Words by Smiley Team
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is the state's largest non-profit animal shelter, caring for thousands of animals each year.
Since its launch in 1926, it has expanded its programs to serve both people and homeless animals throughout Iowa.
The nonprofit has seen a decrease in the number of animals they care for in recent years, as a result of their proactive community outreach and spay/neuter programs, but their work is far from done.
The ARL's positive reinforcement training program has grown to include year-round classes and free behavior consultations for dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets. All dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and pigs that are adopted from the shelter are spayed or neutered.
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In addition to the animals that come through the doors of the ARL, the nonprofit provides a variety of services to the people of Iowa.
Through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal abuse intervention, and more, the ARL helps people and pets from all throughout Iowa. To care for its animals, the Animal Rescue League relies on individual and corporate donations.
This is because the ARL receives no state, federal or United Way funding. It takes seriously the investments of its donors and supporters for the care of the animals. The charity is governed by a volunteer board of directors, and frugally manages its resources in order to care for as many animals as possible for decades to come.
Their mission is to promote animal welfare, strengthen the human-animal bond, and prevent the overpopulation of pets.
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa was there for pets and people in our community in a year unlike any other. The coronavirus pandemic presented significant challenges – ever-changing safety guidelines, an increase in the need for pet food assistance, fewer volunteers, a loss of event revenue, and more – but they sought and found ways to continue serving their community with no interruption in services.
According to the ARL's Impact Report, they put out a request for Temporary Crisis Homes for dozens of pets in their care early, anticipating a big decline in volunteer help due to the pandemic. They received a large amount of applications in the first 12 hours, totaling more than 160. They were able to transport pets out of the shelter and into temporary homes as a result of the outpouring of support, while also making room for new arrivals.
This report speaks on many stories just like this one.
To learn more about Animal Rescue League, be sure to check out their website and join their mailing list to stay connected.
