Bella Vista Animal Shelter
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday-Sunday
10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Monday
Volunteer hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30AM-3:30PM.
About the Bella Vista Animal Shelter
Shelter History
In 1985 the Benton County Animal Control Officer, Nicole Miles, picked up a stray mother dog, Nellie and her four puppies. Rather than take Nellie and her pups to the dog pound, Nicole together with Phil Sciumbato, then Deputy of the Benton County Sheriff Office, decided to seek adoptive homes for them. The question was where do we shelter them until then? The result was a formation of the Bella Vista Animal Shelter utilizing an 8 x 12 shed donated by the Bella Vista Water Department, placed on vacant land owned by Cooper Realty, Inc. Shortly thereafter, a Board of Directors was formed and also obtained a non-profit 501c3 status from the I.R.S.
By 1992 BVAS was handling over 200 animals per year, and had outgrown its 96 square foot shed. Local businesses, residents and contractors came to the rescue by donating materials, labor and money in order to erect a 20 x 36 prefab building. Volunteers from the community also came forward to assist with the animals and to help maintain the shelter.
By 1997 the number of animals housed at the shelter had grown to over 400 per year and the shelter's annual operating budget was $25,000.
The adoption rate was 49% and the euthanasia rate was 42%.
The 2003 Shelters Expansion Project doubled the shelter's area, which meant less overcrowding, and a further decrease in the euthanasia rate.
By 2005 the Shelter had an annual operating budget of $140,000 and an annual intake of 965 animals.
By the end of 2005 the adoption/reclaim had increased to almost 80% and the euthanasia rate was at 7.7%.
After the intake of over 30 beagles from a puppy mill bust, it became apparent that more space was needed and "Nibbles House" was born. This addition added 1620 sq. ft. under roof. In 2006, the "Dewey Leines" 816 sq. ft. office building was built and in 2007 "Nibbles House Annex" adding 3472 sq.ft. began construction. This final project finished in March 2008 and effectively closed down the old shelter building which had developed numerous hazardous construction deficiencies.
By 2016 the adoption/reclaim & rescue rate was a phenomenal 98% and the euthanasia rate had dropped to 2%. Laurie May has been the shelter manager since 2015.
Carson is a shy boy and will need extra attention and time for him to adjust to his new surroundings....
Read MoreDaisy is a shy girl and will need extra attention and time for her to adjust to her new surroundings....
Read MoreDaisy is a shy girl and will need extra attention and time for her to adjust to her new surroundings....
Read MoreShortbread is a shy girl and will need extra attention and time for her to adjust to her new surroundings....
Read MoreRitz is a shy boy and will need extra attention and time for him to adjust to his new surroundings....
Read MoreMilano is a shy girl and will need extra attention and time for her to adjust to her new surroundings....
Read MoreMiesha's owner had to be moved into assisted living so we took her in to find her new forever home....
Read MoreBluebell came into us as a stray girl but we soon realized she was pregnant. She did a fantastic job...
Read MoreRed Mist is a very sweet boy looking for his forever family. He may be shy at first in a...
Read MoreWillie is a friendly guy looking for new digs. He is people and dog friendly but not sure about cats....
Read MoreHansel & Gretel are a bonded senior pair who we are assuming have been together their whole lives. They are...
Read MoreNaomi is looking for a quiet family home. She needs a patient home who can give her the extra time...
Read MoreTrapper will do best in a quiet home and is still very skittish of people. He would be one that...
Read MoreHey there! My name is Moses and I am the most adorable, affectionate, athletic pup you will ever meet! I...
Read MoreMeet Jack, a wonderful, young dog with lots of love to give! He's an affectionate and loyal pup who is...
Read MoreIntroducing Jill, an adorable female puppy who is full of energy, love, and curiosity! Jill is a young pup, and...
Read MoreHara is a beautiful American Staffordshire Terrier who is just over a year old. She is spayed, up to date...
Read MoreLooking for a new furry friend with a big personality? Look no further than Tito, the hilarious and charming guy...
Read MoreVenus is looking for an active family who have the extra time and patience for training a puppy. Her and...
Read More"Serena is a friendly and affectionate young dog who is full of energy and playfulness. She loves to run around...
Read MoreAslan is a beautiful girl looking for a quiet and patient home. She is still a bit shy but will...
Read MoreIola is looking for her forever home. Come in to meet her or our other available cats and kittens to...
Read MoreHunter will be neutered this week and will be ready to go to his new home. Come in today to...
Read MoreCome out to meet Allie and our other adoptable dogs to see who will fit best into your family. If...
Read MoreCome out to meet Draco and our other adoptable dogs to see who will fit best into your family. If...
Read MoreNova is six months old and full of playful energy. She is just waiting for her new home to teach...
Read MoreMango is all energy she plays and plays and plays. She is very loving and loves to be with people....
Read MoreTitan reacts to other dogs and is scared when he first meets new people. He can be protective. He would...
Read MoreKoya is a loving and loyal female dog with lots of love to give. She is gentle, friendly, and affectionate,...
Read MoreAthen is fearful of new people and would need several visits to feel comfortable with someone new. She is a...
Read MoreAurora is a very sweet girl who loves attention. She was very shy when she came into the shelter and...
Read MoreQue is a big boy who loves his pets. He acts like a big puppy. He likes to play with...
Read MorePowell is a very sweet dog. He is learning not to pull on leash. He is a very strong boy....
Read MoreDexter is very protective of his people and does not like strangers coming near his family or into his home....
Read MoreMeet Jasper Jasper is available for adoption! Jasper is seeking an adventure loving companion! Jasper is a high energy fun-loving...
Read MoreNadia is a very loyal, affectionate, sweet, and playful girl with the staff at the shelter. She is very nervous...
Read MorePLEASE READ: Tonka is a special case for adoption and you would need to speak with staff about him. He...
Read MoreChardonnay is a very loving, playful, affectionate dog with all of the staff. She is scared of strangers and would...
Read More