If you would like to adopt a specific animal, please read everything on this page!

All ARF animals are rescued and fostered by individual foster parents. Foster parents have final say on all adoptions. Most of our pets are listed on Petfinder, along with the contact information for the foster parent.

ARF holds adoption days most Saturdays between 1-3 PM (longer if the weather is nice) at our new location on Railroad Ave. (behind Mill Street) in Sylva. (Get directions from your location). You can also make an appointment with the foster parent.

All adopters fill out a contract and pay an adoption fee. Adopters must be 18, have permission from all members of the household, and have the permission of the landlord. They must also be approved by the foster parent in an interview (you can fill out this application to expedite the interview).

Please check the petfinder listing for adoption fee. For most of its animals, ARF charges an adoption fee of $60 (cats) or $70 (dogs) or $100 (puppies), which partially covers spay or neuter, vaccinations, and other medical treament. Some older animals cost less, and some sought-after breeds cost more. We must also occasionally charge more to recover extra medical costs. ARF spends an average of $150 on each animal, but some require additional care and treatment.

If you would like us to hold a specific animal that you found on Petfinder, follow these instructions:

1. Fill out this application. (we also have a contract which you must fill out in person).
2. Send a confirmation email to the foster parent listed on Petfinder.
3. If you would like us to hold the animal until an agreed-upon date, follow this link to leave a $35 deposit (refundable if animal is placed elsewhere):