Registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. All donations made are tax deductible!
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting. We are excited to show you, how with your help, we can improve the lives of many dogs around NC!
DONATE NOW
Donate one time or opt in for recurring donations! All donations are tax deductible and 100% goes to improving the lives of shelter dogs. We are completely volunteer run.
About Us
Our history
Founder Staci Ventura and her husband Eric Crespo began to develop the idea of Adoption First Animal Rescue in 2011 while working for a rescue in the San Diego, CA area. When Eric was stationed in North Carolina the two realized how much help the rural areas needed and decided to pursue the idea of Adoption First! The Rescue officially started on October 1, 2013 and received its 501c3 status as an official non profit organization in 2014. Since then the rescue has developed a great team of volunteers and established a board of directors who run the day to day operations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to work with donors, volunteers, county shelters, community businesses, and individuals to lower the euthanasia rate.
Need to contact us?
Review these questions before contacting us.
Q. I would like to adopt a dog. What is the process?
A. All of our available dogs are listed in our Facebook albums. The link to the Facebook Album is listed under "Want to Adopt" section of the website. "Current Available Album" will list all the dogs that are currently ready to find their new families. "Coming Soon Album" will list all the dogs that we are currently working on medically treating and preparing for adoption. Review the albums and if there is a dog you are interested in meeting you should fill out an adoption application. All the information we have about the dogs will be listed with the picture. Our dogs come from county animal shelters and we do not get very much information on the dogs. We do our best to be as detailed as possible. Once the application is submitted the adoption coordinator will be in touch within 72 hours.
Q. I found a stray dog. Can you take him/her?
A. All stray dogs must be reported the County Animal Shelter the dog was found in. This is a very important step because the dog's owner may be looking for the dog and that is the first place the owner will search. The county may not be able to come and pick up the dog right away. It will be much faster if you drive the dog to the county shelter directly. If it is after hours you can still report the dog to the County Animal Shelter. They do have a 24 hour dispatch. It is up to them when they will be able to come and pick up the dog. We are not able to hold the stray dog until Animal Control can pick the dog up.
Q. What are your hours of operation?
A. Normal business hours are Tuesday 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Thursdays 3:00pm-7:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm. There are some days we may not be open due to special circumstances. We try to post all special closings on our Facebook Page.
Q. Do you take cats?
A. We are not licensed to accept cats at this time. We do not know of any other rescue that will take cats at this time. The County Shelter is usually the only option.
Q. I am interested in Fostering. What do I need to do?
A. Fosters need to fill out the foster application. The application can be found on our home page under About Us-Forms. Once the foster application is filled out the foster coordinator will be in touch within 72 hours to discuss.
Q. I am interested in Volunteering. What do I need to do?
A. Volunteers need to fill out the volunteer application. The application can be found on our home page under About Us- Forms. Once the volunteer application is filled out the volunteer coordinator will be in touch within 72 hours.
Q. I need to surrender my dog. Do you have room for him/her?
A. Owner surrenders are a case by case basis. Most of the time we do not take in owner surrenders. We simply do not have the space. We always recommend you contact the county shelter first. If you would like to see if we can take in your dog you will need to email adoptions@adoptionfirstanimalrescue.com. Please allow 72 hours for a response.
Q. How can I make a donation?
A. Please contact us below to discuss donation options! The easiest way to donate is through our donate now buttons on the website. You can also send a donation using paypal to adoptionfirstanimalrescue@gmail.com. Checks can be mailed to our PO Box 1500 Richlands NC 28574.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.