Vital Programs
Foothills Animal Rescue operates seven vital programs that work together to fulfill our mission—rescuing, healing, and rehoming animals while supporting our community every step of the way.
Intake & Transfer
Foothills Animal Rescue operates as a managed-intake shelter, which allows us to carefully control the flow of animals entering and leaving our care. This ensures that every pet we welcome has the space, resources and support needed to succeed.
Serving Pets and Families in Our Community
Our primary mission is to serve the community. With challenges such as rising costs of living and other hardships, we have seen a significant increase in families needing to surrender their pets. Many of these cases involve elderly pet owners who can no longer provide the care their animals need. In addition to local surrenders, we partner with shelters across Arizona, transferring animals from overburdened city facilities into our rescue where they can receive individualized care and the opportunity to be adopted.
By focusing on both local needs and regional collaboration, Foothills Animal Rescue plays a vital role in reducing shelter overcrowding while ensuring pets throughout the Valley—and beyond—have the chance at a brighter future.
Medical Program
At Foothills Animal Rescue, the health and wellbeing of every dog and cat in our care is our highest priority. Each animal receives comprehensive medical support to ensure they are healthy, comfortable and ready to live a full life in their forever home. From the moment an animal enters our rescue, they are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated and evaluated by our veterinary partners.
Veterinary Partnerships and Specialized Care
While we do not have an on-site medical unit, we proudly work with a trusted network of veterinary professionals to provide everything from routine checkups to specialized procedures. Common treatments include dental cleanings, amputations and other surgeries that give animals the second chance they deserve. Each year, approximately 250 animals in our care require additional medical attention, all of which is fully funded by the rescue.
By providing this level of commitment, we remove barriers to adoption and ensure every animal leaves our rescue healthy, thriving and ready to become a beloved family member.
Enrichment Program
Our Enrichment Program is designed to support not only the physical health of our animals, but their mental and emotional wellbeing as well. Rescue life can be stressful, and enrichment helps reduce anxiety, build confidence and prepare animals for life in a home environment.
Daily Activities That Build Confidence
Dogs and cats at Foothills Animal Rescue benefit from daily engagement and interactive activities tailored to their needs. This includes puzzle feeders, scent games and structured play sessions that keep them active and engaged. Every dog receives outdoor time at least three times a day, and our volunteers regularly work one-on-one with animals to address specific behavior challenges. For example, dogs fearful of wheels are gently exposed to bicycles during walks, while cats uncomfortable with brushing are introduced to grooming slowly and positively.
Through consistent enrichment, we create happier, more confident animals who are better prepared for adoption—and more likely to thrive once they find their forever homes.
Foster Program
The foster program is one of the most impactful programs that helps expand our shelter’s capacity.
Volunteers open their homes temporarily to help care for pets that need additional attention, time to grow or simply just need a break from the shelter.
On average, animals stay in foster care for about 2 weeks until we have space at our adoption center or partner Petco store to help them find their forever homes.
Adoption Program
Foothills Animal Rescue practices an open adoption process, We aim for the adoption process to be welcoming, encouraging and transparent.
Open Adoptions are conversation and education based.
Staff and volunteers aim to ensure that adopters are well informed about the animals and help provide education and resources for a successful transition for both adopters and the adopted animal.
Community Engagement Program
At Foothills Animal Rescue, we believe that building a compassionate community is just as important as the work we do inside our shelter. Each year, we participate in more than 50 community events across the Valley, including adoption fairs, educational gatherings and pet-friendly festivals. These events not only connect animals with their future families but also raise awareness about the importance of rescue and responsible pet ownership.
Education and Outreach in Action
Education is at the heart of our outreach efforts. We regularly host shelter tours for youth groups and community organizations, offering an inside look at the rescue process and sharing ways people can get involved. By opening our doors, we inspire compassion and show firsthand how every act of kindness makes a difference.
Partnerships That Help People and Pets
One of our most meaningful partnerships is with Lone Mountain Memory Care in Carefree, AZ, where residents help foster kittens during the busy kitten season. This unique collaboration benefits both people and pets—our kittens receive vital socialization, and residents experience the joy, comfort and companionship that animals naturally bring.
Through outreach and partnerships, Foothills Animal Rescue strengthens the bond between people and animals, creating a ripple effect of care and compassion throughout the community.