About CARA
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer-driven organization that operates on individual and corporate donations and fundraising proceeds.
CARA’s commitment to saving animals came at a cost. When we became a no-kill shelter in 2001, we knew we were choosing a harder path. County funding dried up and in July 2002, we had to close our doors. But the community didn’t let that be the end. Donors stepped up. Volunteers refused to quit. And we came back: reopening the facility on Deep River Road in 2003, more committed to saving lives than ever.
Today, we care for dogs and cats awaiting homes at our shelter. We work to reunite lost pets with their families and educate the community on responsible pet ownership. Every single day, our volunteers and board members work to save lives.
But we can’t do it alone. Every animal that comes through our doors depends on the generosity of people like you. The work never stops, and neither do we because we believe every animal deserves a chance.
Our History
Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption (CARA) began with a conversation in 1977 when Dr. Ron Myres opened his veterinary practice in Sanford. One of his first clients was Pat Sprouse, who became a close friend. Around a dinner table with Sissy and Poly Cohen, and Diane and Rodney Harrill, they talked about the growing crisis of homeless animals in Lee County.
That conversation became a mission. In 1982, they founded the San-Lee Humane Society.
The early years were a struggle. The organization operated from a borrowed facility at Central Carolina Technical College. By December 1984, volunteers discovered animals starving in the facility’s inadequate conditions. Puppies were dying. Dogs weren’t being fed regularly. And there was no space for cats at all: unwanted cats and kittens were simply being euthanized in large numbers. That crisis became a turning point.
In 1985, the city and county voted to give them responsibility for animal control operations. For nearly two decades, San-Lee Humane Society served as Lee County’s primary animal shelter.
In 2001, the board made a bold decision: they would become a “no-kill” shelter. But county funding dried up. By July 2002, the organization was forced to close its doors. But the community didn’t let that be the end. Volunteers continued caring for animals. Donors stepped up.
In January 2003, San-Lee Humane Society became Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption (CARA), a rebirth with renewed focus on rescue and adoption. The organization reopened its shelter on Deep River Road and has been saving animal lives ever since, but the work is never finished. Every day, CARA depends on donors and volunteers to keep the doors open and continue the lifesaving work that began around that dinner table decades ago.
That’s who we are.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
To promote responsible pet ownership through humane education and provide shelter and compassionate care to companion animals until they are placed in loving, responsible homes or reunited with their families.
Save a Life
Why Adopt?
1. You’re Saving More Than One Life
2. You’re Giving a Deserving Animal a Second Chance at a Happy Life
3. You’re Going to Receive Unconditional Love, What Could Be Better?
4. You’ll Have a Reason to Stay Active (Health Benefits)
5. Someone Who Will Never Judge You (Mental Health benefits)
Help Save More Lives
CARA is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by donations, bequests, and special events. As a volunteer-based organization, 100% of your tax-deductible donation directly benefits the animals. Tax ID: 58-1502865.