Little Whiskers Animal Rescue is looking to expand its operation into a brick-and-mortar shelter. 

“We’ve always said we need a shelter here,” said Brittney McCarthy, president of the animal rescue. “So, we decided to get it going.” 

The rescue nonprofit currently operates as a foster-based program run solely by volunteers, with 10 homes participating in animal intake and care. 

Maricopa residents have long called for a shelter of their own. In a recent InMaricopa poll, nearly 68% of respondents said the city needs an animal shelter, while another 20% said the county should provide one. About 9% said they would prefer to see the city improve or support existing resources.

For Little Whiskers, the need is one McCarthy sees firsthand through the rescue’s foster network.

Having a dedicated site for animal intake would allow McCarthy and her crew to expand their operation. Though they have dedicated foster homes for stray cats, they don’t currently have enough to support the pet population and only one accepts dogs.  

“Being in a city that has no official shelter, it’s never ending,” McCarthy said. 

The shelter plan calls for six individual buildings on one property. Having separate spaces with individual ventilation would minimize the need for quarantine when bringing in sick animals. 

The rescue currently vaccinates its animals through Vetco, part of Petco, but would ideally like to have a veterinarian visit the site. 

But the costs, however, are significant. The initial goal to open the shelter space is about $300, 000 and upkeep would be expensive. 

The Whoville Gala costs $100 per ticket and will feature live entertainment and a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the shelter project. 

McCarthy is still looking for vendors who want to contribute items or gift cards for the auction. She is also on the hunt for sponsors for future fundraising. 

For now, the volunteer foster home circuit is Maricopa’s main way to care for stray animals.  

Jennifer Ferguson, the rescue’s foster coordinator, handles the applications and assesses whether homes are ready to take in animals. 

“I have some homes that want a whole litter, and I had one recently that wanted only one single cat to care for. Whatever you want, that’s what we’re here for,” Ferguson said. 

People often ask her how she’s able to let the foster kittens go.  

“I get to see that instant love, that instant connection,” Ferguson said. “And I get to meet the beautiful families they go to.”