ROAR: A Legacy of Compassion
Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue (ROAR) is a compassionate advocate and ally of animal rescue and adoption in Western Connecticut and New York State’s animal rescue and adoption community. We are known for our dedication to rescuing and finding loving homes for dogs and cats through our Ridgefield shelter. Our journey continues to inspire and grow from a simple act of kindness.
Our Beginning
In 2000, a group of passionate volunteers united with one mission: to treat homeless animals with the same love and care they give their own pets. What began as a grassroots effort to exercise and find homes for unclaimed dogs at the Ridgefield Canine Shelter now flourishes as something bigger.
The community’s spirit shines through from ROAR’s first public service event in April 2001, when 20 volunteers and a local Boy Scouts troop transformed the grounds of the Ridgefield Canine Shelter through cleaning and landscaping. This commitment to community engagement led to our first fundraising gala in June 2002. This event funded the creation of the original Ridgefield Bark Park, opening in May 2003. In addition, ROAR established a certified Therapy Dog Program benefiting young readers in the local elementary schools as its first community outreach program. ROAR also went into Ridgefield’s schools to educate students on the importance of spaying and neutering dogs and cats.
The Donofrio Family Animal Shelter
March 2005 marked an important milestone for ROAR with the opening of our Donofrio Family Animal Shelter, named in honor of Nick and Anita Donofrio. Architect Sean O’Kane, AIA, contributed his expertise to design this state-of-the-art facility, and Tary Tarleton and his company built the shelter, initially spanning 1,800 square feet. In 2011, the shelter doubled in size, creating an even warmer and more welcoming haven for homeless pets. Both Sean and Tary provided their expertise and services for the shelter’s expansion too. Today, Sean and his team continue to support ROAR.
Our Impact
Since our founding, ROAR has:
· Found loving homes for close to 6,000 cats and dogs
· Extended our rescue network across multiple states and Puerto Rico
· Provided essential medical care and emotional support to countless animals
· Created a community of more than 250 dedicated volunteers who offer enrichment, care, and support services
Community Programs
In addition to local schools, ROAR’s 48 certified Therapy Dog Teams now provide comfort and joy to elder care facilities, hospice programs, library programs, community events and hospitals. The Therapy Dog Teams facilitate connections between pets and people who need them the most, even participating in Dog Yoga classes.
ROAR’s additional community programs and initiatives include:
· Pet Pantry: Provides food and supplies to help local residents keep their beloved pets during difficult times
· Seniors for Seniors: Matches senior pets with senior citizens through fee-waived adoptions
· Pets for Patriots: Supports military veterans in finding companion animals through reduced adoption fees
· Community Outreach Fund: Provides access to essential veterinary care for pet owners facing financial hardship
Foster Program
Our foster program is essential to providing temporary homes for animals needing special care. ROAR provides everything needed for the fostered animal including veterinary care, food, and supplies. In addition, our foster program allows ROAR to rescue more animals than can be accommodated in the shelter kennels. ROAR’s foster program also offers foster families the opportunity to welcome a pet into their home on a temporary basis.
Our Vision
Moving ahead, ROAR envisions a world where:
· Every animal receives compassionate care
· Euthanasia rates decrease through education and community outreach
· Breed prejudices dissolve in favor of understanding
· Every pet finds their forever home
Through the continued support of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers, we work tirelessly to create a community where animals are valued, protected, and given the chance to thrive in loving homes.
ROAR is asking supporters to please consider donating to ROAR’s $25 for 25 in 2025 campaign. We are asking for contributions of $25 or more on the 25th of each remaining month this year. Every donation helps provide our cats and dogs with food, shelter, and medical care as they journey from homelessness to loving families.
Donations can be made online at https://givebutter.com/WdFhTZ. Donors can also submit cash or checks payable to ROAR by mail or in person at the ROAR Donofrio Family Animal Shelter at 45 South Street, Ridgefield, CT.
