C.A.R.E.'s Exciting Future!
By now, you’ve probably heard about our HUUUUUUUUGE plans for the future. If not, where in the world have you been!
Springfield Needs Help!
OK, not just Springfield…but the numbers are certainly staggering. MILLIONS of animals (around 6.5 million) enter animal shelters in the United States every year, and more than a million do not make it out alive. In 2017, more than 1,376 animals were euthanized in Greene County alone. This is completely unacceptable.
C.A.R.E.’s History
Since the early 90's, C.A.R.E has dedicated itself to the prevention of cruelty to animals. From our humble grassroots beginnings, we have grown into southwest Missouri's largest no-kill shelter. Through the generosity and donations of our wonderful supporters, C.A.R.E. has saved more than 23,000 animals. That number would certainly be higher if we counted the animals C.A.R.E. Founder, Melissa Sartin rescued prior to setting up the 501(c)3, but for the sake of rescue records, we start the count on C.A.R.E.’s birthday, February 14, 1992.
C.A.R.E.’s Future
This part is truly exciting! C.A.R.E. has recognized the problem and has come up with a solution that will ultimately decrease the euthanasia rate in southwest Missouri. C.A.R.E. has purchased a building on west Battlefield that will become a one-stop shop for pet owners in the Springfield and surrounding communities. Once the project is adequately funded, we will begin work on the C.A.R.E. Pet Services Center in southwest Springfield.
The innovative Pet Services Center will provide a full-service veterinary clinic, grooming, pet training, community education, food pantry assistance, emergency services, and other pet retention services to low-income families and seniors. The goal of the Center is to reduce owner surrenders, while decreasing the number of animals abandoned in shelters and keeping them in loving homes.
This will be a huge undertaking, but C.A.R.E. is up to the challenge! We even have a pledge to MATCH ALL FUNDS UP TO $500,000. That's right! All funds raised will be matched, making twice the impact on southwest Missouri’s pets and pet parents!
How Can I Help?
1. Donations – If there is a note specifying they are for the C.A.R.E. Pet Services Center, they will be doubled, and separated accordingly.
2. Events – Many upcoming events, including the Red CAREpet Gala, will be held specifically for the C.A.R.E. Pet Services Center.
3. Volunteer – We fully understand that everyone has a different financial situation, and if you are more comfortable donating your time, we would love to add you to our wonderful group of volunteers.
We cannot wait to be able to save even more animals than ever before, while serving the Springfield community in a new and exciting way!