Our Companions Animal Rescue
Our Mission
At Our Companions Animal Rescue, we are dedicated to supporting the human-animal bond and helping keep pets and people together through training, education, and prevention. We advocate for animals in need by engaging compassionate people to help provide innovative community programs.
Our Story
Our mission began in 2002, when a generous gift of 43 acres in Ashford, Connecticut, allowed us to create a unique sanctuary dedicated to providing a safe haven for our community’s most vulnerable animals. Since our founding, we have focused on doing the right thing for animals, evolving into a place of rest and recovery for those with special needs.
How We Help
We operate a 47-acre Sanctuary designed to be a home-like, low-stress environment where animals receive personalized medical and behavioral care until they are ready for their forever homes. Beyond our sanctuary, our Valerie Friedman Program Center in Manchester serves as a community hub for dog training, behavioral support, and our unique free Helpline, which offers expert guidance to pet owners across the region.
Your Adoption Journey
We believe in the power of personalized matches, which is why we assign an individual adoption caseworker to work with you throughout your journey. From pre-adoption counseling to our lifelong promise of support, we are here to ensure your new family member thrives in their new home.
Join Us
Whether you are looking to find your perfect pet match or want to support our community-focused mission, we invite you to take the next step today. Please explore our adoptable animals online, contact our Helpline for assistance, or visit us in Manchester to learn more about how you can become part of our compassionate family.
10/16 - It’s Friday and we’re in love with Sage! 😻 Sweet and silly, Sage is seeking a special someone to adopt her! 🩷 Found as a stray cat, she was given only 2-3 months to live, but it’s now been almost a year and she continues to thrive; truly living each day to the fullest! ✨ Now at 2.5 years old, Sage is being fostered by the Good Samaritan that found her and we’re helping Sage find a home of her own! Contact our Adoption Team to learn more about making this lovely lady a permanent furry family member at 860-242-9999 or Helpline@OurCompanions.org. 🐾
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10/11 - An iconic brother and sister pair like no other, say hello to new Sanctuary guests Luke and Leia! ⭐️🌌 Estimated to be around 10 years old, Luke and Leia are Chihuahua/Beagle mixes that were found together abandoned at a warehouse. We welcome the bonded pair to our Sanctuary to provide them with safety, love, and supportive care.❤️ Together they are very sweet and friendly, but separated they are reserved and cautious. We hope to build their confidence during their time with us and give them all the skills they need to navigate this next new chapter! We are so happy you’re with us, Luke and Leia! 😊🐾 If you find yourself at a crossroads with your pet, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our programs and additional resources to best help you and your pet. Visit OurCompanions.org today!
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10/6 - All hands on deck are needed for petting these super sweet kitties! 😍 At only 1-2 years old, mama Sardine had three beautiful babies- Elvira, Jojo, and Pea in Spring of 2026! A Good Samaritan brought them inside to foster them until a permanent home and family was found. The family will be adopted out in pairs- Sardine & Elvira, and Jojo & Pea! Through our Rehoming Program, we’re able to help spread the word about this adorable feline family and find their purrrfect match! Are you their furever family?! Apply today by visiting our website- Link in Bio!
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10/4 - Full of kitten energy, gentle purrs, and infinite headbutts, these charming girls are the total package! 😍 Indie and Sizzle are a young sister pair seeking a home where they can continue to grow and flourish with their family! They would greatly appreciate a quiet home full of patience, love, and compassion. We invite you to learn more about this darling duo by contacting our Adoption Team today at 860-242-9999 or Helpline@OurCompanions.org! 😽 And thank you to media intern and Sanctuary cat volunteer Nadia for putting together this great video of the pair! ❤
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10/3 - We are thrilled to announce that Our Companions Animal Rescue & Sanctuary was included in the Hartford Courant’s Top Workplaces in 2026! 🎉 Not only that, but we were also awarded #1 in the Small Business category! We even received a special “New Ideas” award that outlines innovation, curating a culture in the workplace where new ideas are encouraged and embraced! How amazing! 🤩 The best part about these awards is that they are 100% based on anonymous employee surveys within our organization. It was their feedback that resulted in this recognition, which makes the honor especially meaningful. Though we always knew OC was a special place for many, we truly appreciate the recognition and a moment in the spotlight to share more about the great work our staff do every day! 😊 If you want to become involved in the OC community to donate, volunteer, or work- visit OurCompanions.org! 🔗
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9/30 - Who would’ve thought trying to open a package with ferrets would be pure chaos?! Well- anyone with a ferret would know! 😂 Come join our ferret guests Whisk, Ladle, Mochi, and Boba as they help OC staffer Seth unbox a donation from our Chow Down Showdown! A big thank you to Valerie for the delicious gift for our small animals! 🥰 TODAY is our last day to reach our $10,000 goal of delicious, crucial food and supplies for our special-needs animals at the Sanctuary! Every donation counts and gets us one step closer to hitting our goal- Link in Bio! 🔗🩷
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9/27 - Smart, curious, and cunning, Cadbury arrived at our Sanctuary with a yearning for adventure and excitement! 🤩 This fun-loving boy had lots of energy and we wanted to provide him positive activities where he could shine! Therefore, our team worked on clicker training with Cadbury, having him jump over hurdles, go through agility courses, and learn new tricks to show off to his friends! 🐾🐰 Over time, Cadbury built beautiful bonds with his human friends, and now asks for daily snuggles and kisses! It’s so incredible to see how much Cadbury has thrived with us. 🥰 Arriving as a bored bun unsure of what to do, to a bun with fulfilling hobbies, skills, and friendships! Now, Cadbury is ready to find his next adventure- a home of his very own! 🏡💝 Contact our Adoption Team today at OurCompanions.org to learn more about courageous Cadbury and his hope for a home! 😊
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