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The Animal Rescue League of Boston is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes. The Animal Rescue League of Boston's (ARL) Community Cats Program provides care for hundreds of community cats from throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on an annual basis, but as we get into the warmer months, ARL is seeing more and more of the most vulnerable - kittens born in the wild.

Dedicated to Making a Difference ARL is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated agent working with community cats.
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For over twelve decades, ARL has responded to the needs of animals and supported a community in which animals are protected, safe, and healthy - in homes and out of shelters. Our "reason for being" dates back to our founding in 1899 when Anna Harris Smith, a social worker from Dorchester took action when she saw both the cruel mistreatment of Boston's working horses, and the number of stray and homeless animals living on the streets.
As a leader in animal welfare, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is committed to preventing animal suffering, neglect, and abuse in Massachusetts. Law Enforcement investigates crimes against animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect. ARL employs Special State Police Officers, with the authority to enforce animal cruelty and neglect laws.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes. While we make every effort possible to help keep an animal where they belong, it's inevitable that some animals in need will make their way into our shelters before they can be connected with a loving family.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is a leader in animal health and safety, keeping animals out of shelters and in the habitats and homes where they belong. Make an appointment at Boston Veterinary Care - a clinic with a mission, all proceeds benefit shelter animals at ARL! A monthly column presented by ARL's President & CEO Dr. Edward Schettino and tackles many of the topics and issues we as pet owners face every day. Contact an ARL representative at (617) 426-9170 x166 regarding basic behavioral questions about your pet.
Reviews (9)
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Colleen Joyce
Jun 06, 2022
I had saw a puppy on the website and just knew I needed her to come home with me. I showed up the next day right as the shelter was opening, asked to see her, and immediately knew she was meant for me. Her name was Navy but it changed it to Nova and now she's my little sidekick coming on all kinds of adventures with me! She's made my life drastically better in just the last month!
Cristina Walsh
May 23, 2022
I can not say enough positive things ARL Boston vet clinic. Have been brought both our rescues and the care, patients and understanding we have been presented with has been phenomenal! The front desk staff always informative and so kind when answering the phone!
Kimberley Francescon
Apr 15, 2022
Website leads you to believe that the animals are available to see and possibly go home with you that day. The pet descriptions are deceiving on the site. From the minute you walk in the door they are rude and say anything they possibly can to encourage you to change your mind about adopting. They give you every negative reason possible to not even want to see the animal you came in for.

Then when you say that's ok I still want to see the animal. They say well unless you are going to commit to wanting it you really can't just see him because he could scratch you and then he would need to be quarantined for 10 days! They have people driving there excited to adopt only to be talked out of it and pushed out the door! Both Dedham and Boston locations were misleading on their websites and very unprofessional.

No wonder there are animals sitting in their cages there! When we got to the Dedham location we were told we could not adopt one without the other, because they are a bonded pair. That was not forthcoming on the site. The list goes on. We felt as though we were in the twilight zone. Terrible experience today! Ugh!
Subin Lee
Mar 09, 2022
I adopted Oreo (Rebel but I renamed him) on march 6th and he is thriving and living his best lifeThanks to the wonderful team working at animal rescue league of Boston
Dennis Joseph
Dec 31, 2021
Amazing staff! When we got our cat 6 months ago they did a wonderful job of providing us with the necessary details and even gave us a scratching post, small bed, and toys as well. Great experience and would go back again when the time comes.
Mary Mazzulli
Aug 22, 2021
The Wellness Waggin' is a Godsend for those on a fixed-income like me. They help me take care of my 2 besties as if they were their own. We love the Animal Rescue League of Boston! Thank you for all you do for our furry friends! ~Mary, Taquitoes & Elsa
Hermella Kebede
May 31, 2021
I can't imagine an organization with as many caring individuals as those in the Animal Rescue League, I had adopted a sweet kitten. It is evident through their handling of the animal's care these are people who genuinely wish the best for them. I also appreciated the transparency from the staff, you can tell they genuinely care for the animals and want them to leave in the healthiest condition or leave with someone equipped to care for them. Here is my kitty who's growing up to be a very goofy and adorable cat.
Marisa Spitz
Nov 14, 2019
We adopted our sweet Rory from ARL last week and we are so pleased with our experience. The facility itself is large, with a veterinary clinic and separate entrance for the shelter. The team was very friendly and asked us lifestyle questions to find a compatible pet. We were able to visit with the cats, and the team disclosed any special medical or behavioral needs the animals had. Our sweet kitty is very happy in her new home! Thank you Nicole, Addie, and the ARL team!
Victoria Wright
Mar 22, 2017
They are such nice people:- we adopted our little Leo from here and he is just the sweetest. They take good care of all the animals and will answer any questions you may have. They make sure all the animals are healthy and try to make sure they are as comfortable as possible while they are there. It's clean and I would definitely suggest going to them if you are interested in expanding your family or to just start. btw here's a pic of our little boy.