Largest no-kill dog rescue in America opens near Montgomery, saving 5000 dogs a year

Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the largest no-kill dog rescue organization in the United States, opened its new Southeast regional facility in Shorter, Alabama on October 29th.

Formerly a Greyhound Training Facility

Formerly home to a greyhound training facility, the new 100-acre location in Macon County will eventually save 5,000 dogs annually. The regional rescue, rehabilitation and adoption center for neglected and abused dogs will take in canines from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. 

“The opening of a second Big Dog Ranch Rescue location is something I’ve prayed for over the years. This expansion means we can save an additional 5,000 precious lives allowing us to double our impact. It’s a great day for us and, more importantly, it’s a great day for the dogs.”

Big Dog Ranch Rescue Founder and CEO Lauree Simmons

At the site, Big Dog Ranch Rescue Alabama opened 3 renovated buildings currently housing over 100 dogs. A temporary Veterinary Healing Center is also in operation and staffed by a medical team.   The remaining 13 kennels along with other critical structures will be renovated as support and funding allow.

Location, Location, Location

As reported in The Bama Buzz back in August 2022, the new Big Dog Ranch Rescue Alabama facility is also near two of the nation’s most respected veterinary schools — Tuskegee University and Auburn University. In fact, the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) is the only veterinary medical professional program located on the campus of a historically black college or university (HBCU) in the United States. The school educates more than 70 percent of the nation’s African-American veterinarians.

Double Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s Capacity

Big Dog Ranch Rescue Executive Director Robin Friedman appreciates the critical role played by supporters.

“A big thank-you to the community for an outpouring of support and interest. Without volunteers and donors we would be unable to continue our mission to save lives and to find every dog a loving home. I encourage every dog lover to join the Big Dog Ranch Rescue family and to visit our website, BDRR.ORG.”

The new campus in Shorter, Alabama will allow Big Dog Ranch Rescue to double its impact nationwide by eventually saving 10,000 dogs each year.

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