The Adoption Process
Ready to Adopt? Great! Start Here.
What should I bring with me? How long does the adoption process take? Anything special I need to know? We'll walk you through the process so you can come prepared!
More Information
Shop at Animal House
Feed Your Pet While Feeding Homeless Pets
When you shop at ARL's Animal House store, 100% of the proceeds provide care for the homeless pets at the ARL waiting for their forever home. Food, bedding, leash, collar, treats, gifts - we have it all!
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For All Your Pet Questions
ARL Pet Helpline - We're Here for You and Your Pet
Our Pet Helpline is in place to assist pet owners who may be struggling with pet issues. We can provide resources and assistance to help keep you and your pet together.
call now
Help Control the Pet Population
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Programs
The ARL has spay/neuter programs which offer surgeries, vaccines and/or microchips at low or no cost for individuals who could not otherwise afford those services.
see if you qualify
Be a hero. Foster an animal.
Give Pets a Chance to Relax in your Home!
Some pets need a break from the shelter while waiting for a forever home. Caring for a pet in your home is both fun and rewarding.
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Make a Difference
Join the ARL Team to Change Lives Daily
Every member of the ARL team plays an important role in changing the lives of animals and the people who love them.
view open positions
Sit. Shake. Stay. Good!
Short on Time? Join Our Drop In Training Classes!
Drop In Training Class is perfect for those with busy schedules who aren't able to commit to a 6-week class, but still want their dog to learn the basic manners.
LEARN MORE
For Pet Parents
Questions about your Pet's Behavior?
The ARL offers dog and cat behavior counseling to help adoptive pet parents, as well as the general public, better understand our pets.
Take Action!
Join the ARL's Humane Action Network
Join us to advocate for improved animal welfare laws for the animals and people of Iowa.
TAKE ACTION
Cruelty Intervention
Report Animal Abuse
The ARL can help you assess the situation and report it to the proper law enforcement agency.
We currently have a high number of cats in our care. Can you adopt? Can you foster? Can you share with your family and friends?
See Adoptable Cats
Do you have room in your heart and in your home for a dog? Great! It's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, so now is the perfect time to add to your family.
VIEW DOGS
Gather up the entire family for this year's holiday photos! Various dates and locations are available during November. Traditional and digital photo packages are available.
Reserve My Spot
Volunteer Change lives for homeless pets.
Des Moines City Council Approves a 10-year Contract for Animal Control Services with the ARL
Posted 9/24/18
Foster Do you have room in your home to give an ARL pet a break from the shelter environment?
Shop Animal House for Pet Supplies Food, treats, bedding, gifts, and more - all proceeds benefit the homeless pets at the ARL, and adopters receive 10% off
Wish List Shop our Amazon.com Wish List and ship directly to us!
Fetch! List In an effort to reduce costs and improve operations, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa seeks in-kind donations of new or gently used supplies and product.
TheraPets TheraPets strive to bring happiness and comfort to all who interact with them.
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.
Learn More
Dates: 10/26/2018 Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Location: ARL Main, Humane Education Classroom
Posted in For Kids
Dates: 10/27/2018 Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm Location: ARL Main
Explore the tip of the iceberg in hoof anatomy. Learn best practices in how to care for and keep your horses hooves in the best shape for them.
Posted in Seminars
Dates: 10/27/2018 Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Location: East Village
Join us for a Halloween bar crawl through Des Moines' East Village to benefit the homeless pets at the ARL.
Posted in Events
View All Events