Founded in 2008, Last Chance Animal Rescue is a volunteer based nonprofit and our focus is to rescue animals located in "KILL" facilities trapped on death row in rural shelters still using inhumane methods of killing such as gas chambers or heart stick.

Founded in 2008, by Whitney Knowlton, Last Chance Animal Rescue is a volunteer based nonprofit and our focus is to rescue animals located in "KILL" facilities trapped on death row in rural shelters still using inhumane methods of killing such as gas chambers or heart stick. Millions of pets are unnecessarily euthanized each year in the United States. LCAR is working to change the way shelter treat these precious animals so that this senseless loss can one day end.

A majority of these animals are highly adoptable and die each day because of legislation deficits, lack of resources and limited chance of local adoption. We rescue regardless of age, breed or general health, and simply try to save as many as we can from death. We underwrite the cost of relocating them to "NO KILL" facilities and foster homes in hopes of finding them the forever family that they deserve. We network with other rescue organizations to transfer animals from our shelter partners into their adoption programs increasing the lives saved while expanding the potential for adoption. It is our mission to educate shelters on reform and to assist them on becoming “NO KILL” regardless of current legislation. Over the past Six years LCAR has rescued thousands of animals and is growing everyday thanks to the support of our volunteers, fosters, adopters, donors and sponsors.

Last Chance Animal Rescue’s mission is to save the lives of loving deserving animals, and create long-term relationships between people and animals.


Things you should know:

THE PROBLEM: In poor rural areas, spaying & neutering animals is not a priority. Under‐funded by local jurisdictions, KILL shelters are cruel depositories for healthy animals who are exposed to disease, unsanitary conditions and outside elements before their brutal and untimely demise. Many shelters are still using gas chambers for this purpose, pumping Carbon Monoxide into a chamber killing groups of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. It takes approximately 25 minutes for an animal to suffocate to death…provided the chamber is maintained properly.

WHAT WE DO: Our volunteers work with rural shelters to rescue as many animals as possible. The decision on who gets to live and who is left behind to die is based on two factors: available funds and available foster homes! The animals we help to make it out alive are then sequestered in our quarantine facility, where their journey begins. Once the rigorous vetting process of vaccinating, worming, and altering is completed, we transport them to the Northeast for adoption. Upon arrival, animals are placed into foster homes and given as much exposure as possible at weekly adoption events and online to help find them a furever home! The demand for these animals is very high and adoptions generally happen very quickly!

Our Programs:

ADOPTION PROGRAM: Our award winning Adoption Program is designed to find each rescued animal a loving furever home. In addition to our online pet listings, we hold multiple adoption events weekly in local pet supply stores, and at festivals which creates opportunities for animals to meet potential adopters. Our volunteers familiarize themselves with the animals so they can assist potential adopters. We ensure that each person who considers adopting a pet is aware of the commitment involved, and that they can provide for the animal’s needs and well‐being long term. A loving relationship with a companion animal promotes health and well‐being, and brings joy to everyday life. For more information contact adoptions@LCARescue.org

MIDDLE MUTTS: Our Middle Mutts Program works as a middle man between our Shelters Partners and our Rescue Partners across the nation. These volunteers assist shelters by networking their animals through social media and email marketing bringing much needed exposure to the animals that are at risk. By fundraising for death row animals we increase their rescue opportunities by assisting our Rescue Partners to defray the costs of vetting and transport. Visit www.facebook.com/middlemutts for more information.

SHELTER EDUCATION PROGRAM: Working one on one with our Shelter Partners, we focus on how to apply the No Kill Philosophy to end the senseless killing of healthy adoptable animals. We offer shelters the resources, education and tools to develop a life‐saving network, increase adoptions, develop fundraising initiatives and engage the community in creating lasting change.

NO KILL REFORM PROGRAM: This program supports legislation to improve the performance and life‐saving efforts of animal shelters. Each year new legislation and changes to existing laws are proposed. Whether state level or national it is critical that we remain informed and take action to support those that we feel safeguard the welfare of the animals we are working so hard to save. LCAR is a big supporter of The Companion Animal Protection Act (CARA) which will save lives, save taxpayer money, and is consistent with public health and safety, while improving public satisfaction with the job government is doing. A No Kill Nation is within our reach “If every animal shelter in the United States embraced the No Kill philosophy and the programs & services that make it possible we would save nearly 4 million dogs & cats who are scheduled to die this year and the year after. It is not an impossible dream” For more information about this legislation and the NO KILL movement visit www.nokilladvocacycenter.org

OPERATION FIX: This program is designed to educate and engage the public, change perceptions about pet homelessness and increase pet spay & neuter. Working with the communities that surround these kill shelters to lower the homeless pet populations to relieve pressure on ourselves and the shelters we support.

RESCUE RANGERS: This program is designed to recognize our junior volunteers for their time and commitment to supporting our life saving mission. We are fortunate to have many children who enjoy volunteering with their families as a shared activity. Our rescue relies on team work and we are inspired by children who are willing to generously sacrifice their time and energy. The Rescue Ranger Award is earned when a junior has volunteered for at least five events. Once achieved, through special projects like fundraising, children can go on to win additional awards and recognition.

Here is how you can help:

CONSIDER ADOPTION: If you are looking for a new addition to your family, please consider adoption! Please visit www.lcarescue.org for available animals, and if you do not find the right one, visit www.petfinder.com to view the animals available from other rescue groups in your area. Please do not breed or buy from a store while our shelter pets die! For more information email adoptions@LCARescue.org

FOSTER AN ANIMAL: If you are not in the market to adopt, try fostering an animal transitioning to their forever home. Fostering a dog or cat is invaluable to helping the animal and our mission. Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have!

VOLUNTEER: If you can’t donate time through fostering, we always need help staffing adoption events, local transporting, fundraising and many more opportunities to support our lifesaving mission.

DONATE TODAY: There is always a shortage of funding which directly impacts our ability to rescue animals. Please consider donating towards our endless expenses including vet bills, food, medications, leashes, collars, etc… Please consider signing up for a monthly donation or sponsoring an animal. Every donation goes toward our rescue efforts! Please send all donations to: LCAR, PO Box 1661, Southampton NY 11969 or call 631.478.6844

PLANNED GIVING: Your Legacy of Love gift to LCAR will ensure that our life saving work will continue long into the future. What better way to honor your deep love and commitment to animals than to leave a lasting legacy that will help once forgotten dogs & cats become cherished family members. We suggest that you discuss with your lawyer and/or financial advisor the methods of giving that are most beneficial and appropriate for you. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how your charitable bequest will best help animals in need. Your gift can result in considerable tax benefits. Consider using personal assets for your charitable gifts, such as stocks, bonds, CD's, real estate, vehicles, art and jewelry. Name LCAR as the beneficiary of your IRA or pension or purchase a life insurance policy naming LCAR as beneficiary of an existing policy.

For more Information please call 631.478.6844 or email us info@LCARescue.org or visit www.LCARescue.org

Adoption Policy