Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Animal Rescue League of Iowa The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year.

The ARL and its programs serve people and pets across Iowa. The ARL serves people and pets from across Iowa through programs including pet adoption, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more. This is a page for supporters of the ARL. By participating on this page, you are agreeing to our commenting policy, outlined below. We reserve the right to delete posts con

taining any of the following elements:- profanity - misinformation - spam - off-topic / irrelevant - personal attacks - promoting violence - promoting illegal or questionable activities - promoting fundraising, petitions, or rehoming pets outside of the ARL - advertisements. If you repeatedly violate this policy, you will be removed from our page. We appreciate your cooperation and support, and look forward to connecting with each of you, our loyal supporters!

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Malcom is a goofy dude! He loves going on adventures and can spot an open car door from a mile away. ...
02/14/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Malcom is a goofy dude! He loves going on adventures and can spot an open car door from a mile away. He’s always ready to hop right in and see where the ride takes him!

Malcom is so silly with toys. He loves all of his toys so much that he can’t choose which to play with and often ends up with a whole pile of toys at his feet. He loves playing with everyone, including children, and will wait patiently for his toy to be thrown.

Interested in adopting Malcom? Learn more about him at https://ow.ly/jBl550UZSZf then come meet him at ARL Main!

GREAT NEWS: Thanks to YOUR votes, we have been named Cityview Magazine's Best Local Nonprofit for 2025! This year, we're...
02/13/2025

GREAT NEWS: Thanks to YOUR votes, we have been named Cityview Magazine's Best Local Nonprofit for 2025! This year, we're also excited to have been voted Best Local Place to Have a Kid's Birthday Party!

Thank you so much to everyone who supported us!

DISCOVER YOUR DOG'S FAMILY TREE: Our next DNA Day is coming up March 8! If you’ve ever wondered why your dog looks a cer...
02/13/2025

DISCOVER YOUR DOG'S FAMILY TREE: Our next DNA Day is coming up March 8! If you’ve ever wondered why your dog looks a certain way, DNA Day is for you! Just RSVP, then pick up your DNA kit on March 8 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at ARL Main.

On DNA Day ONLY, kits are just $69 (regularly $75)! If you’d like help collecting your pup’s DNA, feel free to bring them with you. We’re happy to assist! Otherwise, take the kit home, swab your dog’s cheek, and mail it to the lab. You’ll receive results in a few weeks!

Reserve your kit today at https://ow.ly/hjJF50UZw3T!

GREAT NEWS: Our horses are loving our new Second Chance Ranch location, and we’re excited to share that we’ve celebrated...
02/12/2025

GREAT NEWS: Our horses are loving our new Second Chance Ranch location, and we’re excited to share that we’ve celebrated our first adoption!

Salmon’s new family was looking for a 4-H horse for their daughter to train and show. She had worked with other horses previously, but now that they’d moved to a new farm they were finally ready to adopt a horse of their own. They saw Salmon online and knew they had to meet him! When they met Salmon, they fell in love with his sweet and fun personality and decided he was perfect for them.

As you can see, Salmon is already settling in nicely in his new home! He’s ready to start training and showing with one of the family’s daughters, and the family hopes to soon adopt a second horse for their other daughter to work with.

Congratulations to Salmon and his new family!

PET FOOD PANTRY RESCHEDULED: Due to weather, we will be canceling today’s afternoon Pet Food Pantry at ARL Main and will...
02/12/2025

PET FOOD PANTRY RESCHEDULED: Due to weather, we will be canceling today’s afternoon Pet Food Pantry at ARL Main and will reschedule it for Saturday (2/15) from 10 a.m. to noon. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Stay safe out there!

IMPORTANT: With a winter storm moving in and brutally cold temperatures and wind chills continuing over the next several...
02/12/2025

IMPORTANT: With a winter storm moving in and brutally cold temperatures and wind chills continuing over the next several days, 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://bit.ly/3YSaHrc.

CHECK THIS OUT: When a bill that made huge improvements to Iowa’s companion animal cruelty laws was passed in 2020, one ...
02/11/2025

CHECK THIS OUT: When a bill that made huge improvements to Iowa’s companion animal cruelty laws was passed in 2020, one thing that wasn’t included in the final bill was making animal torture an automatic felony. Last week, a bill (SF195) was filed that would make that change.

The bill is still working its way through the legislative process, but something you can do RIGHT NOW is sign up for the ARL’s Humane Action Network so you can receive alerts about key times you can take action to make a difference for animal-related bills like this one.

Signing up is easy! Just go to https://ow.ly/Us1t50UYaJM and Sign Up for Alerts. Plus, remember to follow our ARL Humane Action Network page for all the latest news!

IN THE LEGISLATURE: First Offense Felony Torture

When HF737 was passed in 2020, one provision that wasn't included in the final version of the bill was making animal torture a felony on first offense. Today, a person charged in Iowa with animal torture must have a previous animal cruelty conviction to be charged with a felony. Mississippi adopted a first offense felony law in 2020, leaving Iowa the only state in the nation that doesn't make animal torture an automatic felony.

Sen. Molly Donahue (D-Linn) filed SF195 last week, which would make that change. SF195 is a simple bill, simply changing animal torture with no prior animal cruelty conviction from an aggravated misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Second offenses are elevated from a Class D felony to Class C.

Want to stay up to date on bills in the legislature and get action alerts at key times as bills move through the process? Sign up for the ARL's Humane Action Network at the link!

https://www.arl-iowa.org/community/humane-action-network/

CHANGING LIVES: When Amy went to the ARL to adopt a pair of kittens just before the pandemic hit, she didn’t expect to c...
02/11/2025

CHANGING LIVES: When Amy went to the ARL to adopt a pair of kittens just before the pandemic hit, she didn’t expect to come home with Murray, an 8-year-old FIV+ cat. She also didn’t expect him to singlehandedly change her life – and the lives of so many other people – in such a profound way over the next few years.

Now, Amy and Murray, an ARL TheraPets team, are changing the lives of countless homeless pets, too! We’re excited to share that Amy’s heartwarming story of Murray just won the grand prize in Petco's annual Love Stories campaign, bringing $100,000 in lifesaving funds to the ARL!! Huge thank you to Amy and Murray for all you do for our community and for the lives you change each and every day. And thank you to Petco Love for helping us create even more love stories just like this.

Here is Amy and Murray’s Love Story. We hope you love it as much as we do!

“After losing the two best cats in the world, I went to the Animal Rescue League hoping I might find a new friend. I needed a loving companion to help me navigate the trauma of divorce and, unknowingly at the time, the challenge of being single during the Covid pandemic. I was confident I wanted to start fresh with two kittens. However, it being December and decidedly not kitten season, I decided to be more open-minded about my options when I met Murray. Murray was a large, mellow FIV-positive 8-year-old cat who had been returned to the shelter a few times. Given my love for orange kitties, I took Murray home and hoped for the best.

Murray proved to be a very loving and friendly cat. He greeted friends, slept under the covers next to me, and gave plenty of head butts. He had a calm demeanor, silky-soft fur, and was undisturbed by people and noises around him. He sat on my lap (or my keyboard) while I worked from home and was the warm, cuddly, loving companion I needed as I struggled with the loneliness of divorce and Covid.

When I took Murray to the veterinarian, he rubbed up against the tech and had no problem being handled by the vet. He purred and remained calm even when the vet took his temperature and gave him a shot. I knew in that moment that Murray was a special cat. So I reached out to the shelter, and after passing a test Murray and I became an ARL TheraPets team.

For the past year and a half Murray and I have been visiting senior centers, the local VA behavioral health facility, libraries, and a residential treatment home for kids and teens. It is far and away the best hour of my week, and I think many of the kids and seniors would say the same thing, as would Murray! Petting this big, soft, purring cat can be so healing. For a few brief moments the people we visit feel Murray’s unconditional love. The seniors in the memory care unit are often lonely and missing their loved ones, and Murray reminds them they are not alone. The staff also find relief in Murray’s calm demeanor and soft purrs. And while Murray is working his magic with the residents, I have found that visiting with residents, families, and staff has made me far less lonely and so grateful for the many blessings in my life.

Watching the kids pick Murray up and hold him tight, you can see and feel just how much they need unconditional love in that moment. It is heartwarming to see a child in need of love, attention, or possibly a hug, receive that gift from Murray. So many humans have let them down, but Murray never does.

Murray was the senior kitty nobody wanted, and now he is one of just five cat TheraPets teams (out of 60+), bringing joy to so many people every week.” ❤🐾

CHECK THIS OUT: Remember the five puppies who were abandoned in a plastic tote in freezing temperatures? Thanks to you, ...
02/11/2025

CHECK THIS OUT: Remember the five puppies who were abandoned in a plastic tote in freezing temperatures? Thanks to you, these puppies are now safe, healthy, up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered, microchipped and back to enjoying their lives as puppies. Now, they're enjoying things like toys, treats and snuggles – all because of you!

Best of all, all five of these little ones have been adopted and are now in loving homes!

Thank you for being there for these puppies when they needed you most.

Read the original story: https://ow.ly/9Yht50UXSfm

NEUTER YOUR EX UPDATE: WOW – thank you to everyone who has donated to Neuter Your Ex so far! We’ve now received over 2,0...
02/10/2025

NEUTER YOUR EX UPDATE: WOW – thank you to everyone who has donated to Neuter Your Ex so far! We’ve now received over 2,000 names! Here are a few more claw-ful exes who will no longer be breeding thanks to your donation.

Have a relationship that ended in cat-astrophe? There’s still time to give your ex the snippy-snip. Just make a $15 donation now through Feb. 14 and we’ll name a feral cat after your feral ex then spay or neuter them and release them through our trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to stop the breeding cycle.

To neuter your ex, just go to https://ow.ly/HIV350UV8JF, make a donation, and include your ex’s name (first names or nicknames only). Your donation helps provide funding for our TNR program and other spay/neuter programs.

Hate this idea and think we’re being petty? You can sponsor a pet instead at the link above!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Mika was adopted in May 2024. "The minute I saw a picture of Mika the cat and read her description o...
02/10/2025

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Mika was adopted in May 2024. "The minute I saw a picture of Mika the cat and read her description on the ARL website, I knew I was meant to be her mom! At first, Mika was a bit fearful of loud noises, startled easy and hid, as I knew she would. However, Mika has really come out of her shell and is now relaxed and confident. She is friendly, curious and snuggly. Please consider adopting a fearful cat. I'm so glad I did!"

COOL CAT ALERT: Looking for a cat who LOVES to play? Badger is the kitty for you!Badger is so excited to play with any t...
02/09/2025

COOL CAT ALERT: Looking for a cat who LOVES to play? Badger is the kitty for you!

Badger is so excited to play with any toy you give her, but toy balls are her favorite. She’ll bat them around, pick them up with her paws and roll around on her back to see them from all possible angles. It’s totally adorable!

Need this playful gal in your life? Email Mary at [email protected] to meet her!

Learn more about Badger at https://ow.ly/o6mL50UW3l8.

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Nova is smart, playful and absolutely gorgeous!This girl loves playing fetch and can’t wait to show y...
02/09/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Nova is smart, playful and absolutely gorgeous!

This girl loves playing fetch and can’t wait to show you how fast she can run to catch the ball. She’ll show off even more by bringing the ball right back to you to throw again. She also loves going on walks and might like to be your jogging buddy!

Nova’s foster family tells us she follows them around the house and likes hopping up on the couch next to them for pets. They also say she’s good at going into her crate at bedtime and is generally quiet during the night. She’s such a good girl!

Interested in adopting Nova? Learn more about her at https://ow.ly/PGol50UW36P and email [email protected] to schedule a time to meet her!

CALLING ALL BINGO LOVERS: Join us on March 12 for Buddy Bingo – St. Pawtrick’s Day edition! It will be a fun night of ga...
02/08/2025

CALLING ALL BINGO LOVERS: Join us on March 12 for Buddy Bingo – St. Pawtrick’s Day edition! It will be a fun night of games and prizes – will it be your lucky day? One ticket includes FIVE rounds of bingo with three cards per game!

While you play bingo, sip on our version of a shamrock shake or grab food and drinks from our cash bar. Feeling extra festive? Add on a shamrock green dauber or go for our VIP package, which includes a bag of chocolate coins!

Every ticket provides one day of care for a homeless pet at the ARL, so you're changing lives just by playing bingo!

Learn more and get your tickets at https://ow.ly/ZF1150UW1zx.

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Kyan loves to have fun! He’s super silly with his toys and loves to be involved in whatever you’re do...
02/08/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Kyan loves to have fun! He’s super silly with his toys and loves to be involved in whatever you’re doing.

Kyan is also a little smarty. He already knows sit and is ready to learn even more skills. Bonus points if there are treats involved!

Interested in adopting Kyan? Learn more about him at https://ow.ly/s0VI50UW2TH and come meet him at ARL Club WDM (inside Canine Country Club)!

BONUS: When you adopt from ARL Club WDM, you’ll get some extra perks including a 5% lifetime discount on Canine Country Club daycare and boarding, 10% off one 10-day boarding package and a goodie bag that includes even more coupons for Canine Country Club services!

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Bowie LOVES to play. It’s so fun to watch! He’ll love playing with you, but he’s also happy to take h...
02/07/2025

AWESOME DOG ALERT: Bowie LOVES to play. It’s so fun to watch! He’ll love playing with you, but he’s also happy to take his toy and play by himself. He can jump SUPER high when he’s playing – it’s pretty impressive.

Bowie is also super into treats and will love bonding with you by learning new skills and getting treats as a reward. He already knows sit and can’t wait to learn more!

Interested in adopting Bowie? Come meet him at ARL Main!

Learn more about Bowie at https://ow.ly/SLyU50UVQZV.

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...
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!)

Address

5452 N. E. 22nd Street
Des Moines, IA
50313

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 7pm
Tuesday 12pm - 7pm
Wednesday 12pm - 7pm
Thursday 12pm - 7pm
Friday 12pm - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

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The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year.

The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more.

This is a page for supporters of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. By participating on this page, you are agreeing to our commenting policy, outlined below. We reserve the right to delete posts containing any of the following elements:- profanity - misinformation - spam - off-topic / irrelevant - personal attacks - promoting violence - promoting illegal or questionable activities - promoting fundraising, petitions, or re-homing pets outside of the ARL - advertisements. If you repeatedly violate this policy, you will be removed from our page. We appreciate your cooperation and support, and look forward to connecting with each of you, our loyal supporters!