Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals, Veterinary Services

Mission: The Animal Rescue League of Iowa''s mission is to promote animal welfare, to encourage and strengthen the human/animal bond and to prevent the overpopulation of animals. The ARL''s mission is accomplished through its numerous programs including pet adoption, on-site spaying and neutering, humane education and pet behavior training and counseling. The ARL is the Des Moines area''s only shelter that never turns away an animal in need.

Programs: The ARL depends on private funds to provide services such as humane education; animal assisted therapy; pet behavior counseling and training; animal rescue and adoption; animal abuse intervention and prevention; and resident pets. These programs, together with the ARL's on-site spaying and neutering program, work to reduce the number of homeless pets in Iowa. The ARL also works to pass laws that improve the lives of all animals, including livestock and wildlife. The ARL receives no state, federal or United Way funding to fund its programs.