"A.R.F." of South Florida, is seeking donations for the purchase of their "adoption shuttle".
Who We Are
Animal Rescue Force of South Florida, ?.A.R.F.? which incorporated on September 2, 2005 might sound like a new organization, however, the truth is that A.R.F was originally founded as a result of ?Animal Day? a proclamation signed by then, Mayor Walling and the dedication and guidance of Jo Anne and Ronald Garretson., on October 12, 1974, in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
On October 12, 1974 volunteers gathered at the Brunswick Square Mall with their hearts in their mouth, tears in their eyes full of anticipation but also fearful that the 10 animals that they had to adopt out would not be adopted, but soon enough their concerns would become history. The exhibit doors were officially opened at 10:00am and by 10:30am not only were the 10 homeless animals adopted but the volunteers had returned to the pound to rescue more animals. Consequently, by 7:00pm that evening the volunteers had found homes for an additional 117 animals.
During the next few months many obstacles were overcome. In January of 1975, Ron Garretson suggested to build a ?Petmobile?. A vehicle that would go to the pound, pick up the animals and take them to the shopping malls and adopt them out right from the ?Petmobile?. In other words, take the pound to the people. Although, raising the funds to cover the expenses was another challenge, the volunteers once again found a way to overcome this challenge. Every year a township survey must be made of unlicensed dogs. By doing the survey the volunteers felt that they could raise enough funds to build their ?Petmobile?. Others had done the survey in prior years and had turned in 300 names, so the 300 mark was set as their goal. By the end of the 6 week period, 1,703 names of unlicensed dogs were handed in. All of the volunteers went to work and from engineers, to businessmen, to secretaries and housewives, all hammered and painted to get the ?Petmobile? rolling. Up until that time, the volunteers called themselves ?The Concerned Citizens for Animals of East Brunswick?. However, on July 26, 1975, Animal Rescue Force, the ?Petmobile?, was officially incorporated. During their first year, the ?Petmobile? found homes for 1,057 dogs and cats
Several years later, and many rescues, Jo Anne and her husband retired to Florida, and left a successful rescue group in the hands of dedicated volunteers. Few years later, Jo Anne and her husband Ronny decided to start another rescue group in South Florida, and once again, ARF-The Petmobile was founded in Palm Beach County. After nine successful years, over 8,000 adoptions and three presidents later, the most recent president decided to retire and dissolve the organization. Although, it was a decision not accepted by the members, the Board voted, 11/8 to dissolve ARF. Subsequently, ARF-The Petmobile, was dissolved on August 9, 2005.
Immediately thereafter, once again, with the guidance of Jo Anne Garretson, the volunteers regrouped, a Board of Directors was formed, and with the assistance of one of the volunteers, Steffani Martin, an application for incorporation was completed and submitted. The corporation was officially formed on September 2, 2005, followed by the 501 (c) (3) status, and with the direction of Peter J. Torres- President, Donald R. Wulff- vice-President, Kristin Larson-Recording Secretary, Edgar Colon-Corresponding Secretary, Jo Anne Garretson-Treasurer, Steffani Martin-Director, Robert Kussner-Director, Deon Jones- Director, and Emily Cross- Director, Animal Rescue Force of South Florida, Inc. was founded.
?A.R.F?s? kick off event, the Delray Beach Garlic Fest was a huge success. During the event the group found good, loving homes for 11 animals and raised a significant amount of funds. To-date, ?A.R.F.? has been able to find good loving homes for many homeless animals. In addition, A.R.F. has secured several adoption locations throughout Palm Beach County.
The group?s diligent efforts continue to be focused on finding homes for homeless pets and rescuing animals from local shelters, while promoting that every animal should be spayed or neutered.
Adopting a friend
Dogs and cats available for adoption from ARF have been spayed or neutered, have their shots and tests, and are ID micro-chipped. All you have to provide is a loving home. We go to busy shopping centers and we very carefully, screen prospective adopters so as to find these pets good loving and forever homes!
Come Visit Us!
Please ask for ARF volunteers and visit our cats and kittens @
Pet Supermarket @- 4741 N. Congress Ave, Boynton Beach and
Pet Supermarket@ 7201 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth
Animal Rescue Force of South Florida Inc. P.O. Box 213072
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter
