"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." — Anatole France
The time spent with our companion animals is full of memories and unselfish love. Sharing our life with and caring for our animal family members brings heartfelt purpose, joy, and deep fulfillment. Because of the love shared between our animals and ourselves, the inevitability and reality of saying goodbye to that special animal is very painful.
If you have had to say goodbye to an animal family member, you have our sympathies. We understand the deep bond between an animal and their humans. We know the loss can be very emotional and difficult.
Our Services
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa offers affordable euthanasia and cremation services to honor and care for your beloved pet with integrity, dignity and compassion.
We offer a private grieving room where pet owners can say their final goodbyes. However, due to staffing limitations and insurance requirements, pet owners are not able to stay during the euthanasia procedure. If you would like to accompany your pet during the euthanasia, please contact your regular veterinarian to schedule an appointment.
Schedule a Visit or Appointment
Please call (515) 262-9503 to schedule a visit.
Urgent or Emergency Services
If you have an emergency situation that cannot wait until an appointment can be set up, bring your pet to:
Pet Help Center at ARL Main
North side of building, Green entrance
5452 NE 22nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50313
Hours available: 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Options & Pricing
Communal cremation: cremains are not returned to the owner
Private cremation: animal is cremated separately, cremains returned to the owner
If you do not see your pet below, please call Pet Help for details or stop by the Pet Help Center.
Dogs
| Weight (lbs) |
Euthanasia Only |
Cremation Only (Communal / Private) |
Euthanasia + Cremation (Communal / Private) |
| Under 25 pounds |
$50 |
$60 / $175 |
$110 / $215 |
| 26-50 |
$55 |
$90 / $235 |
$145 / $290 |
| 51-100 |
$85 |
$100 / $320 |
$185 / $395 |
| Over 100 pounds |
$115 |
$120 / $360 |
$235 / $465 |
Cats, Birds, Reptiles and Small Mammals
| Species |
Euthanasia Only |
Cremation Only (Communal / Private) |
Euthanasia + Cremation (Communal / Private) |
| Cat |
$50 |
$60 / $175 |
$110 / $215 |
| Bird |
$45 |
$5 / $75 |
$50 / $110 |
| Reptile |
$45 |
$5 / $80 |
$50 / $120 |
| Turtle/Tortoise |
$95 |
$15 / $65 |
$110 / $160 |
| Small Mammals |
$45 |
$5 / $65 |
$50 / $100 |