Join the journey

When you contribute to the ARL's Transforming the Future of Animal Rescue capital campaign, you will help build a brighter future for all species of rescue animals. We hope you will join us on our journey to change even more lives.

Make a difference today

Learn about all the ways you can support the animals in our care.

Whaleshark

Male / 2 years

In Foster

Vanessa

Female / 3 years

Coffee Cats

Raider

Male / 1 year

ARL Main

Robert

Male / 5 years

In Foster

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa

ARL is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year.

GIVE SECOND CHANCES

Since 1926, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa has helped more than 1 million pets in need, and at the end of 2024, we saved thousands of lives. Thanks to your support, we were able to be there for all those pets in need last year. They’re just some of the thousands of pets you help each year.

Join the journey

Each year, the ARL assists in saving hundreds of animals from inhumane conditions. As the calls for help continue to grow, the facilities the animals can recover in must grow, too. You can help transform our rescue facilities so every animal who has been the victim of cruelty will have a safe place to begin their journey to a better life. Help transform their future by making a gift today!

Recent News

Upcoming Events

A smiling pug in a colorful holiday sweater sits below the festive text “Pug-ly Sweater Bar Crawl” on a patterned background. The ARL logo is in the bottom right corner.

Pug-ly Sweater Bar Crawl 2026

Crawl for a cause this holiday season Bundle up in your coziest (and ugliest!) sweater and join us for a festive night out supporting pets in need! Each bar will [...]

Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026

Location: Lamp

volunteers packing pet food at pet food pantry

Mobile Pet Food Pantry

The ARL’s Pet Food Pantries exist to provide support to those battling food insecurity. There are multiple pantries each month at many locations across the Des Moines metro.

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Location: ARL Innovation Center

volunteers packing pet food at pet food pantry

Mobile Pet Food Pantry

The ARL’s Pet Food Pantries exist to provide support to those battling food insecurity. There are multiple pantries each month at many locations across the Des Moines metro.

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Location: East Side Library

volunteers packing pet food at pet food pantry

Mobile Pet Food Pantry

The ARL’s Pet Food Pantries exist to provide support to those battling food insecurity. There are multiple pantries each month at many locations across the Des Moines metro.

Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026

Location: ARL Animal Services

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