Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven secures permanent location
by Anna Holton-Dean
After nearly 18 months without a permanent home, Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven is finally building again.
In early April, the rescue proudly broke ground on its new facility, marking a major milestone in its search for a long-term location. The new Haven will sit on a two-acre property just north of Collinsville, near the Washington-Rogers county line at East 390 Road and North 4040 Road.
The land itself carries a story of its own. Sold to the organization by rescue supporter Deanna Fulton, the property has been in her family for more than 50 years. Supporting the rescue in this way, Fulton said, felt deeply personal. Her late father loved animals, and her family has adopted from Ward-Wiseman in the past.
This new chapter follows a difficult one. Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven lost access to its long-time facility in Collinsville after its permit to operate on city-associated property expired and the city discontinued utility support. Without the ability to remain on-site, the rescue was forced to vacate, leaving the organization without a physical shelter.
The past 18 months have forced the team to adapt to less-than-ideal circumstances. Still, they’ve continued their work, relying on temporary solutions while searching for a more stable, flexible location. During that time, the rescue has maintained office hours two days a week at Scoops & Grinds coffee and ice cream shop in Collinsville.
“We are so thankful to Scoops & Grinds for providing us with a space to continue our work,” says Kennel Supervisor/Marketing Manager Kyndall Adkisson. “From our little office setup inside a coffee and ice cream shop, we’ve been able to stay connected with our supporters, coordinate care and keep moving forward for the animals who depend on us.”
Adkisson says the coffee shop’s generosity provided a sense of stability when the rescue’s future was unknown.
“This is just one of the many meaningful ways our community has continued to show up for Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven. Throughout this whole ordeal, local support has meant everything to us!”
The new location will provide fewer zoning restrictions, while lower operational costs are expected to make a lasting difference in the rescue’s ability to serve animals in need.
According to Board President Coza Huffman, the new facility will mirror the layout of the previous shelter but offer key improvements. Plans include a 40-by-60-foot building with 18 dog kennels and space to house approximately 10 cats, providing a safer, more modern environment for the animals in their care.
“We will also have an indoor meet and greet room that we did not have before that will give people a chance to get to know the animals and determine if they are a fit for their family,” Huffman says.
August Custom Homes is leading the construction project. The organization is working to raise $100,000 in donations to bring it to completion, relying on the same community support that has sustained it for years.
Founded in 2008, Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven has remained committed to providing a safe, no-kill environment for homeless and abandoned animals from local shelters and owner surrenders. Despite operating at full capacity for much of its history, the rescue has successfully adopted out more than 1,400 animals while maintaining a strict spay-and-neuter policy.
Looking forward, Huffman says the groundbreaking wasn’t just about construction — it was a moment of relief, celebration and renewed hope.
“This groundbreaking was just the first step in getting this new facility started for us. It is absolutely a relief. … We’re very excited to be working with the local communities for future animal welfare.”
If all goes as planned, the new facility is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. Until then, Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven will continue to rely heavily on donations, fundraisers and community support to turn this long-awaited vision into reality.
Learn more about the project and how to get involved at wardwiseman.com.
