HOPE's History
In 2006, HOPE was born. Working out of Benarda Veterinary Hospital, we began taking in and adopting out cats and dogs from our local Animal Control facility.
In 2007, we moved into a space of our own. At this point, we were Tucson’s ONLY no-kill shelter for dogs and cats.
We soon realized that the greatest need was for animals that were ill, had behavior issues, were old, or had no other place to go. We knew that kittens and puppies would always be able to find homes, but “special needs” animals were often left behind. So this became a large part of our mission.
- In 2016, again because of your generosity, we were able to purchase our current property. This larger facility allowed us to save more lives. The cats and dogs at HOPE live in a cage-free environment with safe indoor-outdoor access.
- After a few years of taking in the neediest animals, we started a foster program in July of 2019. To date. we have adopted 200 dogs into loving homes. What a gift!
- Also around this time we realized that many of the animals in our care might spend their entire lives with us, whether for medical or behavioral issues, so we applied for and were granted accreditation from the American Sanctuary Association.
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In June of this year, we started our Precious Time Dogs program. This is a community effort to save lives. HOPE gets a list of dogs from a small county facility on the Mexico border. We then network with other rescue groups to find placement. Since June 2020 we have pulled 44 dogs. 38 have gone on to other rescues in Arizona and New Mexico. Every dog we pull is tested and, if necessary, treated for heartworm and/or tick fever. This is just one more step in ensuring their forever home is forever. We do this for the animal, for the adopter, and for our peace of mind.
- We can’t forget to mention HOPE’s cats. There are 76 cats at the shelter. They get to enjoy the catio, and to be the magical critters that they are.
Wishing you all a Happy Holiday and a Happy and Healthy New Year. As always, we are grateful for your generosity and for your spirit of HOPE.
