About Us
what we do
About our Shelter
Our Mission is to rescue and rehabilitate the lost and homeless animals of the City of Bella Vista. We provide food, shelter and medical care for animals in need until they can be reunited or adopted into loving homes. These are animals that would otherwise be left to search for food and defend themselves against predators.
If you would like to directly impact these animals lives please see our Wish List
Finding Loving Homes
Our shelter takes the stray animals from the City of Bella Vista off the streets. We hold lost animals for 7-10 days while looking for an owner. If an owner is not located in that time period we will begin steps have the animal adopted.
We are not a large enough shelter to take in surrendered animals. Bella Vista Animal Shelter will provide available resources to help owners care for their animals.
Steps to Adoption
- Fill out an application for a dog or cat
- Bring in your animal(s) to meet the prospective adoptee
- Pay adoption fee $75 for Dogs & $60 for Cats
- Have a leash or carrier handy
- Provide a loving furever home
who we are
Our Philosophy
- Every animal should be spayed / neutered
- We can find the perfect home for any animal, eventually
- Every pet is a therapy animal
- If animal behavior changes drastically, take them to a veterinarian
- Our first priority is to the animals we care for
The Story of the Bella Vista Animal Shelter
The Bella Vista Animal Shelter began with a simple act of compassion in 1985. Nicole Miles, then the Benton County Animal Control Officer, found a stray mother dog with four puppies. Rather than taking them to a facility that might not guarantee their survival, Nicole teamed up with Deputy Sheriff Phil Sciumbato to find them a safe place. With help from the Bella Vista Water Department—who donated an 8’x12’ shed—and Cooper Realty—who provided a piece of land to place it on—they built a temporary refuge for the little family.
That modest beginning sparked something bigger. A Board of Directors soon formed, bylaws were written, and the shelter officially incorporated in the State of Arkansas. By 1996, the Bella Vista Animal Shelter had gained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
By 1992, the shelter was taking in more than 200 animals a year—far too many for the tiny 96-square-foot shed. Nicole Miles, who had become the Shelter Manager, launched a building campaign. With support from local businesses, contractors, and generous residents, they raised a 20’x36’ prefabricated building. Volunteers from the community stepped up to help care for the animals and keep the shelter clean.
In 1997, Nicole’s sister Donna Miles took over as Shelter Manager. Intake had doubled to over 400 animals a year, but resources were limited. The adoption rate hovered at 49%, while euthanasia rates were still high at 42%. These were tough years, but the shelter remained committed to doing better.
A turning point came in 2005 when the shelter took in 33 Beagles from a puppy mill bust. The influx of dogs made it clear that more space was urgently needed. The community rallied once again to build “Nibble’s House,” adding 1,620 square feet. In 2006, the “Dewey Leines” office followed, adding another 1,088 square feet. Then in 2008, the original building’s heating and cooling systems failed. Rather than patch it up, the team added a 2,520-square-foot annex to Nibble’s House, effectively replacing the old structure.
That same year, long-time board member and treasurer Dee Dee Knight Matney transitioned into the role of Executive Director. She led the shelter with dedication until her retirement in 2021. After Dee Dee’s retirement, Nancy Cullins took the reins as Executive Director. In 2010, Laurie May stepped in as Shelter Manager and continues to serve in that role today.
For years, the Bella Vista Animal Shelter struggled with the label “no-kill,” because its euthanasia rates were too high. But in 2009, for the first time, that rate dropped below 10%, officially earning the “no-kill” designation and has continued to earn that designation each year since.
December 2021, the shelter was honored to be featured on the HGTV show Fixer to Fabulous in a holiday special titled “Holiday Surprise.” Hosts Dave and Jenny Marrs gave the facility a heartwarming makeover, updating spaces like the kennels, cat room, office, and kitchen, and decorating for a festive adoption event. During filming, cast member Joe Looney adopted a shelter dog named Spirit—adding an emotional highlight to the episode. The show brought national attention to the shelter and lifted spirits for staff, volunteers, and the community.
In 2024, the shelter took in over 550 animals, with more than 180 successfully reunited with their families and more than 275 finding loving new homes.
Microchipping and the widespread use of social media have played a big role in reuniting lost pets with their owners. Today, all adopted animals are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped before they go to their new homes.
The City of Bella Vista continues to contract with the shelter, allowing it to serve the needs of pets and people in the area. This unique partnership between the nonprofit shelter and the city remains strong—built on compassion, cooperation, and a shared love of animals.
Meet the Team
Nancy Cullins was hired as Executive Director in 2022. She had a short sabbatical in 2024 but is back to supporting the fundraising opportunities at the Bella Vista Animal Shelter. She brings a broad range of experience from teaching to marketing with a strong focus on project management.
Her love of animals led her to the BVAS Board of Directors where she quickly engaged in policy initiatives, fundraising and volunteering.
Her efforts have created a stable income for the lost and homeless animals of Bella Vista. With the strong support of the Board of Directors, Nancy will facilitate a Capital Campaign in 2025-2026 to remodel an existing shelter building for better use. Expect record breaking fundraisers.
Nancy’s guiding philosophy: I’ve never met a stranger.
Jeremy Velten has been a proud resident of Bella Vista for the past decade. As a devoted animal lover, Jeremy and his adopted Shar-Pitty, Lulu, who he adopted from the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, are a testament to his passion for animal welfare.
Since 2017, Jeremy has served on the Board of Directors for the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, including five years as Vice President and currently as the Board President. With over 20 years of experience at Walmart in both store and corporate roles, and holding multiple patents for his inventions, Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise to the shelter.
His commitment to the shelter’s mission is unwavering. He believes in providing care and sanctuary to lost and homeless dogs and cats, and emphasizes the importance of educating the community on responsible pet ownership. As the Board President, Jeremy ensures the financial stewardship of the shelter’s resources, advocating for the best outcomes for the animals in their care.
Jeremy is inspired by the dedication of the shelter’s supporters and staff. He believes that the success of the Bella Vista Animal Shelter is due to the extraordinary commitment of its community, and he is honored to contribute to its mission.
My name is Anita Werts and I have lived in Bella Vista for 39 years. Chances are we have met at one time or another. In my professional life I retired after 32 years from Village Insurance. I have served on the Bella Vista Animal Shelter board or been involved with the shelter for over 25 years. I have been hosting the BVAS Charity Garage Sale since its inception for the past 18 years at my home and chair for the Pars 4 Paws golf tournament. In my previous board roles I’ve maintained all the bookkeeping for the animal shelter as the treasurer. I am passionate about this shelter and want to ensure the shelter continues to do good work for years to come. Everything I do is to save as many animals as possible. I have also volunteered with other organizations. My experience includes 17 years as the secretary/treasurer for the BV Kiwanis Club, 20 years as treasurer for the BV Business Association, 5 years on the POA Board, serving one of those years as board chair. I also have been a chairperson at the LPGA for 16 years.
Dixie loves BVAS and volunteers for just about everything the shelter asks her for. She is looking forward to helping with the administration, planning and fundraising portion from the Board.
Her experience with rescue, fostering and volunteering as well as management, computer and event planning skills will make an excellent addition to the BVAS board.
Sherry Morris has resided in Bella Vista since December 2021. Lived in Houston from 1977 to 2021. Born and raised in Southern California. Father and grandparents born and raised in Paris, Arkansas. Member of Bella Vista Rotary Club and Bella Vista Garden Club.
Graduated from University of Houston, BA in Communications
Retired from BP America in Houston Texas in January 2021. Employed for 12 years as Paralegal/Project Manager. Previously worked as parale- gal for various law firms for 30 plus years.
While at BP co-chaired Think Pink fundraiser for several years raising tens of thousands of dollars for breast cancer awareness each year.
Volunteered at animal shelters, participated in trap, neuter, release pro- gram in neighborhood. Personally has 4 cats and 1 dog all rescues. She loves animals of all kinds including the deer she feeds.
Kathy Griffith grew up in Iowa in a family of pet lov- ers. She spent 22 years in Texas before moving to Bella Vista in 2005 to continue her 30-year career in corporate architecture, design, construction, real es- tate and project management with Walmart Corpo- rate Real Estate. After retiring in 2019, Kathy excit- edly joined the Bella Vista Animal Shelter Board to help the homeless and abandoned fur babies of our community live their best lives until they find the forever loving homes they all deserve. She has pro- vided a loving home for many rescues, 3 dogs and 4 cats, and is most recently a new mom to BVAS res- cue pup Gracie. When not supporting the shelter, she enjoys golf, music, art, theater and spending time with family and friends.
Brandon is a real go getter. A local small business’ owner dedicated to helping the animals of Bella Vista. He has volunteered for multiple shelter community events, and helps at BVAS weekly cleaning and walking animals. His background in sales and knowledge in construction will benefit the shelter as we build a new facility to house more animals.
Brandon is looking to make an impact, in the best possible way, for the employees, animals and the overall success of our shared mission, to help the animals of Bella Vista.
Amy has two Corgi’s and has participated in some BVAS fundraisers. She was impressed by the shelter and wanted to participate in a meaningful way.
Amy has a background in event planning. She has volunteered in the community through Church and various outreach programs by organizing group meals.
Jewel Williams grew up in Texas and moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas
in 2021 upon retirement. Jewel holds a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree in Accounting from Texas A & M University.
Jewel has over 30 years of healthcare experience both financially as
well as operationally, and was a contract negotiator for the past 8
years of employment. She enjoys keeping up her computer skills and
working with spreadsheets. She currently volunteers at the animal
shelter where her love of animals and heart for service to her
community are seen. She is also the current president of the Bella
Vista Hill N Dale hiking club. Jewel also provides a loving home to
two dogs, Bolt and Trixie, as well as four pet chickens. Jewel enjoys
hiking, golf, traveling, kayaking, working out, and learning new things.
She loves the outdoors and being surrounded by nature. She is also
the mother of two sons and 3 grandchildren.
I am an Arkansas native and have lived in various parts of NWA throughout my life. I have two adopted dogs of my own, Maia and Winnie, who are my entire world! Always having a passion for animals, I volunteered at local shelters in high school/college and have continued volunteering into my adult years. My goal in life is pretty simple – Make an impact by helping save as many animals as possible, while educating our community about animal welfare and supporting them in making a difference.”
Along with our two little rescue dogs, my husband and I have lived in Bella Vista since we purchased our home six years ago, in 2018. We moved here from Florida to be near our daughter and her family, and this truly feels like home. We are retired and are thankful for the time we now have for volunteering. My husband, Larry, is a member of the group that maintains Tanyard Creek Nature Trail.
During my working years, I gained experience in marketing/advertising, promotions, fundraising, and grant writing, and I’m hoping to contribute to the success and growth of the BVAS utilizing some of these skills.
Our granddog, Sam Graham the beagle, introduced us to the wonderful BV shelter and was adopted by our son in 2021. We have adopted many rescues over the years, and we preach the ‘gospel of rescuing’ everywhere we go.
Dana Ponczek holds a dual degree in Chemistry and Forensic Science from Alvernia College (now known as Alvernia University), as well as a Masters in Marketing. Dana began her career as a formulation chemist and transitioned to the retail sector 10 years ago. Throughout her career, Dana has received numerous industry recognitions for her contributions in the diabetic space.
In 2022, Dana was honored with the prestigious Sam Walton Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the visionary and cost-effective launch of ReliOn Analog Insulin, a project that has had significant financial and life-saving impacts. Recognized as a respected leader and mentor, Dana consistently excels both individually and as part of a team to achieve successful outcomes.
Dana has been a lifelong animal owner and maintains a deep passion for pets, adopting her beloved fur babies from the Bella Vista Animal Shelter. Her dedication to animal welfare extends beyond her professional life, as she actively works to help animals through various initiatives.
In 2014, Dana co-founded a 5013C organization with friends, aimed at assisting the elderly in their community. Additionally, she has been a devoted volunteer for the NWA Big Brother Big Sister Program, maintaining a lasting relationship with her “little”. Dana also supports NWA Equality as an Ally, contributing wherever and whenever possible. Driven by a purpose to make a meaningful difference in the community, Dana’s efforts continue to positively impact those around her.
Dianne Hume