Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of Arizona - DCRSA

Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of Arizona

Having a deep compassion for animals, we bring awareness through education, support through fostering, and life through adoption.  

Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of Arizona (DCRSA) is a foster-based nonprofit dedicated to saving and improving the lives of cats across rural southeastern Arizona. Based in Safford, we serve communities where resources for cats are extremely limited—often acting as the only lifeline for abandoned, injured, and at-risk felines.

Since our founding in 2015, we have rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed thousands of cats, ensuring each one receives the care they need and the second chance they deserve.

Every cat in our program receives comprehensive veterinary care prior to adoption, including:
• Spay or neuter surgery
• SNAP testing for common feline diseases
• FVRCP and rabies vaccinations
• Microchipping for identification and safety

Through our adoption program, we work tirelessly to place cats into loving, permanent homes. In partnership with multiple PetSmart Adoption Centers in Tucson and Green Valley, PetCo, and El Jefe Cat Cafe, we have consistently found homes for hundreds of cats each year—placing over 1,400 cats between 2022 and 2024 alone.

Community Impact & Programs

Our work extends far beyond rescue. Through strong partnerships with organizations such as SEACUS Meals on Wheels, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Desert Cross Veterinary Hospital, and Adoption Centers, we provide vital support to both pets and the people who love them.

Our programs include:

• The Pet Stop Pet Food Pantry – Helping families in need keep their pets fed and in their homes
• Happy Pets ~ Meals on Wheels – Delivering pet food to homebound seniors so they can keep their beloved companions
• Discount Spay/Neuter Voucher Program – Making affordable veterinary care accessible and reducing overpopulation
• Senior Companion Program – Pairing seniors with older or special-needs cats for companionship and comfort
• Adoption Partnerships – Expanding opportunities for cats to find loving homes

Our Commitment

As a foster-based rescue without a physical shelter, we rely entirely on community support, donations, and volunteers to continue this lifesaving work. The need in our region continues to grow—especially during kitten season—while funding remains limited.

Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of Arizona is committed to improving the lives of animals and strengthening the bond between pets and people through compassionate care, responsible practices, and community-driven support.

Together, we can continue to save lives, prevent suffering, and ensure every cat has the opportunity for a safe, healthy, and loving future.

💛 Thank you for supporting Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of Arizona.

Testimonials

I first came across Desert cat rescue when they were looking for fosters on Facebook. I'd never done anything like that before but I had room and wanted to help. After a home inspection and interview with the director, I got my first foster kitties. They were scared kitties rescued from a hoarding situation but in time they became part of my family. I have continued fostering for the last several years and it is so rewarding to see a scared kitty come out of it's shell, or an injured kitty recover and find a forever family after difficult beginnings. The hearts of the volunteers and allies in the community are what make me proud to be a part of this rescue.