The Animal Rescue Network (A.R.N.) was founded in 1994 by Barbara Lisbona, who is still its current president today. Barbara began as a volunteer at the S.P.C.A. but was discouraged by the conditions, and started a foster home program that placed 700 cats and dogs in 1994-95. Barbara left the S.P.C.A. in 1995 with 35 cats that were slated for euthanasia, and with a donated apartment and assistance from other S.P.C.A. volunteers, founded the ARN.