Bella Vista City Guide

e Bella Vista Animal Shelters' mission is to rescue and rehabilitate the homeless animals throughout the City of Bella Vista. "We provide love, food, shelter and medical care for animals in need until they can be returned or adopted into a loving home," said Executive Director Nancy Cullins. "We advocate for animals who have been le to search for food and fend themselves." Between 400 to 500 animals are helped by the animal shelter every year. Most of the animals are dogs. Bella Vista Animal Shelter boasts a 40% return to owner rate and 60% adoption and they average 94% placement. "As Executive Director, I am responsible for enacting the direction of the Board of Directors at the shelter, fundraising, finances, legal compliance, marketing, and the general well being of the shelter," Nancy continued. "With the goal for 2023 to build a new "catuary" building with an education/visitor center." We have noticed an increase in the outdoor cat population, so we have recently added a Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) program to the shelter. We will gather community cats in Bella Vista and have them spayed or neutered then returned to their home location." e scope of the shelter's services includes reuniting lost pets with their families, microchipping animals, caring for shelter animals with vaccinations, veterinary care, food and shelter until adoptions are finalized. ey also work at building community awareness with fundraisers and animal friendly activities as well as educating the public on animal safety. "Our staff cares about the animals over and above all else," Nancy said. "We are the only no-kill shelter serving the Bella Vista Community. We have a few long-term residents who have a devoted following and support system that we call Guardian Angels." Nancy served on the Animal Shelter's board before she was asked to take on the executive director role and continue to advocate for the mission. "I've been a cat parent my entire life," she said. "I asked for a "cat" targeted fundraiser to celebrate these tiny miracles. It soon became my job!" One of the unique challenges of the shelter is the number of families that need to rehome their pets. Changes in family, moving, inflation, and life circumstances have got pet owners down and shelters full. Nancy is hoping to see more rental properties allowing pets with no breed restrictions going forward. Another issue is the increased population in Bella Vista that has dramatically increased the number of stray animals. Nancy says that one thing pet owners can do to help is microchipping their pet and restraining them when outside the home. What Nancy loves most about her job is getting the pets back with their owners. "Hands down, the best part of my job is seeing a reunion of animals with their people," she said. "I love asking people about their pets and hearing all the great stories of love and fun. Who rescued who? I have so much to be grateful for, this job, the amazing staff and board that I get to interact with, the outpouring of community support and volunteers championing our cause, and of course the cutest and silliest animals coming through my office at any given time." SPONSOR CONTENT Bella Vista Animal Shelter, advocating for animals, lost and found Photo courtesy Bella Vista Animal Shelter 26 | 2023 Bella Vista City Guide "Providing love & care for homeless animals that need adoption into good homes." A 501 (C)3 Tax Exempt, Not-for-Profit Corporation. www.bellavista-animalshelter.org Come Visit Us! 32 Bella Vista Way Bella Vista, AR 72715 479-855-6020 HoUrs: Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM Closed on Mondays

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