To ensure a happy and successful adoption process for both people and pets, we follow the policies outlined below:
Visiting ARF
Visiting ARF is by appointment only. First, all potential adopters must fill out an application. Then, an adoption coordinator will reach out to schedule a visit after they’ve reviewed your application. This process may take up to 5 business days, although we typically complete them sooner. At this time, ARF does not offer same-day meet-and-greets or open adoption hours.
Age of Adopters
Adopters need to be at least 18 years old.
Adopting a Kitten
ARF adopts single kittens to households who have another cat as a companion. One of the best ways to support a kitten’s behavioral and emotional development is to ensure they have a companion. Contrary to the common belief that cats are solitary creatures, they are actually highly social animals that thrive when they have feline friends from an early age. If you’d like a kitten, but don’t have another cat at home, we encourage adopting a pair of kittens or considering a younger adult cat instead.
Adopting a Puppy
Puppies need ample attention, patience, training, socialization, and supervision. To help make sure they receive the time and energy they require, we only adopt puppies to households with children ages 4 years and older.
Households with Dogs
If you are looking to adopt a dog and already have dog(s) at home, they will need to come with you to meet the potential adoptee.
Placing an Animal
Please note that completing an adoption application does not guarantee an adoption. It is common for animals to receive multiple inquiries, and our goal is to place pets with owners who can best accommodate the animal’s specific needs. Misrepresentations on an application will automatically disqualify you from adoption.
Returning an Animal
We are committed to the cats and dogs adopted from ARF for the rest of their lives. While we aim to make loving, long-term matches, we understand that sometimes things do not go as planned. If you are ever unable or unwilling to care for the cat or dog you adopted from ARF, please return them to us.
Pets as Gifts
Please note that adopters, including at least one adult who will live with the pet, must visit the cat or dog at ARF as part of the adoption process. Choosing a pet is a personal decision and plays an important role in making a lifelong commitment to a new family member. We encourage people interested in gifting a pet to instead surprise the recipient with a scheduled adoption visit at ARF so they can be a part of choosing their new cat or dog.
In-Person Pick-Ups (No Shipping)
Adoptions must be done in person, we do not offer shipping for adoptions. Adoption appointments will be made after your adoption application has been reviewed.
No Holds
Adoptions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis for adopters who fit the animal’s needs. Sorry, we will not hold pets.
Adoption Fees
See Adoption Fees tab.
If you have any questions about ARF’s adoption process, please use our Contact Form or message us on Facebook or Instagram.
