ARK Pet Rescue Solidifies Community Presence with Cat Room, Pet Grooming

NEWBERG, Ore. — In late October 2024, ARK Pet Rescue opened its new location in downtown Newberg, offering expanded services and a renewed sense of community engagement in the former Newberg Music Center building. The organization, previously located at the corner of S. Meridian and 2nd Street, moved to a more visible spot in the heart of downtown, capitalizing on increased foot traffic and better accessibility.

Executive Director Daria Veenstra and Shelter Manager Kassie Wild, who guided the nonprofit through a challenging year of transition, are now focused on settling in and refining operations before making any more sweeping updates.

“It was such a chaotic year,” Veenstra said. “We just need a year to enjoy the space and get our bearings.”

Veenstra started ARK Pet Rescue in 2020 from her college living space after rescuing a guinea pig named Princess, who had been abandoned at a gas station. A junior at George Fox University, Veenstra was studying biology with plans to become a veterinarian. However, that first guinea pig rescue gave her a glimpse into the personal fulfillment that comes from animal rescue, Veenstra said.

She began adopting animals out of Newberg’s Critter Cabana, starting with guinea pigs and expanding to cats and dogs. Soon, she realized the need for a dedicated space to manage the business, which led her to a location on S. Meridian and 2nd Street in Newberg. While the building worked well initially, a new property management company hired as a result of an ownership change was unwilling to make necessary repairs.

At that point, the rescue was on the brink of closing. The cost of moving was too high for the fledgling nonprofit, Veenstra said. The animals still required expensive care, and few buildings in the area could support ARK Pet Rescue’s mission. Veenstra began walking the streets downtown to solicit donations, but didn’t receive enough interest.

In a blog post dated May 17, 2024, Veenstra said the rescue was at risk of closing. Then, things started to fall into place.

“It’s like prayers were answered all at once,” she said. “We were facing closure, but then one thing turned around, and then another, and suddenly we were back on track.”

A big part of that turnaround came with finding their new location on 1st Street. Then, a contractor offered to donate his time and expertise to renovate the building. Paint and some materials were also donated. With the pieces coming together, they were able to make it work.

“It was many, many long nights,” Wild said. “Some nights, we worked so hard we didn’t realize how much time had passed until it was early morning. It was chaotic, but looking back, it was so rewarding.”

The new location has already increased visibility and community involvement, but Veenstra acknowledges more work remains. Plans for improved signage and a fresh coat of paint are in the works to make the space even more inviting.

Beyond cosmetic changes, ARK Pet Rescue aims to be more than just an animal shelter.

“We want this place to be something the community can utilize,” Veenstra said. “The animals benefit from the socialization, but we think the people who visit get the benefit of spending time with loving animals.”

The cat room—a large open space facing downtown, with anywhere from five to ten adoptable cats roaming, playing, or sleeping—is open to the public during operating hours. Visitors can sit among the cats, petting, playing, or just relaxing. Wild has seen people bring coffee, books, and games. Food is also welcome, but be warned: the cats might try to steal it, she says.

At one point, Veenstra said, a visitor lay flat on the ground, and the cats quickly surrounded and nestled in for cuddling.

“It was very clearly bliss,” Veenstra said. “They must have needed a real dopamine hit, and they got it.”

The rescue has embraced its new role as a community hub, offering organizations and clubs the chance to book events like birthday parties, book club gatherings, and meetings. It’s a place for people to relax with a furry companion, engage in conversation, or seek therapy through the calming presence of cats.

Students from George Fox University have been regular visitors, seeking a reprieve from the pressures of school and general homesickness. Some have even volunteered to help care for the animals, further contributing to the organization’s community-oriented culture.

In January 2025, ARK Pet Rescue introduced grooming services. A new grooming station in the back of the building, accessible via a breezeway next to the shelter’s main entrance, is designed to be a revenue-generating resource to support the organization’s mission.

“We were looking for ways to generate revenue,” Veenstra said. “In fact, we explored the potential for a cat cafe to help with revenue. That idea didn’t come to fruition, so we went back to the drawing board. I had some good friends in the grooming community who gave us some advice, and we went for it.”

The grooming area offers both professional services and a DIY wash station for pet owners who want to take a hands-on approach. Pet owners can book self-wash appointments for $25 per dog for a half-hour wash. They can also book the services of a professional groomer who operates out of the space.

The new location offers even more opportunities for community involvement, and Veenstra sees the shelter as a vital part of the social fabric in Newberg.

“This space is for all of us,” she said. “And it’s the community that will help us keep it going.”

Interested in Adopting?

Veenstra said ARK Pet Rescue has more than 100 animals in its care at any given time, many of which are in foster homes. The rescue focuses on providing a safe space for animals to grow and heal, with an emphasis on long-term well-being. Post-adoption care, including follow-up visits and additional veterinary care, is provided to ensure pets stay healthy and happy.

The adoption process is designed to be as accessible as possible. Interested adopters can fill out an application in person or online after meeting the animals, ensuring they find a match that fits their family. The shelter prides itself on a low-barrier approach to adoption, valuing conversation and connection over bureaucracy.

“We want to know the family and make sure we’re doing what’s best for both the animal and the adopter,” Veenstra said.