Ben Madilynn
(Little Rock, KATV) — The Little Rock Animal Village, also known as the Friends of Animal Village, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new and improved facility.
The organization and city leaders welcomed the community in to see the new benefits the animals they care for will receive.
“We want to be a place that you visit when you’re choosing to get your new furry friend,” Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said.
The Little Rock Animal Village was started back in 2010, and 14 years later has made much needed improvements following an influx of stray animals in the last few years, most notably after the pandemic.
“We wanted to maker certain that we continue to take great care of our animals here in the city of little rock by expanding this facility,” Scott said.
The over 1,600 square foot expansion includes a dedicated volunteer space, a photo studio, a dog washing station and more.
“In addition to all of the new things, they also replaced every kennel in the whole building. That’s hundreds of kennels. It was a big project. Big labor of love,”Friends of the Animal Village, Volunteer, Betsy Robb said.
As they do many times a year, they waived all adoption fees in honor of their new chapter of providing numerous perks for free.
“Every animal adopted from this shelter is sterilized, vaccinated and microchipped,” Robb said.
The village expressed their excitement to continue their work for the citizens and animals of Little Rock.
“This is an incredible addition to the Little Rock Animal Village. It’s going to give staff and volunteers alike a lot more room to work and you know… More flexibility in being able to for the thousands of animals that they do a year,” Robb said.
They shared just a few of the multitude of ways that anyone can get involved.
“You don’t have to adopt to help save lives here at the little rock animal village. You can donate either by purchasing an item from our amazon Wishlist, our chewy wishlist or donate money to help provide heart worm treatment for the animals that are adopted from here for example, you can donate your time as a volunteer. We have volunteer training every month. Second Saturday of every month. 11 o’clock just show up. Or you can foster where you’re basically dog sitting or kitten sitting for a couple of weeks until they go to their new home,” Robb said.
For more information on the Little Rock Animal Village click here.
