Frequently Asked Questions about ARF

kitten photo Is ARF a shelter?

Is ARF a 501(c)(3) organization? How are you funded?

Are the animals shown on your website available?

What is the fastest way to get in touch with you?

Can I stop by to meet your animals?

Where do all these animals come from?

Are you a "no kill" rescue?

How do these animals get to you from so far away?

How do you pay for all this?
How can I help?

Is ARF a shelter?

We do not operate a shelter. Instead we work through a network of foster homes to house our pets until we can find them a permanent home.

Is ARF a 501(c)(3) organization? How are you funded?

Yes, ARF is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are funded by individual donations as well as various fundraising events. All donations are tax deductible.

Are the animals shown on your website available?

We aim to keep our list very current, so assume that all of the animals are available. If you are interested in one, please go directly to the adoption application. You will also see animals available from ARF in the classified sections of the Aspen Times, Post Independent, and Vail Daily.

What is the fastest way to get in touch with you?

Email if usually faster than phone. We are currently an all volunteer group, and while we endeavor to get back to you as quickly as possible, we also need to take the time to carefully interview each home so that we find homes where the bond will be strong and permanent. Please be patient as this means we can often only get back to one or two people per day.

Can I stop by to meet your animals?

Since we don't have a shelter, you will need an appointment for a volunteer to meet you at the foster home. We will first need an application and interview with you. We will do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible, but this will often take at least a day or two.

Where do all these animals come from?

Many are surrendered locally or are found as strays in the Valley. However, we also take in many animals from all over the state and region. Usually these animals are very much in danger of being put down for lack of space in the shelter they are in. Many have suffered abuse or neglect or need medical attention. Some are even in danger just because they have kennel cough! Once, they are with ARF, they are safe forever.

Are you a "no kill" rescue?

Yes. We strive to find the perfect home for every animal, whatever their needs. This often involves medical care, training, or simply a better situation for that animal.

How do these animals get to you from so far away?

We work closely with Colorado Animal Express, a group in Denver which transports some 30 endangered animals a week from points all over southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas and Kansas, to safety with rescue groups in Colorado and Wyoming. But we still need volunteer help to transport the animals to us from Denver, Colorado Springs or other points.

How do you pay for all this?

Donations, fundraisers, grants, you name it. We do not receive any government funding. This is a constant challenge as there is a large gap between our adoption fees and our expenses.

How can I help?

Many, many ways! Please click on Volunteer or Donate or Be a Foster.