The Animal Refuge Center, Inc. (ARC) began as a hope for a better way other than euthanasia to deal with the problems of unwanted, healthy animals and advocate the prevention of cruelty to animals. Unfortunately, euthanasia was the solution in 1987 for most cats and dogs Lee County.

The beginning of something extraordinary…

• 1988

Pulling together a group of individuals with the same goals in mind of creating positive solutions to pet overpopulation, ARC was incorporated in March 1988. Starting on a small scale by vaccinating and worming pets prior to their being sterilized at the most inexpensive clinics available, ARC’s reputation as humane caregivers began to grow and member volunteers hosted educational booths and visited public schools with programs on responsible pet ownership.   Soon due to this reputation and ARC obtaining legal status within Lee County as animal advocates; unwanted puppies, dogs, kittens and cats began showing up on its doorsteps.   With few “foster homes” for placing the animals, the organization had to find another location for its “residents”.   Temporary foster homes were found until September 1991 when ARC moved to a kennel near Page Field Airport.

• 1991

ARC moves to a kennel near Page Field Airport.  A lease for two years was signed but when the owner of the airport vicinity property decided to reclaim the space, ARC lost its lease. By soliciting donations from a committed community and obtaining a mortgage, the Animal Refuge Center was able to purchase its current home situated on 22 acres in N. Ft. Myers.

• 1994

ARC holds its very first “Starlight Auction”; an event that would later become an annual, signature event for the shelter.

• 2002

ARC began an “animal behavior” program by bringing in a certified behaviorist to instruct staff and volunteers in the positive method of making all of our canine residents more adoptable and sociable.

• 2004

The “ARC Academy” was formed for ongoing training of our canines.  Additional training and exercise yards were constructed on an acre of property for canine social and behavioral training to enhance this program resulting in a dramatic increase in adoptions of our larger canines. A well-mannered and behaviorally sound dog is highly desirable to adopters and the ARC Academy was pivotal to successful adoptions of our resident canines.

ARC's dog training program

• 2008

In 2008 ARC added an indoor Training Center for dog behavioral training and basic obedience. A certified pet trainer was also added to its operation to facilitate identifying canine issues, assessing the needs of new intakes and charting treatment programs as needed for canines with behavioral issues.  ARC celebrated its 22th Anniversary, and is now placing approximately 500 dogs and cats per year into responsible, loving homes through direct and indirect adoptions. ARC’s on-going mission is the education of the community regarding the importance of spaying and neutering their animal companions, with the ultimate result being the elimination of euthanasia. We have an active humane education program in both the public and private schools of Lee County. ARC is dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals and to the prevention of euthanasia for abandoned dogs and cats.

Throughout the last twenty two years, the number of animals that are cared for at ARC has grown from 100 to over 500 and therefore the facilities in which to house these homeless pets have also grown. Presently there are 11 main buildings housing cats: the Gable Village, the Ekstrom Cottage, the Retreat, the Mary Williams Kitten Cottage, the Cat Adoption Center, The Casa Marie, The Casa Luis, the Dixie D, Aeries Place, Maises Place and Beesleys Hide Away.

Adopt a Shelter Animal: Save a Life

In addition we have 5 small cottages where cats are often placed for their introductory period. The Krieger Canine Village, McAllister Park and ARC Park are composed of 36 air-conditioned dog lodges for anywhere from one to two dogs to reside. A doggy door allows them to go in and out of their lodge at will into their own play yard that has an awning for shade and a child’s pool for wading.

As the largest sanctuary in Florida our philosophy avows that once an animal is accepted for adoption, it will not be destroyed to make room for another.

ARC's Mission

Learn more about ARC by following our Social Media:

On Facebook and Twitter as ARCinAction and the Animal Refuge Center

Be sure to check out our blog at:   www.ARCinAction.com