Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) opens new upgraded shelter for pets

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) was born out of the need to help save animals after Hurricane Katrina.

Now, 20 years later, ARNO has a new state-of-the art permanent shelter for the dogs and cats that they serve.

Jessica Vaccaro is the shelter manager at ARNO where they’re excited to show off their new facility.

“We really wanted to make a space that didn’t feel like a cage for the animals, so we purposely put in raised beds, and glass fronts so the animals would have more visibility,” Vaccaro said.

She went on to say, “We wanted to make sure they had as much natural light for all the animal areas so we put in big windows in all the dog and cat areas. There’s a lot more space, more bright, more sanitary, and the dogs seem happier here.”

Happiness is what their new shelter is bringing because they are taking a more holistic approach at taking care of the cats and dogs.

“We take care of them medically and we work with them behaviorally and we get them healthy and ready to be adopted,” Vaccaro said.

“I think what makes our shelter so special is operationally for staff, volunteers and the animals, so much thought was put into every detail of the new shelter.” Vaccaro said.

Previously ARNO was using an old warehouse constantly in need of repairs to house the animals.

Now their new facility has central air and better cleaning systems.

“This new facility is what we’ve dreamed of. We’re here to give second chances to animals that need them,” Vaccaro said.

ARNO is hosting an open house celebration for the public this Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. They will offer tours, refreshments, raffles and a silent auction.

ARNO is now located at 160 Brookhollow Esplanade in Elmwood.

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