About
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in homes. Established in 1899 as the first female-founded animal welfare organization in Massachusetts, ARL is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 04-2103714) that assists more than 20,000 animals annually through sheltering, community programs, veterinary care, and advocacy — and it receives no government funding for this work, relying on donations and private support.
Mission
ARL's work is driven by the core belief that pets are family. The organization helps animals heal, works to keep pets and people together, and protects animals from harm.
What they do
- Adoption: three Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Cape Cod (East Brewster)
- Veterinary care: Boston Veterinary Care, offering low-cost medical services
- Community health: the Spay Waggin' and Wellness Waggin' mobile programs, the Community Cat Program, and Keep Pets S.A.F.E.
- Protection services: field services, humane law enforcement, animal advocacy, and the Too Hot for Spot campaign
- Pet support: lost pet assistance, a behavior helpline, temporary housing, and surrender services
- Dog training courses in Dedham, plus humane education, student internships and externships
History
ARL was incorporated on March 13, 1899, by founder Anna Harris Smith, who opened its first Animal Care and Adoption Center and veterinary clinic on Carver Street in Boston. Smith's vision: While getting dogs and cats off the street is work worth doing, the teaching of thoughtful kindness is the work that changes families, communities, and a nation. Milestones include the Pine Ridge Home of Rest for Horses in Dedham (1907), the first motorized animal ambulance (1912), the start of humane law enforcement investigations (1913), designation of ARL Humane Officers as Special State Police Officers (1934), the move to 10 Chandler Street in Boston and the opening of a Cape Cod center (1956), and the launch of the Spay Waggin' and a Behavior and Enrichment department (2000).
Scale and impact
ARL assists more than 20,000 animals annually, and in 2024 the organization marked a milestone of over 6.2 million animals helped since 1899. It operates locations in Boston (10 Chandler Street), Dedham (Anna's Place), and East Brewster on Cape Cod.
Financials
Per IRS filings compiled by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, the Animal Rescue League of Boston reported total revenue of $14,006,227 and total functional expenses of $14,354,562 for fiscal year 2023, with total assets of $132,671,787 at year end. ARL states that it receives no government funding.
Governance
The organization is led by President and CEO Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA, with a 16-member board of directors chaired by Heather Ridill. ARL holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.