Maricopan seeks to open animal shelter

A compassionate resident and animal lover hopes to break ground on a unique pet rescue in Maricopa.

“I’m just looking for help in getting a building there,” said Tammie Crawford, director of Atlas Pet Rescue. “Once there is a building there, I have a lot of experience running it.”

Crawford grew up on a farm, around horses and currently works for the Arizona Humane Society. After working for the Humane Society for more than two years she began to realize the need for a shelter in Maricopa.

“I feel like this community could really use something like this,” She said. “There are very few pet resources in Maricopa.”

Named in memory of one of her own deceased dogs, Atlas Pet Rescue will not just cater to the typical house pets like dogs and cats, but horses as well.

“I’ve been around animals my whole life, mostly horses, but if you’ve got a farm, you’ve got cats and dogs, too.”

There are even fewer resources for horses around Maricopa, Crawford said. She not only grew around the animals, she also has certifications in feline behavior and equine science as well. As part of the rescue she also hopes to certify service and emotional support animals and even offer equine therapy.

Crawford is currently in the process of obtaining a non-profit status for her organization, and once established she’ll be able to begin fund-raising and, soon thereafter, begin building the shelter.

“I have a huge vision,” Crawford said. “I don’t know if I can pull it off but I’m really going to try.”