My name is Shelly!

• You must be prepared to make a lifetime commitment to the animal.


• You may not be an undergraduate student.


• You must be a US citizen or green card holder.

• Fill out an adoption interest application HERE.


• Our goal is finding lifelong, loving homes for our animals, so we try to find the best match between animal and adopter. We can help advise you on which animals to meet based on your situation.


• You can meet some of our animals at our weekend adoption events, or we can arrange for a meeting in the foster home. If it’s a good match, the foster parent will come to visit your home in person. This is to make sure your home is safe and secure for a new companion animal.


• Note: IAR makes every effort to please our adopters, but our first concern must be for the animal’s welfare. We reserve the right to deny any application.

IAR started with one woman's big dreams, a bigger heart, and a very distinctive purple pickup truck that helped her rescue countless of unwanted, abused, and homeless Triangle pets. Originally founded in 1994, IAR earned an official 501(c)(3) status in 1995. We are governed by a Board of Directors, managed by elected officers, and introduced IAR’s first paid position, General Manager, in June 2021. This role will assist with elevating our collective compassion to new heights and strengthening IAR’s impact as a whole.

Our mission is to rescue and provide safe and responsible care for homeless, abandoned, and abused animals. We shall strive to help all animals in need through our service programs. We will serve our communities through promotion of spay/neuter for all companion animals, and the education of children and adults in humane care, respect and responsibility for animals on this earth.