ARL Afford-a-Care South
Des Moines, IA
At a glance
- Facility type
- Veterinary Practice
- Practice tier
- General
- Clinic type
- Standalone
- Operating status
- Operational
- Appointment model
- Appointment
- 24/7 care
- No
Species treated
Services
Amenities & accessibility
Overview
A full-service vet clinic providing pets with quality, affordable, compassionate care
Founded by Dr. C. H. Burnham in 1977, what is now known as ARL Afford-a-Care East was opened because he felt that 'a boy couldn’t afford a dog'. Since then, the clinics have evolved to provide affordable veterinary care across the Des Moines metro
Mission — Our clinic provides the best care for your pets through affordable prices, extended service hours, and experienced staff
Care capabilities
- End-of-life care
- In Clinic
Technology & equipment
Services in detail
Show all 16 servicesShow fewer
Appointments & hours
Sunday: Closed; Monday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.; Closed 12-1 p.m. daily
Connect
Frequently asked
Is ARL Afford-a-Care South accepting new patients?+
Yes — ARL Afford-a-Care South is currently accepting new patients.
Does ARL Afford-a-Care South treat exotic pets?+
Yes — ARL Afford-a-Care South offers care for exotic pets in addition to small animals.
What services does ARL Afford-a-Care South offer?+
ARL Afford-a-Care South offers Wellness, Vaccination, Spay Neuter, Dentistry.
When was ARL Afford-a-Care South established?+
ARL Afford-a-Care South has served the Des Moines, IA community since 1977.
What reviewers say
Afford-a-Care South provides budget-friendly veterinary services with a compassionate and welcoming staff that handles anxious pets with patience. The facility is generally clean, and the team offers clear explanations and fair pricing for wellness care, vaccines, and routine treatments. However, communication challenges are frequent, as phone calls are often difficult to get through and wait times can be lengthy both in the lobby and exam rooms. Securing appointments or walk-in availability can also present hurdles during busy periods.
Frequently praised for
Aggregated from reviewer feedback across multiple sources.
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Data as of July 2026. VetPulse aggregates public-record and licensing data; it does not represent the practice directly.