““When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.””
OUR MISSION
CARES' mission is to provide a safe haven and loving homes for lost and homeless animals while inspiring and harnessing the compassion of our supporters to address pet overpopulation and promote the well-being of all pets.
Achieving Our Mission
What We Do
Clarksdale Animal Rescue Effort and Shelter, Inc. (CARES) was founded in response to an ASPCA raid on the local city-run animal shelter. From its inception, CARES has been a beacon of hope and transformation in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. As a no-kill shelter, we are committed to improving the lives of animals and the people who love them, addressing the unique challenges of animal welfare in Coahoma County and beyond.
Our Roots
CARES was born out of necessity, but it has grown into a movement of compassion and community action. Since moving into our purpose-built facility in 2017, we have created a safe, welcoming space for animals and visitors alike. Our shelter houses dogs and cats in climate-controlled environments, with dedicated wings for cats and specialized areas for dogs, including outdoor exercise yards and indoor training spaces. We also have rooms for adoptions, isolation, education, and even community activities like birthday parties, after-school programs, and summer camps. This facility is the foundation of our mission, allowing us to provide comfort, care, and connection to the animals and people we serve.
Where We Are Today
Today, CARES is more than just a shelter—it is a hub for innovative programs and services that extend beyond Coahoma County:
Community Pet Food Pantry: Serving over 700 individuals twice a month, our pantry ensures that families facing financial hardship can keep their pets at home, healthy, and well-fed. We also provide food and supplies to other rescues in need.
Behavioral Enrichment and Rehabilitation: With the addition of a shelter-certified animal behaviorist, CARES offers behavioral rehabilitation and enrichment programs, ensuring that every animal in our care has the best chance at finding a loving, permanent home.
Healthy Paws Clarksdale: Our veterinary care accessibility clinic is a game-changer for the region. This clinic addresses the critical need for affordable veterinary care in an area with high poverty rates and limited access to veterinary services, welcoming clients from anywhere.
Our Vision for the Future
CARES is at the forefront of reimagining animal welfare in the Mississippi Delta. Our future initiatives include:
Spay/Neuter Programs: We are continuing to address pet overpopulation by offering spay and neuter services to underserved pet owners. These efforts aim to improve animal welfare and reduce the number of strays within our communities.
Education and Outreach: We are developing new educational and outreach programs to inspire compassion and responsible pet ownership. These initiatives will empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to care for animals and build a more compassionate community.
Regional Collaboration: CARES is expanding its reach, partnering with other area shelters to provide resources, guidance, and innovative sheltering practices. Together, we’re working to shift the narrative around sheltering in the Delta, from one of scarcity to one of shared compassion and progress.
Join Us
Every milestone we achieve is made possible by the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and partners. As we continue to grow, your involvement helps us create a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them. Join us in transforming lives, one paw at a time.