animal rescue

What animal rescue does

Animal Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) no-kill animal sanctuary founded in 1976 by Grace Froelich in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, operating continuously for 50 years under a strict no-euthanasia policy. The organization runs a “Sanctuary for Life” providing permanent care for several hundred homeless dogs and cats, alongside adoption services, foster placement, low-cost feline spay/neuter procedures with trap-neuter-release for feral cats, crisis intervention for pet owners facing hardship, and a pet surrender intake program. It serves individual adopters, foster families, donors, community cat caregivers, and pet owners in crisis across the south-central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland region, with adoption boundaries defined by the Baltimore-Harrisburg-Gettysburg-Lancaster corridor.

The company’s revenue model is a hybrid of charitable donations and modest fee-for-service charges. Income is generated from one-time adoption fees ($110 for senior dogs, $250 for adult dogs, $375 for puppies, $120 for cats, with fee waivers for FIV/FeLV-positive and feral barn cats), recurring pet sponsorships at $15 per month, low-cost spay/neuter services ($30 base plus $6.50-$15 add-ons), merchandise sales via Bonfire, vehicle donations through Car Donation Wizard, in-kind donations, and a structured planned giving program covering bequests, retirement accounts, life insurance, and securities. Distribution is omnichannel: a four-location physical footprint (New Freedom PA HQ, Parkville MD cattery, plus PetSmart Luv-a-Pet adoption centers in Towson and Bel Air MD) combined with Network for Good donation pages, JotForm-powered applications, Adopt-a-Pet.com listings, and participation in CFC, SECA, and Maryland Charity Campaign workplace giving programs.

The technology stack is entirely third-party and non-differentiated: Network for Good, JotForm, Adopt-a-Pet.com, Constant Contact, appointment-plus.com, Bonfire, Sellfy, Wooftrax, and Glad Dogs Nation. No proprietary systems, APIs, or AI capabilities are disclosed. The organization employs 11-50 staff, is governed by a board of directors including founder Grace Froelich (President), Kit Wrede (VP), Phil Staelens (Treasurer), and Mary Votta (Secretary), and operates with a substantial volunteer and foster network that underpins its service delivery. Partnerships with BISSELL Pet Foundation, Grey Muzzle Organization, PetSmart Charities, and Fear Free Shelters provide operational and funding support.

Name

animal rescue

Legal name

Animal Rescue, Inc.

Website

https://animalrescueinc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Animal Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) no-kill animal sanctuary founded in 1976 in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, providing adoption, foster, spay/neuter, crisis intervention, and permanent sanctuary care for homeless dogs and cats across the PA-MD region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue and Welfare Services

NAICS

Temporary Shelters (624221), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Rescue, Transport & Emergency Animal Response (BPAGAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sanctuaries & Long-Term Care (Farm, Equine, Exotic) (BPAGAIAH), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD)

Keywords

• Animal rescue services
• Pet adoption services
• No-kill sanctuary
• Foster care program
• Low-cost spay neuter

Headquarters

HQ city

New Freedom

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Primary revenue stream from individual donors making one-time or recurring donations. Accepts donations through Network for Good platform, planned giving (bequests, retirement accounts, life insurance, securities), workplace giving campaigns (CFC, SECA), and memorial/special gifts.
2. Pet Adoption Fees: Fees charged for dog and cat adoptions ranging from $110-$375 depending on age and type. Includes spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, and other medical services.
3. Pet Sponsorship: Monthly sponsorship program for dogs and cats at $15 per month. Sponsors receive updates on their sponsored pet.
4. Spay/Neuter Services: Low-cost feline spay/neuter clinic offering procedures at $30 plus additional vaccinations and treatments. Revenue-generating but subsidized service.
5. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including shirts, hoodies, and rescue gear through Bonfire store. Also receives percentage from Glad Dogs Nation purchases with code 'ARI'.
6. In-Kind Donations: Receives donations of beds (Kuranda beds via Shelterbeds.org), vehicles (via Car Donation Wizard), food (Purina receipt redemption), and wishlist items (Amazon, Chewy).
7. Vehicle Donation Program: Car donation program where donors can give cars, trucks, or RVs which are tax-deductible and free to donate.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Animal Rescue, Inc. operates a no-kill Sanctuary for Life that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes homeless dogs and cats. The organization delivers adoption services, foster placement, low-cost feline spay/neuter procedures, crisis intervention for pet owners in hardship, and surrender intake, while sustaining operations through donations, sponsorships, adoption fees, and merchandise sales.

Product overview

Animal Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization founded in 1976 that operates a Sanctuary for Life for homeless dogs and cats. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio of services including: adoption services for dogs and cats with application processing and home visits; a Foster Care Program for temporary pet placement; low-cost Feline Spay/Neuter Clinics with trap-neuter-release (TNR) for feral cats; Crisis Intervention and Surrender services to help struggling pet owners; Donation & Sponsorship programs including monthly pet sponsorship via Sellfy and planned giving options; a Volunteer Program with diverse positions; The Mutt Strutt annual fundraising event; and Rescue Gear merchandise via Bonfire. The organization also runs a Seniors for Seniors adoption program. The Sanctuary serves as the permanent home for hundreds of animals who are not adopted, with a commitment that no animal will be euthanized due to being unwanted.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sanctuary for Life Permanent no-kill sanctuary providing lifelong care for homeless dogs and cats who are not adopted. No animal is euthanized due to being unwanted or due to inconvenience of care.
• Pet Adoption Services Dog and cat adoption services including online application processing via JotForm, phone interviews, home visits for dog adoptions, and meet-and-greets to match pets with adoptive families. Fees include spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping, and other medical services valued at approximately $370–$500.
• Foster Care Program Temporary foster placement program for dogs, cats, kittens, and special-needs animals. The rescue provides food and necessities while foster families provide care, socialization, and transportation. Includes hospice fostering for terminally ill animals.
• Feline Spay/Neuter Clinic Low-cost feline spay and neuter services at $30 base fee, with Rabies vaccine ($15, required by state law), Distemper vaccine ($10), flea treatment ($12), and worm treatment ($6.50). Includes trap-neuter-release (TNR) services for feral cats. Appointments scheduled through appointment-plus.com.
• Crisis Intervention Program Emergency assistance program helping elderly or infirm pet owners afford veterinary care during financial or health crises, with the goal of keeping the human-animal bond intact. Applications submitted via JotForm.
• Pet Surrender Services Pet surrender intake service for owners who can no longer care for their animals. The rescue takes in and rehomes pets while reducing owner-surrendered euthanasia risk through the no-kill policy.
• Donation and Sponsorship Program Multiple giving options including one-time and recurring donations via Network for Good, monthly pet sponsorship at $15/month via Sellfy, vehicle donation via Car Donation Wizard, bed donations via Shelterbeds.org, planned giving (bequests, retirement accounts, life insurance, securities), and memorial/tribute gifts.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer positions including dog walking, cat socializing, laundry, events and fundraising, transportation, adoption processing, home visits, clinic assistance, office support, and maintenance.
• Rescue Gear Merchandise Branded merchandise including shirts, hoodies, long sleeves, and pullovers sold through the Bonfire online store to support the Sanctuary for Life.
• Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program Special adoption program matching senior dogs (8+ years, $110 fee) with senior adopters, recognizing that older pets make better companions for people in their golden years.

Quantifiable outcome

• No animal is euthanized due to being unwanted, medical expense, or inconvenience of care
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Network for GoodcoreTechnology or IntegrationDonation processing platform partner enabling online donations, sponsorships, and tribute gifts. Provides secure payment processing for the organization's primary fundraising channel.
• BISSELL Pet FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor pet foundation supporting adoption events and transportation. Logo displayed indicating partnership in adoption initiatives.
• Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFederal employee workplace giving program. Organization is listed in CFC Universal Giving Charity Search for federal workers to designate donations.
• Pennsylvania State Employee Combined Appeal (SECA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerState employee workplace giving campaign. Organization is listed as participating charity in Pennsylvania SECA.
• Maryland Charity CampaigncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState government employee workplace giving campaign in Maryland.
• Fear Free ShelterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertification program graduate (2021) ensuring animals experience less stress, fear, and anxiety in shelter environments. Certified staff trained in Fear Free handling techniques.
• PetSmart CharitiescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership through PetSmart Luv-a-Pet adoption centers at Towson and Bel Air, MD locations. Cats adoptable year-round; dogs at events.
• Adopt-a-Pet.comcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPet adoption platform displaying organization adoptable pets, driving traffic to the rescue website and adoption applications.
• Glad Dogs NationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShopping partner where using code 'ARI' at checkout donates 20% of proceeds to the rescue. Offers pet toys, treats, and merchandise.
• WooftraxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWalking app that donates to Animal Rescue, Inc. when users track walks using the platform.
• Purina Pro ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReceipt redemption program where donors save Purina receipts and drop them at the rescue to redeem for food certificates.
• Shelterbeds.orgminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatform for donating Kuranda beds to the rescue. Donors can contribute toward animal bed needs.
• Car Donation WizardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVehicle donation partner allowing donors to turn cars, trucks, or RVs into tax-deductible donations.
• Friends of All AnimalsminorOthersLow-cost spay/neuter program referral partner for cats and dogs in Lebanon County and surrounding areas. Phone: 717-272-6466.
• York SPCAminorOthersReferral partner for low-cost spay/neuter program for owned cats and dogs or feral cats. Pit bulls spayed/neutered free.
• SNAP (Spay Neuter Assistance Program)minorOthersReferral partner offering low-cost spay/neuter through participating veterinarians with coupons and vet lists.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Humane Society of Washington County: Regional humane society in western Maryland offering adoption, surrender, and spay/neuter services. Directly comparable in regional scope, nonprofit structure, and adoption plus low-cost veterinary delivery.
• Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS): Open-admission shelter serving Baltimore City with adoption, veterinary, and community programs. Closest direct geographic peer with overlapping MD catchment area and full-service shelter/rescue scope similar to Animal Rescue, Inc.
• Maryland SPCA: Regional animal shelter serving Maryland with adoption, spay/neuter, and surrender services. Direct peer on regional geography (overlapping MD market), service mix, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit model.
• York County SPCA: Pennsylvania-based regional SPCA providing adoption and low-cost spay/neuter. Functional comparable and existing referral partner for spay/neuter overflow in ARI's PA service area.

Broad incumbents

• Best Friends Animal Society: National no-kill animal welfare organization operating sanctuaries and adoption programs. Comparable to Animal Rescue, Inc. on no-kill sanctuary operations and adoption-centered placement model, but at materially larger scale with a national rather than regional footprint.
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): National animal welfare organization with shelter, adoption, veterinary, and rescue operations. Overlaps with ARI's rescue/adoption/veterinary mission but operates at a far larger scale with national advocacy, fundraising, and grant-making activities.
• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): National animal welfare organization focused on advocacy, rescue, and shelter support. Comparable in mission space and donor base, though primarily advocacy-driven rather than operating direct-adoption shelters like ARI.

Others

• BISSELL Pet Foundation: Foundation sponsoring adoption events and animal transport. Adjacent grantor and event partner that funnels adoptable animals into rescue pipelines including ARI.
• PetSmart Charities: Foundation funding and channel partner for in-store PetSmart Luv-a-Pet adoption centers used by Animal Rescue, Inc. Ecosystem participant that enables ARI's adoption footprint rather than a direct rescue competitor.
• Maddie's Fund: National foundation funding no-kill shelter initiatives and community cat programs. Peer-relevant funder because ARI's no-kill sanctuary and TNR clinic align directly with Maddie's grant priorities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/animal-rescue-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about animal rescue