Celebrating the teams behind the scenes and the lifesaving partnerships we rely on
Every first full week of November, we pause to honour the remarkable work of shelters, rescue groups, transporters, fosters—and everyone dedicated to giving animals second chances. At Animal Works, we’re proud to support local rescue and welfare efforts. As a veterinary surgery clinic based in Fort Collins, Colorado, we know how crucial the behind-the-scenes care is: the medical treatments, spay/neutering, dental work, and trauma surgeries that make the difference when a pet is given a second shot.
Why this week matters
From the moment a pet enters a shelter or rescue environment to the moment they find a new home, there’s a network of care at work. Shelters and rescues take in the vulnerable, the injured, the overlooked—and many of those animals need surgery, dental work or other advanced care before they can thrive. That’s where we step in. With our clinic’s focus on surgical, dental and orthopedic services, we partner with rescues to ensure pets are healthy, strong and ready for their forever homes.
By shining a spotlight this week on rescue and shelter work, we also encourage the community to support in meaningful ways: volunteering, fostering, donating, advocating and spreading the word.
Our Rescue Partners
We are honoured to work alongside these amazing local rescue organizations who devote themselves to welfare and adoption.
- Life Is Better Rescue — Committed to saving animals of all ages and conditions, ensuring each one finds a safe, loving home.
- Animal Rescue of the Rockies — Helps connect “harder to adopt” pets with families who see their value, regardless of age or background.
- From Forgotten to Forever — Focused on pets overlooked in shelters, giving them the care, surgeries and second chances they deserve.
- Big Bones Canine Rescue — Dedicated to saving larger-breed dogs who too often get overlooked, and giving them loving homes.
These partners remind us every day that there’s no such thing as an “unwanted” pet—just pets waiting for the right person and the right chance.
How Animal Works Supports the Rescue & Shelter Community
- We provide affordable surgical care for pets coming from rescues or shelters—spays/neuters, dentals, soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.
- We consult with rescue partners to help ensure pets are medically ready for adoption—healthy, mobile, pain-free and ready to thrive.
- We encourage adopters and fosters to loop us in early: if you adopt a rescue pet and they need surgery or dental work, we’re here to help.
- We amplify the calls-to-action: rescuing, fostering, donating, volunteering—so more animals get the care they need and the homes they deserve.
How You Can Get Involved (Nov 2–8 and Beyond)
- Adopt or foster. If you’re ready for a pet, consider opening your home to a rescue animal—especially one with a history or medical need.
- Donate or volunteer. Support your local rescues with time, supplies or funds. Every bit helps.
- Spread the word. Share adoptable pets, volunteer opportunities or rescue stories on social media. Awareness is a powerful tool.
- Choose vetted care partners. When adopting or fostering, ask about surgical or medical history and choose a veterinary clinic that supports rescue readiness.
- Support rescue-friendly vets. By choosing clinics like us that partner with rescues, you indirectly strengthen the rescue ecosystem as a whole.
A Note to Our Clients & Community
To our clients who adopt rescue pets—or are considering it—thank you. Your decision saves lives. When your pet requires surgery, whether routine or complex, you’re giving them the best possible chance at a healthy, thriving life.
If you recently adopted a rescue pet and you’re unsure about their surgical or dental needs, please call us at 970-694-2625. We’ll apply our surgical expertise to make sure your new family member is ready for their next chapter.
Every Pet Deserves the Best Start
National Animal Shelter & Rescue Appreciation Week isn’t just about recognizing shelters and rescues—it’s about acknowledging the full circle of care: rescue, medical intervention, adoption, home. At Animal Works Veterinary Surgery, we are honoured to play our part in giving pets the bright futures they deserve. Together with our rescue partners and with community support, we can help every animal—even those with rough pasts—live the happy, healthy life they were meant for.
Let’s make Nov 2–8 a week of action, appreciation and hope. And let’s keep the momentum going year-round.
Follow Us!
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for featured pets, rescue stories, and special events you can join.
If you have questions about surgery for your pet—or want to explore how you can support our rescue partners—give us a call!
Thank you for caring. Thank you for choosing Animal Works.