Shelter Animal Resource Alliance (S.A.R.A.)

Founded in January 2001, the Shelter Animal Resource Alliance (S.A.R.A.) is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization based in the Eugene/Springfield area of western Oregon that is dedicated to removing animals from shelters where they might otherwise face euthanasia. While in our care, we provide these cats and dogs with a comfortable environment to live in, all necessary medical care, high-quality food and treats, and plenty of love and attention until we are able to find them their forever homes. Our main fundraiser for this life-saving work is our thrift store, S.A.R.A.'s Treasures, where we sell new and gently-used donated items, with all of the proceeds benefiting the rescued cats and dogs in our programs. You’ll find collectibles, jewelry, knick knacks, clothing, books, and so much more….but the real “treasures” are the cats and kittens you’ll find living in the store. It’s the perfect place for prospective adopters to meet and spend time with kitties who are ready for their forever homes. Along with our thrift store items, at S.A.R.A.’s Treasures we also sell a variety of top quality retail cat and dog food and supplies including Wildside Salmon treats, Hot Cat and GoCat toys, Wyoming Sunmade Litter, and Drinkwell pet fountains.

The mission of Shelter Animal Resource Alliance (S.A.R.A.) is to rescue, assist and advocate for lost and homeless companion animals. S.A.R.A. develops programs and provides funds for programs which are designed to increase the number of rescued animals adopted into loving, responsible homes, and to decrease the number of shelter animals euthanized. S.A.R.A.’s primary focus will be animal shelters and rescue organizations located in the Lane County area, but may, when funds permit, include assisting shelters and rescues located in neighboring counties. In order to accomplish this mission, S.A.R.A. has focused on the following activities: A) Rescuing cats and dogs from animal shelters and rescue organizations who otherwise may be killed or have been denied intake: 1) All rescued animals are medically evaluated and tested for common communicable diseases. 2) They are evaluated for inclusion in S.A.R.A.’s adoption programs, or for transfer to one of the adoption programs offered by regional humane societies or other rescue organizations. 3) Animals are given any needed medical care, vaccinations, and behavioral training. All animals will be spayed or neutered and microchipped before being placed up for adoption. 4) Adoptable animals are publicized through a variety of media: Petfinder.com, S.A.R.A.’s website (sarastreasures.org), social media, newspaper ads, posters, press releases, etc. 5) Potential adopters are carefully screened for ability to provide a loving, responsible, lifetime home, and home checks are completed when appropriate. 6) Animals adopted from S.A.R.A.’s adoption programs are offered a lifetime return policy. S.A.R.A. encourages pet retention whenever possible, but will always take back an animal when all other alternatives are exhausted. B) Assisting and Advocating for Shelter Animals 1) Educating the community regarding the advantages of adopting shelter animals. 2) Providing referrals to the adoption programs of local animal shelters and rescues. 3) Educating the community about the benefits of the No-Kill philosophy and shelter transparency. C) Advocating for Animals in the Community 1) Staff & volunteers at S.A.R.A.’s Treasures educate community members about the advantages of spaying or neutering their companion animals. 2) Supporting and providing funds and/or supplies for local spay/neuter organizations that assist low income animal guardians/feral cat caregivers to spay or neuter their cats and dogs, resulting in a safer community for all, with fewer animals being killed. 3) S.A.R.A. also educates the community regarding the advantages of keeping their companion animals indoors, and of providing multiple forms of identification for their cats and dogs (i.e. microchipping, I.D. tags, and dog licensing). 4) Recruiting volunteers and coordinating cat/dog foster parents to assist with S.A.R.A.’s mission. 5) Hosting and/or participating in events which will raise funds for, and will promote the above programs. 6) Helping members of the community find alternatives to relinquishing their companion animals to animal shelters or rescue organizations. 7) Promoting and providing information about optimal nutrition and care of companion cats and dogs to the community. Creating awareness and educating the public about the techniques and benefits of feeding a species appropriate diet. D) Addressing the feral cat population through education, implementation of the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method, and active management of feral colonies. E) Collaborating with animal shelters and rescue organizations that share S.A.R.A.’s mission to identify strategies that will result in higher adoption rates and lower euthanasia rates of shelter animals. F) Any other related activities which will promote S.A.R.A.’s mission.