About us

Why we run a rescue without a kennel.

Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue is a place for new beginnings. We provide a safe haven for homeless pets while building a no-kill community in Rutherford County, North Carolina. We take in surrendered and abandoned dogs and cats, provide medical care and socialization, and match them with families in the western foothills.

We share a campus on US Highway 221 North in Rutherfordton with animal control services, which gives us direct access to pets at the moment of greatest risk. When the county calls, we answer.

Our approach is relationship-first. Volunteers get to know every animal in our care, and that knowledge shapes the adoption match. Our in-house Cats at Play Cafe gives adopters time with cats outside a kennel so the personality comes through.

A no-kill community is built one pet, one foster, and one adoption at a time. It is slow work. It is the only work worth doing.

Leadership and governance

We are governed by a five-member volunteer board that meets quarterly. Day-to-day operations are led by a small paid staff. Full bios and our annual Form 990 are available on request.

Financial transparency

Our most recent audit is available upon request at [email protected]. Over 91% of expenses fund direct animal care. Administrative costs run under 6%; fundraising under 3%.