The organization known to many as Big Sky Ranch/CATNIP Foundation is now Big Sky CARES (Community Animal Resources and Education Services). Our name change reflects the growth of our organization since its founding 10 years ago. Today, our operations encompass two facilities and more than a dozen programs aimed at keeping animals out of shelters. In 2021, we moved our base of operations from Big Sky Ranch to a 6,000 sq. ft. multi-use facility at 82060 Highway 25 in Folsom, Louisiana. Our Big Sky CARES facility houses a low-cost community animal clinic and hospital; the Calico Cat Cafe Adoption Center, where Big Sky pets mingle with potential adopters; a retail shop featuring locally handmade goods, animal-themed art and gifts, and discounted pet supplies; pet boarding space; and warehouse storage space for use in our role as an affiliate of Rescue Bank, a program of Greater Good Charities.

 

After only one year in this new location, we are already expanding again!

 

As soon as we settled into our new headquarters, Hurricane Ida hit and the numbers of people and animals in need of our help skyrocketed. To better serve our community, we embarked on a project in 2022 that will further expand our capacity to accept animals into our care. By rededicating some of our ample warehouse space, we will create permanent new space for intake and housing for dogs and cats. This will be a costly endeavor because it will require skilled labor and building supplies at a time when contractors are in high demand across south Louisiana.

 

You can help us meet this challenge and “pave the way” for saving more lives!