Animals at Risk Care Sanctuary

Animals at Risk Care Sanctuary (AARC Sanctuary) is committed to providing lifetime care for domestic animals in a homelike setting. This non-profit organization allows people to set up a lifetime trust for their pets. This ‘pet retirement through estate planning’ concept gives people the added assurance someone will care for their pets upon the death of their human companion.

AARC Sanctuary is unique in that it provides a lifetime refuge for domestic pets. Animals left in the care of AARC Sanctuary are not available for adoption. They are lovingly cared for during the remainder of their lives while residing at our pet retirement home, along with their live-in pet nanny/caregiver. They receive quality care and comfort while living in a safe, permanent, homelike atmosphere, WITHOUT caging.

We began our journey in September 1992. In 1994 we rescued Fred, a Great Dane mix who was abandoned at a local business at the age of 15-1/2 years. In September 1995 we acquired our first home in Stanislaus County and started The Fred Fund to care for those elderly and disabled pets abandoned by their former guardians. In 1996 we started Rainbow Rescue to assist those pets found in emergency situations, such as the German Shepherd pup found chained to a tree in an orchard or the blind kitten, just a few weeks old, found wandering in a parking lot. In early 1997 we rescued over 50 dogs, puppies, cats, and bunnies left homeless by the January ‘97 floods in Stanislaus/Merced Counties. Lacking a rescue shelter, we set up temporary shelters in various parts of the County while we cared for these pets. We ultimately found new homes for all but two of our ‘flood kids,’ who still reside with us.

In October of 1997, we once again faced tragedy with the death of our dear Fred, who lost his battle with cancer just shy of his 19th birthday. The Fred Memorial Fund continues to provide lifetime care for abandoned elderly and disabled pets.

In January 2000, we introduced our 5-year plan to end euthanasia as a method of controlling pet overpopulation. This idea is gaining strength throughout the United States and is already being implemented here in Northern California. Phase One of our project addressed the issue of homeless, abandoned and feral cats with the creation of our cat division. Over 400 cats were assisted in the first year. To further our efforts to care for as many pets as possible, we acquired a 40-ac parcel of land in May 2001, enabling us to proceed with the next Phase of our ‘Spay-Neuter/No More Homeless Pets’ project. Our furry residents love their new home!

Animals at Risk Care Sanctuary is staffed entirely by volunteers–no one receives any monetary compensation. We are supported entirely by contributions and bequests. We are not affiliated with any animal rights group or privately owned animal organization.

“As an individual who is concerned with animal welfare, you can help us realize our dream of putting a rainbow in the future of many special animals at risk.”

Animals at Risk Care Sanctuary, Inc., is a non-profit corporation, organized and operated under the laws of the State of California, Secretary of State, Corporate Division; File No. 1861721. All donations are tax-deductible, I.R.S. #77-0359462.

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