ARL Animal Services

ARL Animal Services To create a safe and humane community through education, outreach, and enforcement.

ARL Animal Services is a division of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa that is contracted by the City of Des Moines to provide animal control services for all neighborhoods within city limits. The division also offers pet programs, resources, and clinics to the local community. This program is a partnership with the Des Moines Police Department, and a member of the DMPD serves as Chief Humane Offic

er. ARL Animal Services operates out of the city's Des Moines Animal Services building at 1441 Harriet St., and the program is supervised by the ARL's Director of Animal Services. Through this partnership, the citizens and animals of Des Moines benefit because the ARL is able to offer programs and services through grants and donations that would not be offered by a strictly tax-funded animal control program. Learn more about ARL Animal Services here: https://www.arl-iowa.org/community/animal-services/.

COOL CAT ALERT: Beegee’s face might look a little grumpy in his photo, but don’t worry. The camera just doesn’t do his a...
03/28/2025

COOL CAT ALERT: Beegee’s face might look a little grumpy in his photo, but don’t worry. The camera just doesn’t do his amazing personality justice! Beegee is a super friendly and confident guy who is always excited to see you and will hop right up when you come to see him. He’ll probably greet you with a big stretch.

Beegee LOVES affection and will enjoy getting lots of love from his people. He might prefer to be your only kitty so he can get all the love to himself!

Interested in adopting Beegee? Come meet him at ARL Animal Services!

Learn more about Beegee at https://ow.ly/MP8v50VqQli.

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Looking for a pup to go on adventures with? Ruby is your girl! Ruby LOVES going on walks and explorin...
03/19/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Looking for a pup to go on adventures with? Ruby is your girl! Ruby LOVES going on walks and exploring new places and even enjoys car rides! She’ll stick her head out the window to take in everything going by.

Ruby loves spending time with her people and loves getting pets and attention. She even enjoys being brushed! If you’re looking for a dog with lots of joyful energy and love to give, come meet Ruby at ARL Animal Services!

Learn more about Ruby at https://ow.ly/Po5J50VkTwp.

DOG’S DAY OUT: Did you know you can take a dog on a Dog’s Day Out field trip at ARL Animal Services? Just come pick up a...
03/07/2025

DOG’S DAY OUT: Did you know you can take a dog on a Dog’s Day Out field trip at ARL Animal Services? Just come pick up an adoptable dog, have a ton of fun with them outside the shelter, then bring them back at the end of the day!

Buddy recently went on a Dog’s Day Out field trip and he enjoyed riding in the car, going to the store, and exploring on walks. His human companion said he loved checking out all the smells along the way and would probably be a great companion for a family who likes to stay active like him!

Interested in adopting Buddy? Learn more about him at https://ow.ly/GInL50VcYba and come meet him at ARL Animal Services! Want to take a dog on a day out? Learn more at https://ow.ly/cc1x50VcYbb.

P.S. A huge thank you to Buddy’s human companions, who also picked up some much-needed items to donate to the shelter!

AWESOME DOG ALERT: How GORGEOUS is Hemi?! Look at those bright eyes!This beautiful boy can be shy at first, but all he n...
02/22/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: How GORGEOUS is Hemi?! Look at those bright eyes!

This beautiful boy can be shy at first, but all he needs is a little patience and he’ll start showing you his sweet personality. Hemi enjoys spending time outside, playing with squeaky toys and eating all the treats he can get.

Interested in adopting Hemi? Come meet him at ARL Animal Services!

Learn more about Hemi at https://ow.ly/GpZt50V4Hez.

02/21/2025

NEWS ALERT: We're relieved to tell you that an injured dog who was stolen during a break-in at ARL Animal Services on Feb. 18 has been safely recovered and is now back in our care.

The dog was transported to the ARL for treatment Jan. 31 after Des Moines Police discovered him injured during an investigation into a report of gunfire. ARL veterinarians removed a bullet from the dog’s leg and began treating him for a fracture to his wrist area.

On the morning of Feb. 18, ARL Animal Services staff arrived to find that someone had broken in and stolen the injured dog. DMPD began an investigation, and evidence indicated the suspect was the dog’s prior owner.

The following day, DMPD detectives notified Cedar Rapids Police that the previous owner was reportedly traveling to Cedar Rapids. Police there located the suspect, who opened fire on officers before being taken into custody. The previous owner remains in jail facing multiple felony charges, according to DMPD. The dog, named Dionysus by the ARL team, was safely rescued in Cedar Rapids and returned to us yesterday.

Our Miracle Medical Team immediately assessed Dionysus’ condition when he arrived. He was limping but in good spirits and happy to see the ARL’s team. He is undergoing further medical treatment under the care of our veterinarians today.

Huge thank you to DMPD and Cedar Rapids Police for their efforts in bringing Dionysus back to safety.

If you would like to contribute to medical care for Dionysus and other animals who arrive at the ARL with serious injuries, please go to https://ow.ly/7gHG50V4uBI.

ADOPTED: Remember Lyrics, who we told you about last week? We’re happy to say that he has now been adopted!When Lyrics’s...
02/07/2025

ADOPTED: Remember Lyrics, who we told you about last week? We’re happy to say that he has now been adopted!

When Lyrics’s new dad, Robbie, first came to meet Lyrics, our staff explained to him that Lyrics could be shy around new people at first and might take some time to warm up. Robbie decided to come in and meet with Lyrics four days in a row to help Lyrics feel comfortable before going home together.

Lyrics was nervous at first, but they got to know each other with the help of toys and treats. By the fourth time Robbie visited, Lyrics ran right up to him and was so happy he was there! They both knew it was time for Lyrics to go home.

Congrats, Lyrics and Robbie!

02/06/2025

TAKE A DOG ON A DATE! Want to share a little extra love this Valentine’s Day? Take a shelter dog on a Dog’s DATE Out – a seasonal spin on our popular Dog’s Day Out program!

Just register for a time slot Feb. 14-16 to pick up an adoptable dog at ARL Main, ARL Animal Services or ARL Club WDM and give them a fun day outside of the shelter! You’ll get a free Date Kit (while supplies last) that includes everything you’ll need for a successful first date with a dog, including toys, treats and even a collapsible water bowl!

Learn more and sign up to secure your dream date at https://ow.ly/PFLS50UVl0q!

Thank you to Chewy for providing the Date Kits!

(Pictured: Lydia, available for adoption and ready for you to ask her on a date!)

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Lyrics is a goofy guy with a soft personality. He can be shy at first, but with a little time (and ma...
02/01/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Lyrics is a goofy guy with a soft personality. He can be shy at first, but with a little time (and maybe some treats) he’ll show you how great he can be!

Lyrics loves getting attention from his people and will sit next to you with his head resting in your lap. It’s totally adorable! Lyrics can’t wait to meet you and become your best buddy.

Interested in adopting Lyrics? Come meet him at ARL Animal Services!

Learn more about Lyrics at https://ow.ly/ApHb50URAG3.

UPDATE!
01/28/2025

UPDATE!

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Bella is SO silly! She pretty much always has a goofy look on her face and is the queen of side-eye. ...
01/24/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Bella is SO silly! She pretty much always has a goofy look on her face and is the queen of side-eye. She’s sure to make you laugh!

Bella loves to play and will roll around on her back with her toy in her mouth. Squeaky toys are her favorite. When she’s done playing, she loves getting lots of cuddles from her people!

Interested in adopting Bella? Come meet her at ARL Animal Services!

Learn more about Bella at https://ow.ly/Unu350UMXn1.

WE’RE HIRING: The ARL is seeking a full-time Animal Services Officer to join our team. This role will include working wi...
01/18/2025

WE’RE HIRING: The ARL is seeking a full-time Animal Services Officer to join our team. This role will include working with the public by responding to animal-related calls where services such as control rescue, relocation, and animal care are needed. This team works collaboratively to create change in the community and have a meaningful impact every day for animals and our community.

Qualified candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and the ability to navigate streets and county roads to locate addresses or described locations with little to no difficulty. Background in law enforcement and animal handling are preferred.

See the full job description and apply at https://ow.ly/QRW150UIRCo.

01/16/2025

GET A PHOTO WITH YOUR VALENTINE! Need a new pic with your pet? Join us on Feb. 1 at ARL Animal Services for a Valentine-themed photoshoot!

For just $15 you can get a photo of your pet (or you and your pet) in front of a backdrop cute enough to make you fall in love. When you book a photo session in advance, you won’t have to wait in line to have your photo taken!

Learn more and reserve your photo session at https://ow.ly/rQos50UHiJq.

IMPORTANT: With temperatures becoming bitterly cold, be sure to take precautions to keep your pets safe.The ARL strongly...
01/14/2025

IMPORTANT: With temperatures becoming bitterly cold, be sure to take precautions to keep your pets safe.

The ARL strongly recommends that outdoor dogs be brought indoors during cold snaps. If your dog HAS to stay outside, they must have access to adequate shelter and fresh (not frozen) water at all times. The shelter must be insulated, with dry bedding such as straw to keep them warm and give them protection from the wind. Do NOT use blankets outdoors, as they will collect water and freeze. Aging dogs, undernourished dogs, and dogs with medical conditions should not be out in the cold even with a doghouse – it’s just too dangerous.

If you see a pet in distress in the city of Des Moines, call (515) 283-4811. During extreme temps, these calls will be considered priority calls. Outside of Des Moines, call the non-emergency police dispatch number for that area.

Please keep your pets safe, and if a pet’s situation worries you, don’t hesitate – just call.

Find more tips on keeping pets safe in cold weather at https://ow.ly/cGuG50QqbrJ.

MORE WAYS TO ADOPT THIS WEEKEND: Today is our one-year anniversary event at ARL Animal Services! We’re celebrating one y...
01/11/2025

MORE WAYS TO ADOPT THIS WEEKEND: Today is our one-year anniversary event at ARL Animal Services! We’re celebrating one year in the Des Moines Animal Services building, and adoption fees for dogs and cats 6+ months at ARL Animal Services will be 50% off! When you come meet pets at this location, you can also enjoy coffee, light snacks, raffle prizes and more! Pets at this event will have a location of “ARL Animal Services.”

We will also be at PetSmart in Ankeny today and tomorrow for a Friends for Life adoption event with adoptable dogs and cats! Adoption fees for dogs and cats 6+ months at this event will also be 50% off thanks in part to a grant from PetSmart Charities. Pets at this event will have a location of “Adoption Event.”

See all our adoptable pets, plus hours for these locations, at ARL-Iowa.org!

(Pictured: Nook, available for adoption at ARL Animal Services!)

CHECK THIS OUT: Cherry, a sweet dog who arrived at the ARL with no eyes, was adopted from ARL Animal Services this week!...
01/10/2025

CHECK THIS OUT: Cherry, a sweet dog who arrived at the ARL with no eyes, was adopted from ARL Animal Services this week! Her new family came just to meet her and loved her sweet personality, so they ran home to pick up their resident dog and brought him back to meet Cherry with them.

When Cherry and her new brother met, they were instant best friends. They loved playing together, and the family thought their dog would be the perfect helper to show Cherry the ropes in her new home. When they tried to take their dog to the car while they finalized Cherry’s adoption, he didn’t want to leave his new sister behind and insisted on watching her through the window until it was time for her to join them in the car.

After chatting with our staff about how to help Cherry navigate her new home without eyes, the family made things official and took her home!

Congrats, Cherry!

THIS WEEKEND: Join us at ARL Animal Services on Saturday (1/11) for an adoption event celebrating one year at the Des Mo...
01/10/2025

THIS WEEKEND: Join us at ARL Animal Services on Saturday (1/11) for an adoption event celebrating one year at the Des Moines Animal Services building! Adoption fees for dogs and cats 6 months and up will be 50% up at ARL Animal Services ONLY!

This event will also feature coffee, light snacks, fun raffle prizes and activities for the whole family!

Check out all our adoptable pets at https://ow.ly/gUt450UCZYx and look for “ARL Animal Services” under their names to find pets at this location!

(Pictured: Just a few pets looking for homes at ARL Animal Services!)

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Meena is the sweetest, snuggliest girl in the world! She’s totally a people dog and will say hi and g...
01/02/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Meena is the sweetest, snuggliest girl in the world! She’s totally a people dog and will say hi and get love from everyone she can.

As you can see, stuffed toys are her favorite. She loves them so much she’ll carry them around whenever possible and has even taken them on walks with her here at the shelter! It's so cute to see!

Interested in adopting Meena? Come meet her at ARL Animal Services!

Learn more about Meena at https://ow.ly/Uwhz50UyV5H.

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING TODAY? Our pets would love to meet you! Just a reminder that we'll be closing early, so we'd enco...
12/24/2024

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING TODAY? Our pets would love to meet you! Just a reminder that we'll be closing early, so we'd encourage you to visit earlier rather than later. Here are our holiday hours:

🎄TUESDAY 12/24
- ARL Animal Services, ARL Main & ARL Club WDM closing at 4 p.m.
- ARL West closing at 3 p.m.

🎄WEDNESDAY 12/25
- All ARL locations closed

Pictured: Sweet, friendly 2-year-old Sketch, who is available for adoption at ARL Animal Services! She'd be a great addition to the family!

Address

1441 Harriet Street
Des Moines, IA
50317

Telephone

+15152846905

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The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is contracted by multiple municipalities to provide animal control services and housing for stray animals. In Des Moines, the ARL is contracted to operate the city's animal control program. This program is a partnership with the Des Moines Police Department, and a member of their department serves as Chief Humane Officer. The ARL currently operates out of the city's animal control facility and the program is supervised by an ARL Animal Control Services Manager. That position employs all of the Animal Control Officers (ACOs), animal care staff, and medical staff, including a city veterinarian as defined in the city ordinance. Through this partnership, the citizens of Des Moines and their animals benefit because through grants and donations, the ARL as an organization is able to offer programs and services that would not be offered by a strictly tax-funded animal control program. Learn more about these programs at www.ARL-Iowa.org/AnimalControl.