Frequently Asked Questions
• It is a good idea to introduce the pet to family members or roommates before you adopt.
• Realize that adults, not children, must be responsible for the pet’s care.
• Make sure you can afford food, shelter, medical care for your pet, clean litter, emergency medical care, boarding or house-sitting when you travel, and/or obedience training.
• Realize you and your pet will need time to adjust to each other. • Make sure your family has plenty of time to spend with your pet.
• Educate yourself. Many animals are surrendered because owners didn’t understand the needs of the breed.
• Make sure the type of animal you are considering will be compatible with your life style.
• Make sure you can be responsible for keeping your pet enclosed, safe and warm, and out of danger.
• Be prepared to deal with behavior problems such as chewing or scratching.
Adopted pets are your responsibility. You should not adopt a pet if you are unwilling or unable to devote the time to find it another home.
The Animal Shelter is always full to capacity. If you surrender your dog to a shelter, it will probably be euthanized within 3-7 days. ARF volunteers keep pets in their homes. After they place pets, they rescue others. They are frequently unable to take your pet back for space reasons.
Abandoning animals anywhere is a crime. If ARF finds your abandoned pet, they will notify county authorities.
• Educate. Tell friends that even one litter of puppies or kittens means at least that many others will be euthanized or abandoned. If they already have puppies or kittens, tell them placing them through us will ensure they are vaccinated and neutered. Encourage others to adopt homeless animals, and let them know the hidden costs of “free” animals. Alert authorities about animal cruelty (it’s often linked to other kinds of abuse). Spread the word about puppy mills, pet stores that sell pets, and irresponsible breeding practices.
• Fix your pet! Two unfixed cats can create millions of kittens in just a few years.
• Don’t buy or breed! Every pet you buy means another needless death.
• Volunteer. ARF always needs people who can foster, raise funds, transport animals, repair fences, help with our spay/neuter trips, & more.
Because we are committed to transparency,you can see how we spend our money by checking the link on our home page.
Because we have no paid employees, you know your money doesn’t pay salaries.
Because we have served this community since 1978, you know we have a proven track record.