The Heart of Ridgecrest: 

The Story of the For decades, the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter has stood as one of the most compassionate and community-centered organizations in the Indian Wells Valley. Since the very beginning, its mission has been simple but profound: to protect animals, support responsible pet ownership, and strengthen the bond between pets and the people who love them.

A Legacy of Service

The Ridgecrest Animal Shelter has been serving the community for many years, becoming a trusted safe haven for lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals. Their doors have remained open through changing times, always guided by the belief that every animal deserves kindness, care, and the chance at a better life.

Over the years, the shelter has grown not only in size but also in impact. From reuniting families with lost pets to helping thousands of animals find new homes, their work has touched nearly every corner of the community.

A Pillar of Knowledge and Compassion

What sets the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter apart is not just its dedication, but the people who make it run. The staff and volunteers are known for their warmth, patience, and depth of knowledge. Whether someone is looking to adopt, searching for a missing pet, or needing guidance on training, health, or licensing, the shelter is always ready with helpful, informative support.

Their commitment goes beyond daily care—they educate the public, provide resources, and work tirelessly to ensure pets and owners have the best possible start together.

Honored by the Classic Burgers Classic Car Show

From its very first year, the Classic Burgers Classic Car Show chose the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter as its charitable recipient—and that relationship has lasted ever since.

The car show’s founder Crafty Kate recognized early on that the shelter was more than just a place for animals; it was a community anchor, a service that improves lives across Ridgecrest. Each year, the event’s support has helped fund shelter improvements, medical care, food, enrichment programs, and adoption initiatives.

This long-standing partnership is a testament to how deeply the shelter’s work resonates with the people of Ridgecrest.

A New Chapter: Friends of the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter

In 2025, a major milestone marked the next step in the shelter’s journey—the formation of Friends of the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter, an independent nonprofit created to further support the shelter’s mission.

This group was established to expand fundraising, improve facilities, promote community involvement, and ensure that Ridgecrest’s animals continue to receive the highest level of care. Through events, outreach, and volunteer programs, the nonprofit strengthens the bridge between the shelter and the people it serves.

A Community Treasure

Today, the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter remains one of the most respected and beloved organizations in the region. Its legacy is built not only on the animals it has saved, but on the hope, education, and kindness it has brought to the community.

Whether through decades of compassionate service, its partnership with the Classic Burgers Classic Car Show, or the launch of its new nonprofit supporters group, the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter continues to show what can happen when a community comes together for a cause that truly matters.