ROAR Donofrio Family Animal Shelter
Our shelter for cats and dogs opened in 2005 and was named for the Donofrio family in recognition of their generous support. Our objective is to be a “model shelter”— the model being the way we treat our own family dogs and cats.

Through the generous, enthusiastic help of our volunteers, business partners, local veterinarians, and staff, every cat and dog receives the same medical care, nutrition, exercise, attention and lovewe give our own family animals. All are spayed and neutered (or given a certificate for the procedure if too young) before leaving the shelter.

giving shelter
Some say the measure of a community is in how it cares for those who can’t care for themselves, those who have no voice, those who have no home. Across America, every year, millions of dogs and cats are abandoned or surrendered, left with no home and no future.

In this community, in our shelter, we believe it doesn’t have to be that way. In the past four years, ROAR has rescued almost 2,000 dogs and cats and placed them in loving homes. They come to us for shelter – and a lucky new life.

ROAR’s shelter was built through the grace and energy of donors and volunteers. ROAR runs and maintains this functionally and efficiently beautiful shelter; its ongoing operation depends on private donations, grants, and pro bono services.

'ROAR Therapy Dogs' program
Sometimes it’s hard to tell who benefits more from ROAR — animals or people. Dogs who came from ROAR and their families give back to the community in many ways. The "ROAR Therapy Dogs" program is moving into high gear with a new approach especially tailored for our community needs. We now have in-house screening and training for dog and owner teams. We are reaching out to the community to put smiles on the faces of seniors in elder care and extended care facilities, and to help young readers with one-on-one reading programs. And we are visiting area schools to extend our efforts to help those with special needs. ROAR Therapy Dogs is uniquely rewarding -- for those in the community and for the volunteers, both dogs and owners. We are always looking for new teams. All gentle and social dogs are potential candidates. For more information about ROAR Therapy Dogs please contact Mary-Jo Duffy ator ROAR's Shelter Director, Allyson Dotson, at Therapyr@roar-ridgefield.org.

ROAR is a presence in schools at all levels, sharing information about the rewards and responsibilities of responsible pet ownership and working with student groups in developing ways to “give back” to animals in need.

celebrating
ROAR graduates seem to be everywhere in our community, making life a bit livelier and sweeter for everyone. An early ROAR project was the financing and creation of the Bark Park, a one-acre enclosure where dogs can run free in a safe and contained environment. Now operated by Ridgefield Parks and Recreation, the Bark Park is an everyday celebration that adds spirit to our community.

What does it take to make all this happen? Tons of laundry, mountains of food, endless rounds of vaccinations, hundreds of spay/neuter procedures, countless volunteer hours…And you. Your generosity — with your time, talent, and yes, money — makes it all possible. Your donations allow us to continue to provide excellent, compassionate care to our dogs and cats while we work to match them with loving new homes. Your support helps us continue our outreach work within the community.

opportunities for giving:
… general donations
… earmarked gifts in support of specific programs
… gifts to celebrate birthdays, other occasions, or loved ones
… inscribed bricks to memorialize a beloved pet or a person who cherished pets
… participation in our fundraising events

ways to volunteer:
… give your time and talent at the shelter
… become a foster family
… join our Therapy Dog Program
… become part of our Rally ‘Round ROAR youth program

And the greatest gift of all:
open your home and heart to one of our beautiful cats and dogs looking for a lifetime home.