History

Established by Volunteers

Contracted to operate as Arlington County shelter

Accredited by Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

Assumed Arlington Animal Control responsibilities from Arlington County Police Department

Completed renovation and expansion of facility to reflect advancement of sheltering best practices

Built surgery suite in order to perform spay/neuter surgeries in-house

Hired first full-time veterinarian to oversee care of shelter pets

Recognized by HSUS as national leader in urban wildlife management

Established Kitten College

Eliminated the use of breed labels across the shelter in favor of temperament and personality

Established Community Animal Response Team (CART) to protect community animals in emergencies

Adopted record number pets (2,522) to loving families in a single year

Shifted to foster-focused sheltering model with nearly 75% of animals in foster homes

Created the Wildlife Resource Center to provide wildlife education, outreach, and emergency field response for wildlife in Arlington County.