After nearly four decades of serving the community, Mitchell County Animal Rescue has reached a critical crossroad regarding its facility.
Mitchell County Animal Rescue was recently approached by Avery County officials about a potential partnership between MCAR, Avery County and Mitchell County via a new two-county animal shelter.
Despite online rumors, the partnership is only in the discussion phase and no definite plans have been made. No contracts have been signed.
There are no plans for MCAR to operate two animal sheltering facilities. MCAR is open to exploring any ideas that will allow it to help as many animals and their families as possible.
MCAR averages more than 1,000 animals in its care every year. Its reach and scope of service have expanded and its aging facility is struggling to keep pace.
The staff, volunteers and board of directors have risen to the complicated and increasing needs of the community and the homeless pets it brings through the doors.
The MCAR passion for animal welfare and concerns for community safety and wellbeing led the organization to determine that it needs an updated facility to maintain industry standards of care.
MCAR began the early stages of planning for a new facility in July 2022 and laid the groundwork for a capital campaign in early 2023. There were conversations with county administrators, the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission, Mayland Community College, the state inspector, law enforcement, fundraising consultants and other shelters to seek advice and support.
Plans are in the early stages and MCAR is still exploring options.
The MCAR mission is to rescue, protect, and care for abandoned and unwanted animals, to promote the importance of spay/neuter in reducing the population of stray animals, to place animals in loving homes and to educate the community in the humane treatment of animals.
MCAR is a not-for-profit 501-C-3 humane organization licensed through the NC Department of Agriculture and NC Department of Health and Human Services and contracted by Mitchell County to operate the animal shelter. It receives approximately 25% of its operating budget from the county and could not exist without funding from grants, individual donations and fundraising events.
MCAR is licensed by the NC Secretary of State to solicit donations. There were 1,214 animals in MCAR care in 2022. In partnership with local veterinarians, in 2022, MCAR provided two low-cost vaccination clinics that served 353 animals and 507 free spay/neuter procedures for pets in Mitchell County.
MCAR facilitated 488 adoptions, 268 transfers to other rescues and returned 138 lost pets home to their families. It also has a pet food bank which is used daily by those who need temporary help in feeding their animals. In partnership with local law enforcement, MCAR has been able to rescue hundreds of animals from hoarding, neglect and abuse cases. MCAR accepts animals of all species, breeds, ages and conditions. MCAR does not euthanize healthy and adoptable animals and doesn’t euthanize for space.
MCAR invites the public to join in the journey by supporting the new facility and sharing ideas. Community support, the organization says, is critical at this juncture. To learn more about how you can help, email director@mitchellcountyanimalrescue.org or call 765-6952.