Doing Good with C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue

Since 1992, C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue (1328 W. Sunshine St., Springfield; 417-875-6565), a nonprofit, no-kill shelter, has been dedicated to saving the lives of thousands of animals in need. The organization typically works to save animals from euthanasia and animal control, but they also help animals in various circumstances such as neglect and abuse. “Seeing animals come in on day one can be a difficult thing to process because there are some animals that are so sick, so injured that you know that they are only surviving off their willpower,” says C.A.R.E.’s Communications Manager Rob Hardy.

When animals come into the shelter’s care, they receive the medical assistance they need and a comfortable environment to make them feel right at home. Instead of cages, C.A.R.E. provides rooms for their animals, so they can have more space to enjoy their areas. This way, they will be more relaxed and more themselves when possible adopters come to see them. The animals are more satisfied and so are their guests.

Fortunately, C.A.R.E. provides multiple ways people can help their animals. Making financial donations helps tremendously by providing the necessary funds for emergency situations, food and other needs. Volunteering is another good way to get involved. Volunteers get the opportunity to walk dogs, socialize cats, fold newspapers, help clean the adoption center and help with events. “People can come out to events and help us with our major events like Putt for Paws or our Hogs for Dogs motorcycle ride,” Hardy says. 

C.A.R.E. connects with the community through their newsletter that is sent out quarterly and by staying active on social media. They also have a wish list on their website, so the community can know what they need moving forward. A wide variety of supplies are listed such as food, treats, cat litter and some other more unexpected items including stamps and cleaning supplies. 

Many lives have been saved while C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue has been in operation, and Hardy says that has been possible through the generosity of the community. “We’re just very thankful that this community has been supporting us for the last 32 years, and we consider that a good start,” he says. When an animal first comes to them, the poor condition they are in is difficult to see, but Hardy says that watching them run and play after receiving the treatment they need is so fulfilling. “It’s imperative that we continue our services to the animals around here that are scheduled to be euthanized, by no fault of their own, and we can only do that through the support of this animal-loving community,” he says.

How to Help

C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue has many different ways you can help their furry friends on their website. You can make a donation, fill out an application to start the process of becoming a volunteer, take a look at their wish list and learn more about the events that they host. Supporting events like Putt for Paws and Hogs for Dogs can be a fun way to get involved. You can view their social media links at the bottom of the page, so you can see how C.A.R.E. is making a difference in the community and in animals’ lives. Images of their adoptable pets are available online, and adoption applications can be found here as well.