We never thought that we would ever have to write this. But as heartbreaking as it is, we’ve been forced to close our intake to new animals. Every day we receive calls about animals on euthanasia lists, abandoned seniors, injured strays, and critically ill pets. But right now, WE HAVE TO SAY NO. We want to be clear. It’s not because we don’t want to help- WE DO. But until we catch up on the veterinary bills we’ve already incurred saving other animals, we can’t responsibly commit to the care of those still waiting for our help.

For over thirteen years, our mission has been clear: when an animal in need has nowhere else to turn, we take them under our care. This philosophy has saved countless lives, but has also brought us to a very difficult moment in AMA Animal Rescue’s history. Recently, we found ourselves caring for nearly 100 animals, many requiring extensive and costly medical care.

We specialize in the cases most rescues can’t take- the critically ill, severely injured, and medically complex. Many animals often need specialists, diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, medications, and months of ongoing care and unforeseen emergencies.

At the same time, the cost of veterinary care has skyrocketed. If you’ve taken your own pet to the vet recently, you’ve probably felt it too. Even with the rescue discounts we’re fortunate to receive, routine veterinary care, emergency treatment, and specialty services have all become significantly more expensive. The growing consolidation of veterinary practices and specialty hospitals by large corporate private equity firms has only added to those rising costs.

Today, AMA Animal Rescue is carrying more than $74,000 in outstanding veterinary debt. Although our community has always been incredibly generous, many of our cases were never fully funded- some raising less than half the cost of their veterinary care. As we took in nearly 100 animals, the expenses from complex medical cases were compounded by the everyday costs every rescue faces, including exams, vaccines, spays and neuters, dentals, medications, training and routine care.

If you’ve ever followed our journey, adopted from us, donated, volunteered, or simply believed in what we do, we’re asking for your help today. Every donation, no matter the size, helps reduce this debt and brings us one step closer to opening our doors again. Together, we can turn “NO” back into “YES.”

And for countless animals still waiting for someone to save them, that “YES” could mean the difference between life and death.