa.org for scholarship opportunities.
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We do not offer in-home consultations for dogs at this time. For in-home training or consulting, please see the following list of referred dog trainers:
If you're interested in an in-person consultation at the ARL, please submit the following form, and our team will reach out to you for scheduling.
Rabbit, Horse, or Other Species Help
The ARL also can help when problems arise with rabbits and other species.
See Resources for your Species
If you need assistance with a behavior issue involving rabbits or other species, please call the ARL at (515) 262-9503. Enter extension 314 and you will be referred to a counselor who can help.