Our History
Welcome to Scooters Underdogs Rescue Inc.
Scooter’s Underdogs is a nonprofit animal rescue based in Elk Park, North Carolina, dedicated to filling the gap in Avery County, which lacks animal control services. Since 2021, the organization has rescued over 700 displaced cats and dogs, providing them with life-saving care. Beyond rescue efforts, Scooter’s Underdogs supports the community through a free pet tag program, a free dog house initiative, a low-cost spay/neuter program, and a free pet food pantry.
In times of crisis, their mission extends beyond animals. After Hurricane Helene, they provided essential aid to both pets and people, distributing heaters, initiating propane giveaways, organizing helicopter drops, and securing temporary housing for those in need. Operating a pet supply distribution center from their rescue building, they continue to strive to be a resource for both people and animals.
A journal entry from Scooter, written January 2025
“Since Helene hit on September 27th, the organization has not only assisted animals in distress but also supported humans in need. Scooter's Underdogs Rescue has rescued dozens of stranded and abandoned dogs and cats, provided over 10,000 lbs of food, replaced over 100 dog houses so far, and made way for 3 mobile vet clinics. They also addressed the urgent need for heating early on. Through partnerships and generous donors, they have distributed hundreds of kerosene, electric, and propane heaters and tanks, and coordinated multiple propane giveaways in different communities.
Their next mission is to help bring mental health professionals to the area on Easter weekend to further support the community. The motto is to "Always root for the underdog"; and within moments, suddenly everyone felt like an underdog. The mission adapted as the developing needs adjusted. The group will also soon sponsor the spay/neuter surgeries for as many animals as funding permits them to. Addressing the major needs in both their animal and human community remains their focus. Finding solutions through the generous partnerships they receive contributes to their ongoing operations and goals.”
How we operate:
For dogs like Scooter...
- Our dogs are visited 3 times a day, often more, by our trained team of volunteers.
- Each visit is carefully documented on the corresponding kennel chart.
- Our dogs listen to music, watch movies and TV, or sometimes enjoy peace and quiet while we are away.
- Each of our kennels are designed so each dog has a “room with a view”- no wall staring around here!
- All kennels have 24/7 access cameras for continued monitoring.