Partnering with local shelters, rescues and owner surrenders, we move animals to areas that have the ability to adopt them in their community. Who we are:
Started by Cheryl Lucius and Romaine Kobilsek, Ozark Freedom Drivers mission is to connect animals that have few opportunities for forever homes in Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma and southern Missouri with receiving rescues in other state or by di
rect adoptions. These animals are often abandoned or abused and we provide necessary medical care to stabilize their health prior to transport to other agencies. Why the need:
Often these are animals that are the result of accidental litters ( we insist that mothers be altered when we agree to take the puppies) or have elderly or deceased owners who can no longer care for their pets. How does this work:
Once animals are identified as needing placement, we work directly with our partners to secure a receiving date. We provide the current owners with vaccines, deworming and food if necessary to keep the animals safe. If we feel the animal’s welfare is at risk, we ask our local fosters to house the animals until transport day. If we feel we have an opportunity to place animals locally, they will be highlighted on our page. All animals will have age appropriate vaccines, be microchipped and spay or neutered. The link to our dog application is above! Do we partner with local rescue or shelters:
Absolutely. Often we have local rescues or local shelters that have an abundance of animals that need to be moved to other rescues. We are happy to provide the ride for these animals to communities where they will find their forever homes. What we are NOT:
We are not a rescue. We have no facility to house animals on a long term basis. The vast majority of dogs within our network are "tagged" by receiving rescues and we act as the bridge between their original home and the receiving rescue. Current status:
During the first year of Covid-19, the demand for dogs in northern states was at an all time high. Since the spring of 2021, the demand has slowed significantly and thus the number of transports has slowed as well. We appreciate the opportunity to assist as many animals as possible by providing transport to a better life. What can you do to help us?
1. Raise your hand to foster. We provide puppy pads, food, kennels or exercise pens. Remember fostering can be done on your schedule. The average length of stay is 10 days or less, often just a few nights! You provide the love, we'll supply the rest.
2. Consider becoming a financial sponsor. Our trips are to Rolla Missouri, Collinsville Illinois ,Des Moines Iowa, Rochester Minnesota and Davenport Iowa. A single roundtrip costs on average $120 in gas. We expect 3 trips per month along with making trips locally to evaluate and care for these new recruits. Basic vaccines, deworming and a health certificate has an average cost of $15 per dog. Thanks to great partnerships, we are provided dry dog food at no cost. https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FC2XHX99VL68E If you are able, please donate by choosing Friends and Family on Paypal. This will allow us to have the full value of your donation without fees. Would you prefer to shop for us? We have wish lists at both Walmart and Amazon. Their links are below. Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/lists/shared/WL/920daa6a-9a2b-4c16-afae-c50dcf7ce589
Amazon
https://a.co/jfAVEoI
Would you like to join us in saving lives? Please complete this application and we will give you a call to best match your time and skills with opportunities we have available. https://form.jotform.com/221698258205158
If you would like to donate by check, you may do so by mailing to us at 49 Cargill Drive Bella Vista Arkansas, 72715. Attention Romaine Kobilsek
We are a 501(c)3 charity and your donation is deductible to the extent provided by law. Our EIN number is 88-2392930. Thanks for being part of our life saving organization! Cheryl, Romaine, Paula and Kaye
Board of directors, Ozark Freedom Drivers
