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!

MEET FOSTER DOGS! Join us at our Foster to Forever adoption event from 12-2 p.m. TOMORROW at ARL Main! Adoptable dogs AN...
08/29/2026

MEET FOSTER DOGS! Join us at our Foster to Forever adoption event from 12-2 p.m. TOMORROW at ARL Main! Adoptable dogs AND their foster families will be waiting to meet you in our new indoor dog park!

This event is a great way to meet multiple adoptable dogs and get to know what they're like from the people who know them best. Learn everything you want to know, from their favorite toys and treats to personality, routines, and all the cute quirks that make them so special. It's a fantastic way to meet dogs who may not be at the shelter other times you visit.

At this event ONLY, adoption fees for dogs 6 months and up will be 50% off! To see dogs at this event, go to ARL-Iowa.org and look for dogs with a location of "Adoption Event."

Pictured: Just a few of the dogs and puppies coming to the event (Top: Porter, Squints, Benny. Bottom: Chance, Marty, Ranger)!

This project has been supported by a grant from the PEDIGREE Foundation

Ready to roll for a good cause? Howl on Wheels is coming up fast! Join us Sept. 19 for a day of fun, community, and supp...
08/29/2026

Ready to roll for a good cause? Howl on Wheels is coming up fast! Join us Sept. 19 for a day of fun, community, and support for pets who need us.

Bring your favorite people and hit the road! Take in the early fall scenery, visit five local stops, groove to live music, bid in the silent auction, and try your luck at the 50/50 raffle—all while helping ARL animals waiting for a loving home.

Sign up today at https://bit.ly/4q1vtCN, round up your fellow riders, and help make each mile count.

Ready, set, let’s go!

CHARMING CAT ALERT: Ready to be adored? Meet Dolce! This gentle sweetheart loves lap time, soaking up attention, searchi...
08/29/2026

CHARMING CAT ALERT: Ready to be adored? Meet Dolce! This gentle sweetheart loves lap time, soaking up attention, searching her basket for the perfect toy, and perching up high to watch the birds and world go by. If you're looking for a devoted little shadow with lots of love to give, Dolce might just be your girl!

Learn more about this lovely lady at https://bit.ly/4wTb1p8, then [email protected] to set up a visit.

Can’t adopt? Spread the word to help her find a loving home!

THINK YOUR PET HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE FAMOUS? The ARL’s 2027 Happy Tails Calendar Photo Contest is officially open—and ...
08/28/2026

THINK YOUR PET HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE FAMOUS?

The ARL’s 2027 Happy Tails Calendar Photo Contest is officially open—and your pet could be one of the stars!

Got a sassy Miss July or a goofy Mr. October? Just upload your favorite photo, make a $25 donation to enter, then rally your family and friends to vote. Every $1 donated = 1 vote, and every dollar helps homeless pets at the ARL. That’s a win/win!

And this year, our contest is even MORE fun with three new special categories! The top three entries in each of the species-specific categories — as well as the top entry in the additional categories — will each be featured on a monthly cover page.

What are the additional categories, you ask?

Couch Potato
Goofball
Bonded Buddies

Think your pet has star power? Enter today and start collecting those votes RIGHT HERE: https://bit.ly/4wYRyUh

DREAM DOG ALERT: Looking for an energetic goofball who loves toys, treats and people? Meet T’Challa! This sweet boy will...
08/28/2026

DREAM DOG ALERT: Looking for an energetic goofball who loves toys, treats and people? Meet T’Challa!

This sweet boy will bring you his favorite toy, settle in close — maybe even in your lap — and happily trade a sit for cheese. After playtime, he loves curling up in a little ball on his blanket for a cozy snooze. He’s a perfect mix of party animal and couch potato —what’s not to love?

Learn more about T'Challa at https://bit.ly/3UjQpZS or come on out to ARL Main to meet this handsome guy in person.

You can see all our available pets, plus hours/locations at ARL-Iowa.org.

GREAT NEWS: One of our longest residents SAGE was adopted today! Yesterday, the enrichment director for a retirement com...
08/28/2026

GREAT NEWS: One of our longest residents SAGE was adopted today!

Yesterday, the enrichment director for a retirement community came to the shelter to take a dog on a Dog’s Day Out field trip. She mentioned she wanted to take the dog to her workplace to spend time with the residents and asked if we had suggestions for who might be a good fit. Sweet, gentle Sage came to mind right away.

Sage had a great day, meeting the residents, getting lots of pets and giving lots of cuddles. Everyone fell in love with her, both the residents and the team members, and when she had to go back to the shelter they all wished she could stay longer.

One team member, Monica, couldn’t get Sage out of her head. Sage was so polite and kind with the residents, and she was well-behaved, staying right by Monica’s side when she asked. She was just the perfect dog, and Monica thought she’d be a great fit … not just for her home, but to accompany her to work every day!

“She stole my heart right away,” Monica told us today when she came to the shelter to make things official. She said Sage will be her work buddy and will have regular interactions with the residents, and several of her fellow team members had already offered to “baby-sit” when needed.

We couldn’t ask for a better match for Sage. She not only has a new home, she has a whole extended family!

LEAVE A LEGACY: Want to make a difference for pets even after your lifetime? Consider including the ARL in your will! Au...
08/28/2026

LEAVE A LEGACY: Want to make a difference for pets even after your lifetime? Consider including the ARL in your will! August is Make a Will Month, and by naming the ARL as a beneficiary, you’ll create a lasting legacy for animals in need.

To start creating your will for free, just go to https://ow.ly/m0J950WBJrk.

YOGA + HORSES = THE PERFECT MORNING! Start your Saturday with a one-of-a-kind yoga experience at our Second Chance Ranch...
08/27/2026

YOGA + HORSES = THE PERFECT MORNING! Start your Saturday with a one-of-a-kind yoga experience at our Second Chance Ranch! Join us Sept. 5 for Yoga in the Barn, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing, all-levels yoga class in the peaceful surroundings of our ranch. After the class, cool down with a Golden Gallop champagne cocktail (21+) and mingle with the barn animals in our care.

Spots are limited, so register now at https://ow.ly/hA8P50ZFWv7.

COOL CAT ALERT: Looking for a perfect mix of sweet and sassy, complete with a nose freckle? 7-year-old Juju likes head s...
08/27/2026

COOL CAT ALERT: Looking for a perfect mix of sweet and sassy, complete with a nose freckle? 7-year-old Juju likes head scratches, wand toys, being brushed and telling you all about her day. She'd love to be the queen bee and the center of your universe!

Learn more about this beautiful girl at https://ow.ly/Of1w50ZFWo9, then email [email protected] to set up a visit.

Can't adopt? Spread the word to help find her a home!

YAPPY HOUR COMING UP: Pick up your pup and join us for Yappy Hour at Smash Park on Sept. 10. Enjoy Music Bingo with priz...
08/24/2026

YAPPY HOUR COMING UP: Pick up your pup and join us for Yappy Hour at Smash Park on Sept. 10. Enjoy Music Bingo with prizes, refreshing drinks including a specialty Tito’s cocktail, bark-uterie cups for dogs, and more! Bring your friends - human and hound - for a fun evening of relaxing and helping homeless pets.

This event is free to attend, but please RSVP at https://ow.ly/8EnS50ZF00Y, and while you’re there, upgrade your experience with a $15 Doggy Bag add-on that includes a dog toy and treats, plus merch from Smash Park and Tito's.

See you there!

Presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka

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

Telephone

+15152629503

Website

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