The inaugural year of operations for the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville has seen remarkable achievements, with over 2,000 animals finding loving homes since its establishment in March 2023.
Operated by the renowned Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national advocate for animal welfare, the center has been steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every pet has a place to call home. Lina DeBerry, the center’s senior marketing specialist, articulated the organization’s ambitious goal: “We are dedicated to halting the unnecessary euthanization of animals in shelters nationwide by the year 2025.”
DeBerry highlighted the distressing reality that many animals face euthanasia due to overcrowding in local shelters. The Best Friends Pet Resource Center has emerged as a beacon of hope, actively alleviating this burden on shelters by providing a pathway to adoption and fostering.
“Our approach involves rescuing animals from overcrowded shelters, placing them in nurturing foster environments, and facilitating their adoption into forever homes,” DeBerry explained.
Central to the center’s success is its meticulous selection process for animals entering its care. DeBerry underscored the role of a dedicated field team, which collaborates closely with shelter staff, familiarizes themselves with each animal’s unique characteristics, and ensures a seamless transition to the center.
Community engagement is pivotal to the center’s operations, with DeBerry emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere that encourages social interaction between animals and prospective adopters.
“Visitors are invited to engage with the animals, whether it’s taking a dog for a leisurely stroll, spending time with the cats, or indulging in play sessions with the kittens,” DeBerry remarked.
Recognizing the transformative impact of foster homes, the center actively advocates for this temporary arrangement, citing the numerous benefits it offers over traditional shelter environments.
“Animals thrive in foster care, where they can unwind, adapt to a domestic setting, and rediscover the joys of companionship,” DeBerry affirmed.
The Best Friends Pet Resource Center boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces for cats, enrichment centers, and expansive yards for dogs. While felines find sanctuary within the center, dogs are placed in loving foster homes, hastening their journey towards permanent adoption.
As the center celebrates its inaugural milestone, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide a lifeline for animals in need and promote a future where every pet finds a loving home.
