DES MOINES, Iowa — The Animal Rescue League of Iowa announced on Monday that it’s acquired two low-cost veterinary clinics in Des Moines.

The two clinics are Afford-A-Care Pet Hospital in the 3000 block of SE 14th Street and the Low Cost Spay Clinic in the 1200 block of E 14th Street.

ARL CEO Tom Colvin said that over the last several years the cost of veterinary care has increased substantially, making it difficult, and in some cases impossible, for pet owners to afford basic care like vaccines for their pets, which could potentially lead to the surrendering of the pet. Colvin said the ARL hopes to keep pets with their owners by offering affordable vet care through these clinics.

“If we can keep pets in their homes that, you know, if somebody is having to surrender their pet because of lack of ability to pay for veterinary care, and we can help that situation out, everybody wins,” Colvin said. “The pet wins. The family wins. And, of course, the ARL wins because we’re not taking in an animal that has a home that loves them.”

The ARL said it was approached about potentially purchasing the two clinics earlier this year, and thanks to a donation from a private donor, the rescue was able to seal the deal.

Both clinics will now go by different names. The Afford-A-Care Pet Hospital will be named ARL Afford-A-Care Pet Clinic – South and the Low Cost Spay Clinic will be named ARL Afford-A-Care Pet Clinic – East.