Animal Lifeline of Iowa (ALI), founded in 1986, is Central Iowa’s only animal shelter focused on special needs cats and dogs, based in Des Moines and serving the entire state of Iowa. We rescue cats and dogs that are disabled, pregnant or nursing moms, orphaned, injured, abused, or undergoing treatment for ongoing medical conditions. We rehabilitate these animals, who face a higher risk of euthanasia in traditional shelters, and then find them loving forever homes. Animals are not euthanized because they have been at the shelter for a certain period.
Mission Statement
Animal Lifeline is a no-kill animal shelter that reduces the number of special needs cats and dogs that are euthanized by providing care, temporary shelter, and promoting positive long-term pet guardianship.
Priorities & Animals We Accept
Priority is given to animals who are...
Handicapped
Injured
Abused
Serious medical condition
Pregnant/Nursing moms
Orphaned needing bottle feeding
As animals are placed and adopted into homes, we are able to assist more.
We DO NOT maintain a waiting list for animals that may qualify to come to our shelter.
If you have an animal you believe meets our acceptance criteria, please call the shelter to discuss if we will be able to assist you. We are a very small shelter and accept animals as space and budget allows.
Veterinarian Care
All animals in ALI's care receive complete veterinarian care from VCA Avondale Animal Hospitals which includes:
Vaccinations and Rabies
General health assessment
Heartworm checks & preventatives - for dogs
Flea & tick preventatives
Leukemia & FIV screenings - for cats
De-worming
Any medical care necessary to maintain their health
Microchip implant
All are spayed or neutered before being placed in home