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Ferret Shelters in Iowa

5452 NE 22nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50313
515 262-9503
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year. The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more.



The ARL has grown dramatically since its founding in 1926 — expanding its programs that serve both people and homeless animals across Iowa. The most obvious growth is the number of animals the ARL provides shelter and care for each year. Intakes have increased annually from a few thousand animals a decade ago to over 17,000 animals in 2012.

Other areas of growth include the ARL's programs designed specifically to address the reasons animals end up in shelters, including spay/neuter, behavior training, and humane education programs. The ARL's positive reinforcement training program has expanded to offer year-round classes, as well as free behavior advice for dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets. The shelter continues to spay and neuter all dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and pigs that are adopted from our shelter.

Dog & Cat Shelters in Iowa

4521 SE 14th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50320


Founded in 1987 Incorporated in 1989 as a 501(c)3 Charitable organization.
A special needs no-kill animal shelter. Much of the work is done by our caring volunteers. We receive no government assistance. All donations go directly to care for and help animals in need. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.


2908 E 40th St.
Des Moines, IA 50317
319 415-7945
Small Animal Rescue Team of Iowa is a home based all volunteer rescue located in Des Moines Iowa. We are licensed with the Iowa Department of Land Stewardship and are currently working on obtaining 501c (3) non profit status.

We currently rescue cage dwelling animals including but not limited to ferrets, rabbits, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, etc. Our MissionTo provide sanctuary for stray, abandoned, lost or injured cage dwelling animals, to place them in permanent homes and educate the public about their care.
*Note that ferrets are also aided