ARL Saves Over 2,000 Homeless Pets in the First Three Months of the Year

(April 12, 2017) DES MOINES – The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) has released the number of animals’ lives they have saved from January through March this year.  A total of 2,033 homeless pets were saved during this time period through adoption, returning lost pets to their owners, and transferring to other shelters through the ARL’s Transfer Partner program – a network of shelters who work together to send and receive animals when space and other resources allow.  Adoptions represented 1,527 of this number and there were 364 return to owners and 142 transfers to other shelters.

The combined numbers represent a total “Live Release Rate” of 90 percent so far this year.

“We are thrilled with the success we have seen so far this year,” said Tom Colvin, Executive Director for the ARL, “These numbers are a direct result of the community’s commitment to adopt and keep their pets for life, as well as the ARL’s increased programming that is supported entirely by donations.”

These numbers represent record success for the ARL, who has already this year assisted law enforcement with multiple large-scale animal rescues.

“Every year brings new challenges as well as new opportunities for the ARL, but we are committed to treating each and every animal that walks through our doors as if they are the only one,” said Colvin.