A growing number of dogs and cats are ending up in shelters for various reasons—abandonment, abuse, lost on the street or pet owners who find themselves unable to care for their pets through no fault of their own.

Heidi’s Village is a rescue organization that collaborates with the greater animal welfare communities in the Valley to inspire advocacy with a goal, “to find a home for every pet.”

Upon entering Heidi’s Village, Northeast Valley News observed the warmth and the care displayed through the various staff and volunteers, the spotless environment and the care shown to the animals during the tour of the facility.

Right past the entrance is the “Shmitten Kitten Nursery,” which provides around-the-clock supervision, proper feeding and cozy cubbies to newborn kitters

Heidi’s Village, founded by Virginia “Ginny” Jontes in 2020, was an idea conceived by Jontes through her enduring support of animal welfare. She learned the greatest need in the rescue community was an affordable place to house, heal and promote the many animals seen across organizations.

Since most rescue homes are foster-based, lack facilities and have limited resources—but have an abundance of passion and commitment—Jontes envisioned a plan to do so through widespread collaboration with other organizations.

‘‘We partner with over 100 rescues in various ways,” said Lori Wahl, Development Director at Heidi’s.

“When you are supporting Heidi’s Village, you are supporting 100 other rescue organizations as well as the kitten nursery side.”

Heidi’s also partners with multiple human services and hosts various training and care clinics that address not only pet care (and owner) needs, but an abundance of needs in the community at large.

According to Wahl, to make everything affordable, they subsidize the rescue partners and split 50/50 with several organizations, such as One Love Arizona.

That way, according to Wahl, they are able to do more and save more lives.

At Heidi’s, they receive animals from different backgrounds, and sometimes they don’t know their story, where they came from, or what happened to them before they came to Heidi’s.

Although one story stuck out to them.

A standard poodle was brought in by Arizona Poodle Rescue.

According to Wahl, the poodle’s legs were brutally cut off.

Thankfully, the poodle ended up in the hands of their rescue partner, and they were able to collaborate for instant medical care.

The poodle was fitted with a wheelchair and prosthetic legs from a long-time friend of the rescue—an orthopedic specialist.

‘‘And despite all of the—whatever happened in her previous life—she is still the sweetest dog,” Wahl said.

Their goal is to get the word out that they are now a public 501(3)(C).

Adopting and volunteering are vital to them, although donating is the best way for the community to help Heidi’s keep the costs low and affordable for the community.

Heidi’s Village faces challenges with subsidizing vital staff and getting the word out.

“We are the best kept secret, people don’t know we exist and we want everyone to know,” Wahl said.

Located in Phoenix (600 North 40th Street) the rescued pets are receiving more than just basic care—they’re given a second chance at a loving home while being housed in a safe, caring and clean environment.

Heidi’s is open Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. on weekends.

They accept walk-ins and or scheduled appointments.  Adoptions are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

All pets are either spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped before adoption.

Heidi’s Village is more than a rescue shelter; they are a support network for the many advocates that come together for the sake of animals.