Sky Sanctuary Rescue, a Phoenix nonprofit that rehabilitates street dogs with urgent medical and behavioral needs, says a recent rent hike from its landlord has pushed the organization to the edge. Owners warn that dozens of rescued animals could lose their home if they cannot quickly secure emergency funding or land a new facility.
In an April 1 report from Arizona's Family, sanctuary leaders say the rent increase pushed their monthly costs beyond what they can realistically cover. The station notes that without fast financial help, keeping operations going in the current space would not be feasible.
Small rescue, big needs
Sky Sanctuary describes itself on its website as a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on rescuing street dogs and helping injured or fearful animals become adoptable, according to Sky Sanctuary Rescue. The group highlights medical intervention programs, sanctuary fosters and community outreach, and reports that it has saved roughly 300 animals since 2017, which it notes is possible largely because of donations and volunteer support.
What the filings show
Public filings summarized by Instrumentl list Sky Sanctuary Rescue as a registered public charity with reported assets of about $171,514 and name key staff including director Caitlin Harrell and program manager Kendra Rebilas. Those figures, drawn from the organization’s most recent IRS Form 990, offer only a snapshot of the rescue’s finances as it heads into April 2026.
How supporters are responding
The rescue’s Linktree and donation pages feature Venmo, PayPal, CashApp and other giving options as the group asks for immediate support while leadership weighs its options. Those channels are where Sky Sanctuary is directing people who want to help cover medical care and day-to-day expenses, according to the group's Linktree.
Why rent decisions matter to small nonprofits
Nonprofits that lease their space instead of owning it can be especially vulnerable to abrupt rent increases, since many work with slim margins and have limited unrestricted reserves. The Nonprofit Finance Fund’s analysis of nonprofit real estate finds that property ownership patterns shape how much rent pressure an organization faces and that sudden lease changes often leave small groups choosing between cutting services and undertaking expensive moves, according to the Nonprofit Finance Fund.
What to watch next
Sky Sanctuary’s public posts indicate it is in conversations with volunteers and potential partners about emergency foster placements and possible relocation plans, while supporters on social media are amplifying calls to donate and share the rescue’s story. The group’s website and local coverage remain the clearest ways to track developments as leaders work to avoid shutting down.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available, including if either the sanctuary or the property owner issues a public statement. For now, the rescue’s donation and volunteer pages are the most direct route for people who want to learn how to help.
