Adoption

Horses & Livestock

The Animal Rescue League of Boston's livestock/rehabilitation efforts are based at our 27-acre Dedham facility which includes a barn with 10 stalls, 4 paddocks, a pet cemetery and a shelter for small animals. Our Dedham shelter often cares for unwanted, abused or neglected horses and livestock, and many of these animals need extensive rehabilitation and training due to lack of handling. The ARL of Boston is dedicated to ensuring that these animals receive the utmost veterinary care and behavioral training that they need prior to adoption. We learn all that we can about each animal's specific needs so that we can ensure that you are matched with an animal that best fits your needs and suitability.

How can I adopt?
The adoption process for horses and/or livestock involves visiting with the animal you are interested in adopting, as well as filling out an application to ensure that the animal is a good match for your lifestyle, experience and financial ability.  If after spending time with the animal you are sure s/he's the one, we will complete a home check of where the animal will be staying to ensure that s/he will be housed in a proper facility with appropriate fencing and care. The Animal Rescue League of Boston can also trailer to the facility location for a donation fee. 

The adoption fee for each animal is negotiable since each placement is so unique. Please understand that the adoption donation helps us to offset only a fraction of what it costs for the extensive care these animals need including veterinary care, farrier, dentistry and behavioral training. All adoptable horses and livestock are up-to date on vaccines, deworming, hoof care and dentistry. Horses also have a negative coggins test.  Where applicable, male animals are castrated.

Already a horse owner? Click here for expert tips to ensure that your horse is warm and comfortable during the cold weather months.

How do I contact the Animal Rescue League of Boston?
Please contact the ARL of Boston's Dedham Branch at 781-326-0729. You can also e-mail all equine or livestock questions to Dedham@arlboston.org. For the Dedham branch’s hours of operation, click here. To see the horses and livestock currently available for adoption, click here.