About the Bella Vista Animal Shelter
Shelter History
In 1985 the Benton County Animal Control Officer, Nicole Miles, picked up a stray mother dog, Nellie and her four puppies. Rather than take Nellie and her pups to the dog pound, Nicole together with Phil Sciumbato, then Deputy of the Benton County Sheriff Office, decided to seek adoptive homes for them. The result was a formation of the Bella Vista Animal Shelter utilizing an 8 x 12 shed donated by the Bella Vista Water Department, placed on vacant land owned by Cooper Realty, Inc. Shortly thereafter, a Board of Directors was formed and also obtained a non-profit 501c3 status from the I.R.S. By 1992 BVAS was handling over 200 animals per year, and had outgrown its 96 square foot shed. Local businesses, residents and contractors came to the rescue by donating materials, labor and money in order to erect a 20 x 36 prefab building. Volunteers from the community also came forward to assist with the animals and to help maintain the shelter. By 1997 the number of animals housed at the shelter had grown to over 400 per year and the shelter's annual operating budget was $25,000. The adoption rate was 49% and the euthanasia rate was 42%. The 2003 Shelters Expansion Project doubled the shelter's area, which meant less overcrowding, and a further decrease in the euthanasia rate. By 2005 the Shelter had an annual operating budget of $140,000 and an annual intake of 965 animals. By the end of 2005 the adoption/reclaim had increased to almost 80% and the euthanasia rate was at 7.7%. After the intake of over 30 beagles from a puppy mill bust, it became apparent that more space was needed and "Nibbles House" was born. under roof. In 2006, the "Dewey Leines" 816 sq. office building was built and in 2007 "Nibbles House Annex" adding 3472 sq.ft. began construction. This final project finished in March 2008 and effectively closed down the old shelter building which had developed numerous hazardous construction deficiencies. By 2016 the adoption/reclaim & rescue rate was a phenomenal 98% and the euthanasia rate had dropped to 2%. Laurie May has been the shelter manager since 2015.
