Q) Why was Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. founded?
Founded in 1999, Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. (ARF) was formed to rescue dogs and cats from area Animal Control and Humane Society facilities, where they are likely to be euthanized for health reasons, age or overcrowded conditions.
Once we take an animal into our organization, ARF provides a safe and nurturing environment, medical care, immunizations, sterilizations, microchipping, socialization and adoption services.
Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. has ongoing outreach programs in effect, from school and community visits to participation in pet expositions and area fairs where we can get our message across to a wider audience.
Q) What is the organization’s mission?
Animal Resource Foundation, Inc.’s mission is to save and improve the lives of abandoned and abused companion animals throughout the region.
Q) What makes Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. different from other animal rescues and shelters?
We can’t say that we are different from all other rescue groups as we believe every rescue group has the same focus as ARF; finding the best possible home for homeless pets.
Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. does have a small Adoption Center in Chester, Maryland where we house cats and dogs, until we find a foster or permanent home for them. Every morning the first shift begins at 6AM and the last shift ends around 9PM. We begin this early and end this late each day as we start teaching our dogs’ house training.
We also have a program call the “Homeless dog training program” where a group of volunteers come in each day to work with Animal Resource Foundation, Inc.’s dogs to teach them basic behaviors such as, sit, down, walking on a loose leash and some of the volunteers even teach them cute tricks like roll over, paw, and etc. If a dog has a specific problem that needs to be worked with (example: resource guarding) we will put together a behavior modification program so the volunteers can work on the problem behavior.
Every animal that enters ARF is loved and cared for as if they are our own. Each potential adoption undergoes a rigorous selection process in order to place our animals in an appropriate, stable, caring and loving home environment. A home visit is scheduled for every animal, (even if it is out of state) before any adoption is finalized.
Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. has 100+ volunteers whether it is working with the animals or behind the scene doing paperwork, helping with offsite adoptions, grant writers, fundraisers, and etc.
Q) What would you like people to know if they are considering pet adoption?
Before adopting a pet, the adopter should think everything through and ask themselves question such as: Do I have the time for a pet? Can I afford a pet? What type of training and medical care will I need to provide for the animal?
Potential animal adopters should research the type of animal that would be the best fit- for them. Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. tries to match the right pet with the right person/persons. We want each and every animal we put in a home to be there for a lifetime and that it is a happy experience for everyone.
Q) What can readers do to help Animal Resource Foundation, Inc.? How can readers become involved in your organization?
ARF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. does not receive any federal or local government financial support. Our income is derived entirely from adoption fees and donations. Membership in ARF is a great way to help all year long. Your annual check for $25 to $500 helps offset operating and medical expenses. The benefits of membership are many, not to mention the undying gratitude of grateful animals.
There are many volunteer opportunities at Animal Resource Foundation, Inc. We could not survive without the help of dedicated people who share our love of animals. Many opportunities are available for foster families, event and center staffers, dog walkers, cat caretakers, fundraisers, and animal transporters.
You can visit Animal Resource Foundation, Inc.www.arfusa.org for available pets, volunteer information, pet training courses and additional information.
All photos are courtesy of Animal Resource Foundation, Inc.
