Animal Rescue League of Boston

I just have to leave a comment regarding Ben K.‘s comment. His negative, self-​entitled tone speaks volumes about his character. He fails to understand that this «dog park» as he calls it, is actually ARL’s private property. It is not a dog park and it is certainly not funded by the state. The ARL graciously allows anyone to use the facility when potential adoptees are not using it. Adoptees who do not have a permanent home such as Ben K’s dog. I would image that the ARL takes it as a slap in the face when their generosity is met with such contempt. Judging from what he’s stated, it looks like the ARL reached out to him but he just wasn’t happy with the answer.

I love ARL. I love their shelter services and their classes and the clinic and their dog park. Love it.
However: the most frustrating thing in my day, and it’s just about every day, is when my little pup gets kicked out because they need to use the yard. Now I understand that they need to be kept apart, and that they need to get exercise, and that prospective owners need to meet them in the yard. That’s so important, I got it.
But why take them to the yard every day after people get out of work? When my little pup had been cooped up all day and just wants to run in the safest, cleanest park in Boston. So we pack up and go… Somewhere else.
I wouldn’t mind so much if it were reliable. I walk all the way to ARL, expecting open play time. Maybe I should just give up. Plus I have to explain to my dog why we can’t play in the park even though she’s convinced we certainly can. Which is hard cause they don’t speak English very well.
Maybe I’m unlucky. I don’t know. So, I’ll just post this and hope for change!
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I spoke with someone about how to best be able to predict when the park will be closed for shelter dogs — they informed me that there is no central plan, volunteers come and go at whim, and nobody can be certain when the shelter dogs will be taken to park. This concerning both for the welfare of the shelter dogs, and for the integrity of the mixed-​use nature of the park. I hate to say it, but it seems like this was a nice attempt at a good idea, but poor management is not helping their relationship with the public.

We had a great experience adopting an awesome cat here. They have a good process– they are careful to get the animals good homes, but they also don’t make you wait a long time for an application to be approved. Big thanks to the staff and volunteers, they have a tough job but they seem to really love the animals and finding them homes.

I rescued my first dog from here in 2013. All their evaluational write ups were dead on. I mean that in a good way. So granted you can only spend so much time with a dog in their yard before you make a decision, their paperwork helps add some much needed insight into the animal’s history, behavior, tendencies, personality, etc. All their health checks were dead on as well. In all my life ive never had a better dog and received EXACTLY what i was assured i would be adopting. He came neutered, fully healthy, shots, and microchipped, all included for $ 300 because he was 2 years old or over (can’t remember exactly). That was a ridiculous steal as far as I’m concerned compared to spending thousands from a breeder. I’ve gone through a breeder before and believe me, adopting/​rescuing was a far better experience altogether. I look at my dog all the time and tell him, «your the best investment i have ever made, i turned $ 300 into priceless», he doesnt say anything tho.

Adopted my kitten from them a month ago; we’re completely in love with him. We were told he was a special needs kitten, had soiling problems with a previous adoptee that returned him, he’s been perfectly fine with us since we brought him home.
He was in complete tip top health when we had his first vet visit, we couldn’t be happier. Staff is amazing, kind and well informed; the facilities are well maintained and very clean. When I adopted him, they gave me all the necessary paperwork, records and spoke with me one on one about the do’s and don’ts of kitten ownership. I told everyone where we adopted our little Jasper (Harry at the shelter;) they were all truly impressed with him.

My Baby Dog, lil stinker, goes to their
Boston Vet Care center, next door, since 2009.
The staff is patient worth him and kind to me,
Keeping track of every piece of him on paper.
this organization really love animals too…
The ARL isn’t just a vet clinic for profit.
They rescued 15 000 animals in 2014!
The deal: the best Boston veterinary clinic
Is run by the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Professional, unfailingly kind staff and volunteers whose top priority is the animals’ wellbeing. We were able to meet and visit with many cats over several visits before we found our dream pet (an all-​black, easygoing boy we named Tig). ARL helped us find the ideal pet given our caretaking abilities and lifestyle. Although Tig was shy at the shelter, we were assured that he was a lap cat and would warm up to us quickly. Within two days, he was sitting square on my lap and purring loudly. I am especially happy that we were gently steered towards an adult cat who seemed reserved, because even though younger, outgoing ones were tempting, they required more care than we could give and get adopted quickly anyway. A special shoutout to ARL’s marketing team, whose social media presence is impeccable and whose direct mailings are never unwelcome. A+ work.

My family & I live in the neighborhood of the Dedham shelter, on a beautiful, expansive lot of land aside woods. Since 2003 when we brought home our then-​kitten Sophie for our 7-​yr old daughter, we have adopted 2 more family cats from the shelter. Every time we have gone to the Dedham shelter to adopt, visit or volunteer, we’ve had a wonderful experience with the manager, Lisa, and all of the friendly, highly professional staff. They are all very dedicated to the animals in their care. When my own cats died, the manager of the shelter’s Pine Ridge Cemetery, Michael, offered great comfort. My daughter, now 19, & I are going back this week to adopt an older (harder to be adopted) cat for me to keep Sophie company. Please consider supporting the shelter in any way you can. Thank you!

ARL is an excellent shelter. I got both of my kittens from this shelter, and have taken a couple of friends there to pick up their first cat. The staff were great and very patient as we took our time getting to know the different cats that were there. The clinic was clean and all of the animals appeared to be very well taken care of. Both cats were fixed and had begun their shots etc. by the time we got to see them. One of the kittens had a small eye infection she acquired prior to the shelter finding her. They were great about providing us with medication and going over the steps of care. They sent us home with a carrier and enough food for about a week. I’m glad places like this are working to find homes for animals.

ARL does amazing work and I am proud to say that I got my 7 week old kitten, Zeppelin, from this shelter.
I knew I wanted to get a cat, but also wanted to be sure I got the right cat for me. Because I was looking for certain qualities and characteristics, the process took nearly 2.5 months.
Since the ARL is conveniently located a couple blocks from my work, I made a point to visit at least twice a week as they had new cats coming in daily. The staff at the ARL always did a wonderful job of checking in with me and many recognized me after the 2^nd or 3^rd visit. The facilities are always clean and comfortable and the staff are extremely knowledgeable about the cats and dogs that are there.
Now that my feline friend is home, I even miss my visits to the ARL.
Thank you for all the great work you do!

Disgusting veterinarian care. I used to bring my cat to this location for veterinary care, and their prices and excuses to add exams and charge for them became outrageous. They denied care to my cat if I did not spend $ 80 blood work + $ 45 vaccination shot. They are definitely in the industry to make money, and not to care for animal. So much for dedicating their efforts to rescue and provide for animals.

tl&dr people: INCOMPETENCE at its finest at the vet offices.
I called them to schedule an appointment for my elderly dog. She has hypothyroidism, which is easily fixed with her daily dose of medicine. I was low on the said medicine, and just relocated to Boston from California, so I needed a new vet to prescribe more. I was convinced by this vet, mostly by the clever marketing ploy that offered a free office visit. With the appointment scheduled about a week prior, I was looking forward to getting a new vet for my dog. I called early this morning, to check whether I should feed my dog and give her the medicine. The vet said it was fine. So I did.
At the vet, I was left waiting most of time, while the vet tech came in and out, asking questions etc. Then one of them came in and said «sorry for the inconvenience, we cannot test your dog’s blood because she had the medicine and we have to wait for at least 4 to 6 hours before testing. Can we proceed with exam or do you want to come back to do exam and blood work?»
WHAT THE HELL?! I told them I called this morning to check about giving my dog her medicine, being visibly upset and irritated, and they (two vet techs) were flabbergasted, as to why I was upset. I got no reassurances or sensitivity towards my situation. I never saw the vet at all. In other vets (I moved several times, so different city, different vet), I usually see the vet when there’s a mistake or an issue. The vet should’ve seen me and my dog, explained about the situation, apologize for their mistake, and offer rescheduling options immediately. Instead, I was fuming, and the techs looked at me like it was my fault, without apologizing for THEIR MISTAKE.
I couldn’t stay any moment longer, I wasn’t shown the care or respect that all clients should get. I walked out, after wasting about 45 minutes there. I got home and googled, found Alliance for Animals, a low cost vet clinic, who promptly said: «We are going to work this out for your dog’s medication.» Amazing.
That’s the appropriate response and courtesy that ARL lacked. They knew the main reason for my dog’s visit but instead of addressing that, they gave me misinformation. I cannot trust a vet that isn’t clear and staffed by incompetent fools, so I ran as far as I could.

Most amazing, caring and friendly vets and staff. I’ve been brining my dog and cat for the past 10 years. Highly recommend their veterinarian services.

I really appreciate the mission of ARL and what they are trying to do for animals, but my recent experience at the Boston shelter leads me to question whether they’ve completely lost their way.
I adopted a 1yr old cat in May, 2014. When I was in the adoption center, almost every cat was sneezing and wheezing. The cat I adopted was also sneezing and the staff said in a cavalier way, «oh, it’s just a little cold.» Well it wasn’t a cold. Every cat at their shelter is infected with a highly contagious viral respiratory infection. I understand that it is very common and easily passed from cat to cat, but these cats are SICK and SUFFERING. After a week at home, my cat stopped eating and drinking. I took her to Boston Veterinary Care and they sent her home saying the condition would resolve itself. After another day, she was struggling to breath. I finally took my her to Angell and accumulated about $ 800 in vet bills to help her (the illness had evolved into pneumonia).
Let me be clear: I don’t care about the money. I care about these animals. ARL Boston should be shut down for a month, these animals should be isolated until their conditions resolve, and they should disinfect their facility from top to bottom. It’s unconscionable that they are allowing these very sick cats to be adopted. I visited several other adoption centers around Boston and NONE of the cats were exhibiting symptoms of feline upper respiratory tract infections.
If you are around a cat that is sneezing, please know that you may also transmit the virus to other cats. Please change your clothes and wash hands before you visit a different shelter.

I adopted both of our cats at ARL Boston a few years ago and to this day I am grateful for them and all the work they do. When housing and timing worked out, my roommate and I went into ARL to check out their cats. The staff was completely helpful, letting us take out any cats we were interested in and play with them in an isolated area. When we found my little orange and white Apollo (formerly Nate) they were incredibly helpful getting the paperwork done swiftly so he could get neutered and picked up two days later.
After about two weeks of having my overly rambunctious cat, we decided we needed another cat for him to beat up on/​play with. When we returned, the staff remembered us, remembered Apollo (Nate to them) and suggested a cat they thought would work well with him. After five minutes with Waffles (formerly Jackal) we were hooked. And now you’d be hard-​pressed to think they boys weren’t raised together. They act like brothers.
I recommend ARL to everyone looking to adopt. I also still use ARL’s vet service for the two boys and am fully satisfied with the care they receive.

our best buddy, Poe the cat, came from ARL, 6 years ago this month! I had gone in to look at dogs and whammy, ended up with my little guy. We are so lucky to have him, he’s the favorite family member.
The staff is very friendly and the clinic is clean. At times, the staff did not seem knowledgable though — Poe was kept a week longer to get neutered, just to find out he had been previously neutered and they hadn’t checked. They also told me he wouldn’t get much bigger and he more than doubled in size. Regardless, he is a very sweet cat and it was clear they took great care of him and the other animals there. Thank you ARL!

This review is for the vet side of things at the ARL. They are AWESOME. Consistently friendly, with reasonable and humane approaches to medical care. They don’t try to run every single blood test at every single visit (like the MSPCA Angell does). They have wonderful high-​level care if your pet has a fracture or other major medical issue, but they’re also wonderful for routine pet checkups.
The staff is great with our difficult dog, and we have moved all of our pet care to their office. Thank you Dr. Hugh Davis and ARL!

Adopted my first kitty from the ARL. They were extremely helpful and were able to answer all of the questions I had as a first time pet-​owner. The adoption fee includes a lot of services, like microchipping, spaying and a starter bag of cat food.
Would definitely go back if I still live in the area next time I am adopting.

One of the most consistent, fun, sweetest friends I have had in my life — Kimba the cat — came from the ARL of Boston.
He was 3 when I adopted him and was a bit shy but very very sweet young man. Over the last 8 years, he has been such a great pal — sweet and calm and just the kind of company you need after a long hard day at work.
He has done great with my wife’s cat (a 14 year old female) and is truly a joy to be around.
The Boston Animal Rescue League is a great organization. They truly care for their animals — with both loving, thoughtful staff and great physicians who know how to keep their animals healthy and feeling great.
If you dig into the negative reviews here– they all revolve around one thing. SELFISH HUMANS. They come to the shelter 20 minutes before they close and complain about being asked to come back another day. They have to reschedule a procedure and they complain about having to take an second afternoon off. They complain about the «selection» — are you kidding me?
These are living souls we are talking about here, not a pair of jeans or some other convenience item. If you cant be bothers to extend yourself for the honor of taking home one of god’s beautiful creatures — do us all a favor and DONT become a pet owner.

VERY VERY disappointing! I even did not get a chance to try their veterinary service because customer service sent me away. I couldn’t find the clinic and when called in the lady said she was not good at giving directions and as a result I was 15 minutes late for my appointment (I had no GPS, had ask random people on streets). When I arrived they declined to take my cat to a vet check up although I was begging them, I thought my cat might have caught a disease (girls were RUDE, I left a clinic nearly crying). They said I can go look for a vet clinic closer to my house. REALLY??? like really???
If they treat pets with same «care» well I am glad I didn’t hand them my kitty.
STAY AWAY!!!