About Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven 🐾

Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven was created out of compassion, determination, and a belief that every animal deserves a chance at a safe and loving life.

Before our rescue existed, animals picked up locally were housed in a small cinder-block building often referred to as “the shed.” The conditions were heartbreaking — dark cages, little visibility to the public, and very limited time for animals to find homes before euthanasia. With so few resources available, many animals simply never got the second chance they deserved.

In August 2004, a group of caring Collinsville residents came together to change that.

They formed Friends of the Collinsville Animal Shelter (F.O.C.A.S.) with one mission: to create the community’s first no-kill animal shelter and give homeless animals a safer, more compassionate future.

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, donors, and community supporters Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven officially opened its doors in 2008.

Since then, our rescue has remained committed to rescue, rehabilitation, responsible adoption, and spay/neuter advocacy. Even while operating at full capacity much of the time, we have helped thousands of animals find loving homes and brighter futures.

Today, Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven continues to grow and evolve as we work toward building a new modern facility that will allow us to rescue more animals, improve care, and better serve our community for years to come.

Everything we do is made possible through donations, fundraisers, adoption fees, and the support of compassionate people who believe every animal deserves love, safety, and a second chance.