Click here for a map to our shelter.

Adopting a friend

Adopters must be 18 years of age or older.

Dogs may be adopted for $125 ($100 for seniors). and cats for $85 ($65 for seniors).

Puppies and dogs under 30 lbs may be adopted for $140 ($125 for seniors).

The fee includes a certificate to have your new pet spayed or neutered free of charge, a free vet exam, and free 4 lb. bag of Science Diet pet food. Cats are also tested for FIV/FeLV. If you use a vet outside our affiliated vet system you may be given a voucher for $60.

All pets are dewormed, current on their distemper vaccinations, and treated for fleas/ticks (if needed).

Who We Are

ARF began in 1988 when a few friends got together to volunteer at the City Shelter in the hope of making the lives of shelter animals better, and to help rescue animals in abusive situations. On January 1, 2001, the city turned over operation of the shelter to ARF. The first thing done was the dismantling of the primitive gas chamber. Since then the percentage of dogs and cats adopted out has increased greatly, and the numbers of animals euthanized went from in the hundreds down to in the 20s per year, and then only for illness, injury or behavior beyond ARF's means to cure. Euthanasia, when done, is done by a veterinarian by injection. When we become overcrowded at the shelter, we turn to foster homes, something which ARF began which the city had not done previously. We strive to educate the public on the care and responsibility of pet guardianship through leaflets, newsletters, newspaper articles and our website. We rescue animals from abusive situations and we seek veterinary care for animals who need it. Animals in our care receive vaccinations at the appropriate ages, they are de-wormed, treated for flea and tick infestation if necessary, fed, groomed, exercised, socialized and played with in order to provide them with as good a life as possible while they await a home. Adopted animals leave ARF with certificates for a free spay/neuter surgery.

Can't Adopt? Consider FOSTERING

Many people are interested in helping ARF's animals in one way or another. Whatever way of supporting ARF suits an individual, we are always grateful. There is one way, however, where we could use a lot more help and that is in fostering animals. Perhaps it's a cat who is extremely fearful and needs some socialization in a home before being placed up for adoption. Or maybe a situation such as a dog who becomes so stressed by being in the shelter environment that she becomes unable to nurse them. Or perhaps a cat needs a quiet place to raise her new kittens. There may be orphan babies who need to be bottle-fed. Whatever the need, ARF would love to have several foster "parents" available on whom we could call. Fostering is not easy but it's very rewarding. ARF will give them their first vaccinations, de-worming, and supply food and kitty litter. You supply the warm house, time, and the love. If you would like to try fostering, call ARF at (715)394-PETS during visiting hours and stop by to fill out a foster application.

Volunteering

Volunteers walk the dogs and play with puppies.

Volunteers socialize and play with cats and kittens.

Volunteers are needed to transport pets to and from vet appointments.

ARF volunteers are rewarded with an endless supply of purrs, licks, and tail wags.

Volunteers are always needed for fundraising and special events.