Foothills Animal Rescue is a small but mighty important little place for many cats and dogs hoping to be adopted. It’s tucked away on east Bell Road in Scottsdale at the Brynne Smith Memorial Campus and provides pet adoptions by appointment.  

Foothills adoptions are made by appointment Wednesday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday’s adoptions are open to walk-in/first come first serve 11am-3pm.

Although there’s limited space, Foothills Animal Rescue is also a safe place to return an animal that is in need of a new home, or in need of care.  

Foothills began as a non-profit foster-based organization containing a small group of volunteers that wanted to make a difference for animals in their community. They didn’t open their first shelter until 2012 and now more than a thousand animals have come through the shelter each year. 

Shannon Valenzuela, CEO of Foothills Animal Rescue told Northeast Valley News she had a passion for animals and has worked in animal welfare for more than thirty years. 

Prior to Foothills Animal Rescue, Valenzuela worked for an open-intake shelter.

“What I love about Foothills is that we focus on animals with any need…whether they have medical needs or behavioral needs,” Valenzuela said.

When Northeast Valley News visited Foothills Animal Rescue, the environment was calm, and cats were allowed to sit in their large crates by the entrance to the shelter.  Cats are also free to leave their crates every morning to allow for a roaming environment. 

The rest of the animals housed in cells, also referred to as “suites,” allow for more space for the dogs and other animals compared to shelters with only cages. 

The shelter also has a small yard for the animals so that they can receive fresh air, and have time to play. 

Valenzuela’s animal journey was enhanced when she adopted her own dog after working for Foothills Animal Rescue for four days. After a puppy was brought in without any fosters, Valenzuela decided to take the pup home—that was seven years ago.

“Jack” a canine recently admitted, was transferred to the shelter from another organization that was full and needed assistance. Jack’s two front legs were deformed. Valenzuela says that Jack did not need surgery at this time, but would need a special home. 

“Sky,” a chihuahua, currently housed at the shelter, has a fairly severe limp. After seeing the vet, it was discovered that Sky had a fracture on the top of her femur. An FHO surgery was required and Foothills Rescue assisted. 

Foothills Rescue assisted with a recent crisis involving just over one-hundred dogs (smaller dogs) found in a crowed two-bedroom condo. The dogs weighed under twenty pounds. A total of 13 dogs were taken into the care of Animal Foothills Rescue, while rest were taken to other organizations.  

Valenzuela is concerned over the struggle of finding permanent homes for the animals due the housing market getting more expensive.

Many requests have been made for the shelter over pets that have been returned because of the housing market.  

“We need adopters,” Valenzuela said.

Foothills also welcomes volunteers for the rescue shelter as well as “fosters.” 

Adoption appointments are posted one week at time on a scheduling calendar— appointments open on Monday mornings. 

In addition to adopting, the animal loving public can assist by donating funds and visiting the boutiques that financially aid the running of Foothills Rescue.  

There are two non-consignment Resale Boutiques that serve as the primary source of revenue for Foothills Rescue.

Their flagship store is located at 23030 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale and is open Monday thru Saturday from 10AM to 5PM, where shoppers can find a large selection of clothing, pet supplies, furniture, housewares, accessories, jewelry and more.

The second Resale Boutique located in Carefree, is at 7202 E. Ho Road, Suite C in Carefree. This location is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and includes 1,000 square feet of clothing, accessories, pet supplies and housewares. 

Both stores accept donations of new and gently used items. 

Item donations may be brought to the:

Scottsdale Resale Boutique – Monday thru Saturday from 10AM to 5PM

Carefree Resale Boutique – Tuesday thru Saturday from 10AM to 5PM

Visit Foothills Animal Rescue website for step-by-step instructions on how to schedule appointments with a possible new member of the family—once an appointment is secured, adopting families will get to meet the furry face they find and get to know them while on site first and then follow through with adoption steps.