To create a safe and humane community through education, outreach, and enforcement.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is contracted by multiple municipalities to provide animal control services and housing for stray animals.

In Des Moines, the ARL is contracted to operate the city's animal control program. This program is a partnership with the Des Moines Police Department and a member of their department serves as Chief Humane Officer. The ARL currently operates out of the city's animal control facility and the program is supervised by an ARL Animal Control Services Manager. That position employs all of the Animal Control Officers (ACOs), animal care staff, and medical staff, including a city Veterinarian as defined in the city ordinance.

Through this partnership, the citizens of Des Moines and their animals benefit because through grants and donations, the ARL as an organization is able to offer programs and services that would not be offered by a strictly tax-funded animal control program.

Learn more about these programs here: www.arl-iowa.org/community/animal-control/