Who is ARF? Is ARF a shelter? Don't we already have great shelters in this area? How can ARF help these animals? How, more specifically, will you do this? Is ARF a 501(c) 3 organization? How are you funded?

We don't currently have a shelter, but we hope to work with all of the shelters in our area to help to increase their adoption rates. ARF will rescue animals and place them in foster homes or local boarding kennels. We will raise money to build a shelter in the near future should the current shelter space remain insufficient. .

If you are interested in adopting an animal, please fill out an application at www.arf-colorado.com.  Once we review it, we will call you to go over any questions and can tell you more about the particular animal that you are adopted in, or suggest which of our animals may be appropriate for you.

Are the animals listed on your web site 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 application.

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.

What are your adoption fees?

Adoption fees are currently $75 for cats, $150 for puppies and purebreds, and $100 for all other dogs. 

What do these fees include?

Every animal is current on all vaccinations and spayed or neutered.  Puppies and kittens are wormed.  Puppies and kittens under 6 months of age may not have had their rabies shots yet.  They will often also need to have their vaccinations boosted, especially if they are under 16 weeks of age.  This will be the responsibility of the adopting home should they be due for a booster or rabies shot after they are adopted.

Is there anything else to the adoption process?

Yes, we require that you sign a contract with us, promising that you will give the animal proper food, exercise and medical care among other things, and that should you ever have to surrender the animal (which we certainly hope you will not), that it must be returned to ARF or an ARF approved rescue group or home. 

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 kennel or 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.  We do host adoption days the first Saturday of every month from 11am-3pm at Petco in Glenwood Springs as well as other local events.  Please see our ads in the Aspen Times, Post Independent and Vail Daily  each Wednesday,  as well as our web site for adoption days, locations and times.

Where do all these animals come from?

Many are surrendered locally or found stray in Basalt.  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 here, 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.

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 see our “How can I help” page or click here.  (insert link here!)