A.R.F.-Animal Rescue Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3), no-kill humane society based in Wheaton, IL (the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois). Our family of volunteers is dedicated to rescuing, fostering, and caring for homeless dogs and orphan cats while we find them their forever homes. We promote spay/neuter programs to help reduce pet overpopulation and work within communities throughout Illinois to assist and educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
You can choose from our pets to adopt a dog or adopt a cat. We do not house pets in a physical location like some animal shelters, but we do have many cats and kittens for adoption and dogs and puppies for adoption.
We conduct cat and dog adoption events primarily in DuPage County, IL including Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Lisle, Darien, Lombard, and Naperville.
Mission and Vision
A.R.F. frequently takes in animals that other rescue groups will not, due to high medical or recuperation needs. Also, we rescue and adopt out healthy animals, which benefits them and helps us raise the funds needed to care for the rest.
A.R.F. saves over 1,000 homeless cats and dogs every year from high-kill shelters throughout the Midwest. We transport the pets to a central location in Wheaton, IL, where we examine them and identify any medical needs. Then, our team administers the first round of treatment for parasites and vaccines, and one of our supporting veterinarians prepares a detailed care plan.
From there, these pets are placed in a foster home. Their foster families help them recuperate from their life on the street and give them the love they need to make a full recovery. The foster parents patiently work with their animals to socialize them and prepare them for life with their forever families. We are proud to accomplish all we do with our volunteers while remaining a primarily foster home based group. The foster home environment allows our animals to receive the care they deserve and the training they may need. Learn more about how you can save pets by becoming a dog or cat foster.
Adoption Policy
Adoption Requirements You must be at least 18 years of age with a valid photo ID, submit an A.R.F. online adoption application, and be approved to adopt. All animals in your household must be spayed or neutered, current with all vaccinations (including rabies, distemper and bordetella for dogs; rabies and distemper for cats), and dogs must be heartworm tested and on heartworm and flea preventative. You must verify that you are allowed to have pets of the breed and size where you live. Before you are approved, A.R.F. volunteers must speak with your landlord or HOA/condo association representative. All human household members and resident dogs (if adopting another dog) must be in attendance on the day of the adoption to meet the new pet and agree that adoption is a good decision. The A.R.F. representative present and leading the adoption must agree that the pet's placement with any particular family is in the pet's best interest. You must be able to commit the time and resources needed to care for the pet. You must be able to take the pet home on the day of adoption with the appropriate restraint - collar and harness + leash for dogs and puppies, or a carrier for cats and kittens. You must pay the non-refundable adoption donation listed on the pet's biography.
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