Thinking about adopting a new best friend? When you adopt your new pet from the Animal Rescue League of Berks County Inc. you’re not only getting a great pal but you’re also giving that special animal companion a second chance at life.

  On any given day, there are many wonderful pets just waiting to be adopted. Visit with us and tour our 60 kennels to find that special pet to make your life complete.

Cost for a dog adoption is $90, which includes spaying/neutering/microchipping, an Advantage flea treatment, and the first year of ARL membership.

  Cost for cat adoption is $70, which also includes spaying/neutering/microchipping, an Advantage flea treatment, and the first year of membership.

  Also included in our adoption fee is a complimentary health exam for your new pet at VCA (Veterinary Clinics of America) Detwiler Animal Hospital in Kenhorst or VCA Cacoosing Animal Hospital in Wernersville.

  And to help you and your new pet adjust to your new life together, the Animal Rescue League will give you a special pet adoption folder filled with all kinds of information about pets-- from the Pennsylvania Dog Law and tips on puppy-proofing your home to animal safety awareness.

  Our corporate friends also want to wish you the best with your newly adopted friend. When you adopt from the Animal Rescue League, you are entitled to a $10 gift certificate from Pet Supplies “Plus” in the Shillington Shopping Center, and a Pet Adoption Gift Booklet with discount coupons for merchandise from Petco in the Broadcasting Square Shopping Center in Spring Township.

  ARL also provides shelter for large animals, such as horses and pigs, in our new on-site barn, as well as kennel shelter for smaller animals, including rabbits, gerbils, chickens, roosters, birds, and ferrets.

  Boarding and grooming facilities also are available. Contact the shelter at 610-373-8830 to make appointments.

  If you are thinking about pet adoption, boarding, or pet grooming, please visit our spacious shelter and talk with our staff. They are animal-care professionals eager to assist you with your pet concerns and needs.

ARL Adoption Testimonials 

  Kristen and Andrew Reichard of Lincoln Park well remember Easter Sunday in 2004 when they first spotted a picture in the Sunday Reading Eagle of a mastiff mix, which was up for adoption at the Animal Rescue League. After their first visit to the shelter, they fell in love with this adorable animal.

  The Reichards agree that “Deiter” is just a wonderful dog and has filled their home with joy. “When I was growing up, my family had shelter cats,” Kristen recalled. She said her father still visits the ARL shelter almost weekly.

  Tamara Reiff of Reinholds stopped by the Animal Rescue League several times over a period of three weeks in 2004 to walk a two-year-old female Alaskan malamute, who was always full of pep. “I couldn’t make up my mind about taking her,” Tamara admitted. But she finally decided to adopt the black and cream-colored dog late one week but was going away for that weekend. “I decided that if she was still at the shelter when I got home Monday, I knew she was meant to be mine.”

  Tamara named her “Kazan” and she now weights about 130 pounds and loves people, animals, and kids. “She’s just a huge but affectionate dog, who needed a bit of training when I first brought her home,” Tamara said. “Now she’s settled in well and is willing to do whatever I ask of her. She loves her long country walks.”

  Dennis Sweigart of Robeson Township adopted his German shepherd pal, “Buddy,” in 2004 even though “Buddy” had suffered from a broken left leg. “I had lost a German shepherd to cancer and I wasn’t sure I was ready for a new pet,” Sweigart said. He visited the shelter several times before he finally knew he wanted “Buddy” in his life. He said “Buddy” is a one-man dog and very protective of his master. “He’s a wonderful dog and good company for me.”

  For more adoption testimonials from ARL pet owners, please stop by the shelter. The bulletin boards lining our hallways are covered with photos of pets adopted from the ARL along with heart-warming notes and cards, as well as children’s crayon drawings of their adopted pets.