About Us

Independent Animal Rescue is a non-profit group in the Triangle region of North Carolina that works to provide homes for hundreds of unwanted cats and dogs each year. IAR is run primarily by committed individuals from the community who volunteer their time to help homeless animals and to keep our support programs functioning. To learn more about how you can help, visit our Volunteer page.

Our mission is to rescue and care for cats and dogs in need and reduce the suffering of unwanted animals through our adoption, spay/neuter, and community education programs.

At IAR, we believe that the welfare of animals is paramount. We feel that we can alleviate problems associated with dog and cat overpopulation and abandonment using a 3-pronged approach: (1) Rescue and adoption of unwanted and abused animals; (2) funding and providing spay/neuter services; (3) education and outreach on animal welfare to our community.

IAR started with one woman’s big dreams, a bigger heart, and a very distinctive purple pickup truck that helped her rescue countless numbers of unwanted, abused, and homeless Triangle pets. Originally founded in 1995, IAR earned an official 501 (c)(3) status in 1996. IAR is currently governed by a Board of Directors, managed by elected officers, and supported by over 300 unpaid volunteers. As a volunteer-driven organization, IAR deeply values the donated time and resources that sustain its mission and support animal care and rehabilitation.