In the quiet neighbourhood of Sandy Hill, the Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation (AARF) is a lifeline for animals in need.
The small non-profit runs the island’s only animal shelter where it is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and homing stray, abandoned and unwanted cats and dogs.
Every year, AARF helps hundreds of animals in Anguilla find safety, medical care and loving homes. To date it has contributed to about 3,500 adoptions.
Some find homes locally, while others begin a new life abroad, travelling to the US and beyond through partnerships with rescue groups such as Fly To Freedom Dog Rescue.
Making it all possible is a dedicated team of dedicated volunteers, working tirelessly to give every animal that comes through AARF’s doors a second chance at life.
Daily life at the shelter
At the heart of AARF is its small but busy shelter inside Morlens Veterinary Clinic on Long Path Road in Sandy Hill.
Since 2008, staff and volunteers have cared for dogs and cats of all ages – providing food, veterinary treatment and socialisation until they are ready for adoption.
The animals stay in a safe, clean environment and receive personal attention, helping them to recover and thrive.
There is a dedicated puppy play pen where young dogs can safely socialise, play and build confidence under the watchful eyes of caring volunteers.
Meanwhile, the kittens at the shelter get the opportunity to spend time in a spacious, secure enclosure filled with toys and soft bedding to encourage socialisation and healthy development.
Surrendered animals
When someone finds themselves unable to care for their pet, or they come across abandoned or stray-born animals, they can fill in a form to surrender them safely at Morlens Veterinary Clinic.
Once at the clinic, each dog or cat undergoes a minimum three-day observation period, where veterinarians carefully assess their health and behaviour.
Those deemed suitable for adoption are then bathed, dewormed and vaccinated before being transferred to the AARF shelter.
At the shelter, a dedicated team of volunteers commits to finding loving forever homes.
However, with limited space and resources, the shelter faces difficult decisions and may need to euthanise animals that are not adoptable or remain unclaimed beyond a certain period.
Supporting the community
To combat the large number of stray-born animals arriving at the shelter and to reduce euthanasia rates, AARF works proactively to improve animal welfare across Anguilla.
The foundation promotes spay and neuter campaigns to help control the stray animal population and prevent unwanted litters.
Since launching its spay and neuter programme in 2003 it has sponsored thousands of surgeries.
Educational outreach is another core part of its work, especially in schools. By teaching children how to care for animals, AARF helps build a culture of compassion and responsibility.
These efforts make a long-term difference for both animals and people on the island.
A vision for the future
Johanna Pasila, co-chair of the AARF shelter committee, told Anguilla Focus that she wishes for a day when AARF is no longer needed in Anguilla.
“And since we are a small island where no dogs nor cats can cross the borders on their own, I think this could actually be achieved,” she said.
“But it requires more than a group of volunteers working for animal welfare – it requires pet owners and the community to be responsible.”
She added that in the meantime, she wants everyone in Anguilla to know that there is an animal shelter where healthy cats and dogs can be adopted and where spay and neuter surgeries can be performed.
“The door is always open for unwanted cats and dogs so they don’t end up in the bush where they are a hazard to themselves and others,” Pasila said.
How you can help
As a non-profit, AARF relies heavily on donations, funds raised through merchandise sales and events, and the generosity of the community at its thrift store Second Chances in The Valley.
Volunteers can also help walk dogs, care for animals, foster puppies and kittens, or assist with fundraising and adoption events.
Businesses and individuals can support by donating food and supplies, organising campaigns and fundraising events, or simply by sharing AARF’s work online.
Even a small contribution can go a long way in helping the foundation continue its lifesaving mission.
Anyone interested in further information or adopting an animal for just US$30 can visit the comprehensive website aarf.ai or call (264) 497-4600 to schedule a visit at the shelter.
