Great organization for helping cats. There are so many animals that are not spayed or neutered and then they do not end up with anyone to care for them. This is really special. Thanks for all you do!
Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue provides an enriched living environment for the cats that live there -- practically cage-free, with a big, secured back yard where the cats can run around or chill out. The shelter provides good medical care for all the cats, and a group of dedicated volunteers keep the cats company and alert the staff to any problems.
It's nice for the visitors who want to adopt, hang out with the cats, or volunteer. No appointment needed, no time pressure. You can spend as much time with the cats as you want, and come back anytime.
When I first heard of the Animal Rescue and Adoption Society it was 2009 and I was a senior in high school looking for a way to use up about 20 hours of volunteer work for an economics class. I walked in nervously and was greeted warmly by one of the women at the front. The first thing I ever noticed about this place was that the animals were not locked up in cages along the wall for people to stare at. The greeter at the time, Sam, was a beautiful tabby that I fell in love with immediately and I was shocked that they just let him walk around like he owned the place. As I ventured from room to room I began to fall in love with almost every cat that there was inside. I remember every cat I had fell in love with that day. Dusty Grey - a large grey cat that loved to lounge and stretch "like a boss" as my friend who would come with me said (we secretly dubbed him Mondo Joe since he was so fat). He would take up your whole lap even if you were sitting cross-legged. Noodle - He was a slim, black cat with beautiful yellow eyes. I would call him the Prince since he would share equal time between anyone he saw even if that meant leaving in the middle of a loving pet to go say high to someone who was lonely. I had only been around him for a few weeks before he was adopted to a good home. Bell - it was not his actual name, but I never found his name out. He was a wonderful fluffy black cat who weighed more than Dusty Grey by at least 5 lbs. He was not for adoption so I could never have him like I wanted. I knew because he wore a lovely red collar with a little bell on it. It always let me know he was coming. The last time I looked for Bell I could not find him and when I asked the woman at the front about him she did not know who I was talking about, but I believe she was trying to make me feel better, knowing that he had died a few months before I could have come back to see him. Licorice - An FIV kitty that was black and white. He stood out so much to me from his missing ear. I decided the first month of going to the shelter that he would be the cat I would get when I moved out, but 2 months before I found out I was going to be leaving to another home, he passed away. I did not even get to see him before i happened and it devastated me especially knowing he had died without a home, just like Bell. Porkchop - Another FIV kitty who stole my heart. He was fat and lovable and no matter how you held him or pet him he would lay in your arms just wanting to be loved. He also died in 2011. I remember crying that day thinking about how all the cats I had loved had passed on before ever finding their forever home, even if forever was only a few months. Winkey - a loverboy to a T. Out of all the cats I have seen and loved Winkey has always been a constant. He was there when I first came to the RMFA and he is still there today, waiting for his own home. This summer when I finally moved into a new house I knew I wanted Winkey. I had loved him for 3 years and I wanted to give him a home, but because we weren't sure how he would do with a dog and how he would cope with the change I was terrified of taking him out of his comfort zone. To this day I regret never getting Winkey. I regret that I have not seen him or any of the other cats for 4 months because of school and work. I love this place and I hope that it will be there for many years so that when I can open my home to a loving cat, I can get one of the wonderful creatures that prowl the grounds of this shelter. I hope and pray that all the cats I have known through the years find a good family, even if it isn't right away.
This is a wonderful place for the felines in our community! They really have the perfect set up for the cats who reside there. Especially the special needs cats! All the space they have, its not like a shelter at all!! it really enhances the kittys quality of life! Which is a critical element for a limited intake facility. Paws up for all you do for these precious angels!!
I found out about this place online, and decided to go and visit. Of course--I fell in love with all of the kitties--but I also fell in love with the people at the facility. They are so kind and loving with the kitties, and they take wonderful care of them. I love it that the cats get to be free to run about and play. I ended up adopting two of my babies from RMFR. I also donate monthly and visit when I can to love the kitties. This place is outstanding!! :)
Being a graduate student in the area and a cat lover, I decided to visit and check out Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue in August 2010. Little did I know that one visit to this place would inspire me to volunteer here and genuinely bond with the staff that ultimately devote their lives to RMFR and the adoption & care if neglected and cast away cat and kitties. I only wish I was back in Colorado to volunteer and assist RMFR.
Amazing place.....the best place to go for a healthy dose of kitty love! I have been a volunteer here for a while now, 5-6 years I think, and I cannot imagine the world without them. The kitties roam freely and have a spectacular back yard that is secure and geared just for kitties. Trees to climb, grass to roll around in, and they just love being out in the sunshine. And, it is a no kill shelter so the residents stay until they are adopted or go to Heaven on their own. It is totally community supported so let's get some votes in!!
Hi Fellow Feline Lovers! I have been volunteering at RMFR since Fall 2010. What a blessing. I've been privileged to meet so many wonderfully special cats. For whatever reason I've noticed that there seems to be an overabundance of black and orange guys/gals who are all so lovable and are just waiting for someone to adopt them. So spread the word! Better yet stop by and check us out sometime.
I originally found the facility after a stray cat I was going to take in turned out to have feline leukemia. I could not keep her with my other cats.They have taken excellent care of her in the years since. I visit at least every other week. Then this year I adopted a brother and sister from them. These two have brought great joy to me. The staff is so wonderful, I love how they take cre of all the kids there, and I am happy to donate to them.
We adopted two grey brother kittens seven years ago from this wonderful facility. They have provided us with love, attention, and laughter ever since! I support RMFR with a majority of my charity donations to help them continue the excellent environment they provide to all the cats & kittens in their care.
A friend of mine volunteers here and I have been through the shelter. I am amazed how happy the cats seem to be while they are waiting on their adoptive parents to show up. The staff is very caring and the volunteers know all about the cats and which ones have personalities that fit with what you are looking for.
Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue is a wonderful shelter. They provide a refuge for a large number of kitties that is cage-free and safe and loving. They have a large fenced area outside for the cats to stroll about or climb trees and generally de-stress. It is a joy to visit and share time with their cats.
Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue (aka ARAS) is a wonderful cafe-free, no-kill shelter. I started volunteering here initially to relieve stress from a busy life, which works really well here because volunteers don't have to make an appointment to socialize cats. All you have to do is show up when they are open and let the kitty loving commence! They do have opportunities to become more involved, but there is never any pressure to do anything. If you love kitties, then come down and play!
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My favorite area of the shelter is the FIV and feline leukemia rooms because these wonderful cats are given a chance to live and be happy that many other shelters wouldn't give them. I love to sit in the back yard and just let them come to me. What better way to get a tan than in the sun with a kitty on your lap?
I started volunteering at this shelter 2 years ago and it was so my son would have something to do during off days from school. I fell in love with this place... It is surprising to most that this shelter doesn't cage the community. The cats are allowed to free roam and go outside in a secure yard and climb trees. They even have a cat cam that the cats can wear so you can see what their day is like. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly and it is truly a no kill- not for profit shelter and they do amazing things on a limited budget without any gov. assistance. I feel this is the best shelter in the world and it could be even better if they could get a few more donations and sponsors. The cats are all well taken care of and if I was a cat without a home I hope that I would end up in such a place until I could get a new forever family. Just an after thought I would not have spent two years of my life helping and raising foster babies unless I knew it would be making a difference in the lives of these cats. I know this group of people really care and enjoy making a difference in the world.
I'm a donor, an occasional volunteer on events and publicity, and enthusiastic supporter. I'm also the slave of Claire, a tiny Oriental cat adopted from Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue (formerly ARAS) who bosses around our entire tribe of cats and all household members. RMFR is one of Denver's few feline-only, no-kill shelters. While most of the residents are healthy and active, RMFR also provides sanctuary for some of the sick, lame, and elderly cats that come in ... most of whom recover with medical treatment and TLC at the shelter and move on to find forever homes in the houses of friendly humans. They also have a highly successful cat sponsorship program that helps honor and showcase these lovely creatures for only a few dollars a day. The sponsor program not only is an easy way to donate to the shelter cats, but also helps get them adopted.
RMFR is a caring organization - every cat is given lots of personal attention and love, and every volunteer and staff member is happy to chat with you and help you meet a cat that will be your new best friend. I have adopted two adult cats from the shelter and visit back at least once every month to spend some time with the other kitties! They are all very well taken care of, this shelter really cares for these cats. I would reccommend RMFR in a heartbeat to anyone who is wanting to adopt a new kitty friend.
I adopted my Kallie from there on January 19, 2002. They are very friendly there and have a wide variety of kitties to choose from. (Which makes it hard to decided, my sister ended up picking her out for me! :) ) It's nice that they don't have to be in cages and have a yard to explore. The lady in the front room had to try to chase Kallie down for me due to the fact that she was very skittish. After 10 minutes, she was able to get her, so I could spend some time with her. Was able to play with her a bit and then decided that I wanted to take her home. She is a really sweet kitty and loves to take care of her brothers and sisters. She loves her mama! :) I have and will continue to recommend this facility for find a friend for life!
I absolutely love the RMFR, I adore cats and I'm happy to see that these cats are being cared for and loved until they can go to there future homes, I'm glad this place exists! :) I hope more cats get wonderful homes
Volunteering at the shelter has been enjoyable and educational. Though cage-free is preferred, the consequence is cats are often jumpy from potential territorial disputes. One delightful thing that often happens is when I settle in a spot, cats invariably congregate and calm, taking turns in my lap. The kitties certainly get plenty of affection at this shelter, have more than enough food, are kept healthy, and live in a clean environment. I also learned it is possible to "herd cats"! When it is time to come inside, they come when called! I never would have imagined!
I am the volunteer coordinator for the shelter and, recently, have also become a board member. Though a busy fellow, I decided to take on a more active role because of the critical work this shelter does. These little lives need so much attention, so much care and are so deserving. The staff at Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, the volunteers, the donors all come together in compassion and caring. I am proud to be a part of it!
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This shelter fills a niche that most others are not willing to fill, that of taking in all cats and keeping them for the fullness of their lives. When I had no room to take in cats, they were willing to take in ones that I rescued from the neighborhood. When my house cleared and cats were an option again, they helped me find the right ones for me. Though they have few resources and a small place, they have an incredibly dedicated staff and numerous fine volunteers. I am honored to be able to help out in any small way. I hope that we will, as a species, be better about treating the pets we create in the future. Until then, this shelter will be there to take up the slack.
The ARAS shelter reminds me of the Island of Misfit Toys. There's Winky, a big marmalade tomcat nearly blind in both eyes; Panther, born without the nerves that would allow him to close his mouth; countless FIV+ and feral cats that will probably live their whole lives at the shelter. But ARAS doesn't give up on them, doesn't decide that their lives aren't worth living. A cat that has come to ARAS is made part of the family for life, whether they live out their years in the shelter, or find a new place to call home. It's been my privilege to volunteer there. If you have room in your home, or just in your heart, for these cats I would encourage you to stop by the shelter to adopt, donate, or volunteer.
This shelter is a great resource for homeless cats. It is cage-free (except for specific reasons and short periods) and even has a fenced yard for lounging. Cats are given medical treatment as needed and there is no deadline for staying. The staff and volunteers are very caring.
I absolutely love this place. From the minute you walk in until you reluctantly leave because it's closing time - you can feel the positive spirit of the people that work there and the cats that live there. Rather than spending their time confined to a 2' x 2' cage, our cats get to roam around, play outside in our yard, and just generally play at being adorable. The staff is dedicated to giving each feline resident a home until their permanent parents arrive - no matter how long that takes. Bless this place.
Vinnie and I came to the shelter around the same time - April 2011.
I was looking to volunteer my help...he was just looking for help.
The first time I saw Vinnie, the FIV+ orange tabby looked like one scruffy cat you did not want to aggravate: eyes warily assessing the new surroundings through thin slits, ears plastered against his head, crouching in a corner of the shelter, daring anyone to come close. He was unhappy and little did we know - in pain - due to infected teeth. The staff immediately brought him to the dentist who took care of Vinnie’s teeth. But his angry disgruntled behavior hung on. I couldn’t help but take in interest in this hurting little furry. At first, I was unsure if he would accept the attention but Vinnie slowly came around with some gentle scratching behind the ears, a little petting and of course, my treat bag. After 4 months of visiting with the little orange guy - he will suddenly appear at my feet in the FIV room, looking at me with wide open eyes, expecting a little love and a treat which, of course, he gets. Then he follows me around as I clean litter boxes and visit with all the other cats. I love my Vin-Muffin! Although I suspect he is cheating on me as other dedicated volunteers have invested their time with Vinnie and gotten the same results!!
Each and every one of the cats here are special and so deserving of finding a home. Vinnie is just one cat with one story. There are over 160 stories here. Some will break your heart - but the return of their love is inestimable. That is what Vinnie has taught me and what is waiting for all who enter - even if you are not looking. That furry love will find you.
The staff encourages all volunteers to get hands on with the cats and their daily care which the volunteers embrace. Successful adoptions are the result. Even though we might be losing a special friend with each adoption - one more cat has found a home.
RMFR is a wonderful animal rescue and adoption center. The staff is extremely caring for all of the cats and they do whatever is necessary to see that every individual cat receives all essential care. All cats receive all medical attention they need and are never turned down for critical care despite the cost. The employees truly care for all the cats at the shelter and take an enormous pride in what they do. The volunteer team is one of the best I have ever seen. A large group of people share their time and resources on a regular base to ensure that the cats have the attention they deserve. RMFR is a magnificent collaboration of staff and volunteers that serve the community by offering shelter and medical care to our four legged friends who cannot fend for themselves.
I have been a volunteer since March 2010, and I am the proud caretaker of a lovely black cat from this shelter. The people who work and volunteer at the shelter sincerely care for and love the cats there. Some cats are permanent residents for various reasons, and they are just as taken care of and as visible as any other cat at the shelter. The first time I visited the shelter, I was so impressed with the happiness of the animals, and how clean the facilities were. I will contine to volunteer here for as long as I can!
I began volunteering here in 12/10 and the shelter has far surpassed my expectations in every way. This is a true no-kill shelter and the staff and volunteers love these cats as if they were their own family! There are 7 large rooms where the cats can roam freely and all have cat-door access to a beautiful, totally fenced yard with trees to climb, little houses and shelters to sleep in and toys to play with. One of the greatest things is that there is a room for shy/feral cats and one for FIV/FELV cats and both have their own separate outside areas. The cats are so well-cared for and all their needs, physical and emotional, are addressed. I volunteer more than I'd originally intended just because it makes me and the cats happy and I care so deeply about them all! They've taken in cats that are in really rough shape and it's wonderful to see these cats receive the care and love that will help them to one day be adopted into their own forever home.
A cat shelter in the true sense of the word; that is Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue (fka Animal Rescue and Adoption Society) because the cats are here until they find their forever home, and that is very special. The shelter staff and volunteers really care about the cats, and that was apparent to me when I first started volunteering at the shelter, four and a half years ago. No cat is too old, too young, or too ugly for this shelter to care for. The only problem is that the shelter is somewhat unknown and hence, unfortunately, has very limited resources. I sincerely hope that they can somehow get more funding and expand so that they can help more cats and kittens find their forever home.
The greatest cat shelter EVER! Two and a half years ago, I started volunteering 1 day a week - within two months, I was volunteering 2 days a week! I have seen so many wonderful cats and kittens get adopted from this shelter. The staff and volunteers love each and every cat and kitten - no matter the age, disability, etc. and it shows in the personalities and dispositions of the cats. All of the cats/kittens are truly loved and cared for but a shelter does not replace a loving home. Our goal is two-fold: place every cat and kitten in a forever home; and educate the world about spay/neuter. This shelter is a cat lover's dream come true. Please come visit our little paradise - you may find the "love of your life"!
I interned at this facility for a vet tech internship through my school. The technicians and volunteers were competent and caring - wonderful teachers and role models for all of us in the field. The veterinarian they bring in is great as well. They were able to provide a safe and happy place for so many of the homeless cats in the Denver area. The facility is very home-like, providing indoor cats the comforts of home and also a huge outdoor play-yard where nature-loving cats can lay in the sun and run through the grass. I can't speak highly enough of them. Keep up the great work!
This shelter is THE best. The cats have nearly free reign of the place, with the humans there to serve their every need. And speaking of humans, the shelter is blessed wih some of the most caring staff-- from the animal care crew to the Shelter Manager-- and oodles of volunteers who contribute countless hours socializing the cats and kittens. All of this contact with people makes RMFR/ ARAS cats ready for adoption into their "forever homes." This no-kill shelter is not exactly on the beaten path (corner of Delaware and Wesley in South Denver), but it is well worth the effort to seek it out. Not in the Denver area? Then consult the website (www.rmfr-colorado.org) for more details about supporting this wonderful organization. There are photos of all the adorable cats and kittens-- I dare you to resist them.
RMFR (ARAS) is a wonderful place to be if you're a homeless kitty. They are a no kill cat shelter with a solid belief that Every kitty deserves a chance to be loved in a home of their own and that Nobody is unadoptable. No one 'runs out of time' at this shelter....Rex would be a fine example of this. He lived there 18 years!! A handsome red tabby that came in as a stray kitten and was amazingly overlooked by potential adopters. When his kidneys gave out and his time finally came, he went over the Rainbow Bridge in the arms of those who loved him for many years at that shelter. RMFR is one of the only shelters in Colorado that has an incredible special needs room. It is a large two room section of the shelter dedicated solely to cats with feline leukemia and FIV. There is even an awesome outdoor enclosure attached so the kitties can go outside to play and lay in the grass in the sunshine. Usually at other shelters if a kitty tests positive for FeLV or FIV it is a death sentence, but not here. RMFR has a team of volunteers that cater specifically to these kitties and love them so much. When one of them gets adopted it is quite a celebration.
The rest of the shelter is equally as wonderful as the special needs area. Most of the cats roam freely from room to room and there is an incredible backyard that has been cat-proofed so that they can lay and play outside in a secure, safe place. There are even awesome low branched trees back there so the kitties can climb without the danger of getting out! From a kitties point of view it doesn't get much cooler than that! This shelter is an amazing resource for information as well. Two of their many initiatives include encouraging responsible pet ownership and providing spay/neuter information and resources.
This wonderful shelter has been in existence since 1982 and is solely supported by donations and fund raising events. Please consider supporting them with a donation of funding or supplies and please encourage others to do so! Visitors are always welcome as the kitties crave and appreciate all the love that they can get!
Two things make this shelter especially dear to my heart. 1) They take everyone. They are one of the few shelters that has a room for FIV and FLV cats. They can live a long, healthy life, but most shelters don't even bother to take them. BTW, a cat who has been vaccinated for FIV will always test positive, so many of these cats aren't even sick. It's terrible that so many are euthanized anyway. 2) The kitties get to go outside. There is a wonderful, large (fenced) back yard where the cats can roll in the dirt or grass and even climb a tree. Fantastic.
I started volunteering for this organization when I saw how they were able to do so much with so little. A genuine no-kill shelter who preserves the life of any animal capable of living a healthy life, RMFR is a true gem. The animals are not caged and are given their own space according to their special needs ( Shy, FIV+, kitten etc;) In addition, each of these groups has their own space outdoors. It's great to seethe kitties basking in the sun, climbing small trees and having space to run. They are a diamond in the rough in the Denver community!
This is an amazing shelter! I have been volunteering here for about 8 months now and I continue to be amazed with how much everyone there cares about the cats. RMFR is a non-kill cage-free shelter which allows cats to have a comfy place to live for as long as they need it. The shelter does everything possible to help every cat and find them a forever home. This is by far the best rescue facility I have ever seen and I am proud to be a part of it!
This is a true no-kill cage-free cat shelter that houses about 150 cats and kittens that would otherwise be homeless. One great feature is a large back yard, protected from predators, where the cats and humans can roam freely, climb trees and sit in the sun. A secure fence ensures that no cats will escape. Actually I'm not sure if the humans ever climb the trees!
This shelter adopts about 500 cats each year and provides superior care for those cats who have not yet been adopted.
Volunteering there is a joy. Terri, the shelter manager and Kevin, the volunteer coordinator go out of their way to ensure that each volunteer is offered work that they are capable of doing, and that makes good use of their talents.
Adopters and other visitors are encouraged to spend as much time as they want and need before choosing a cat or kitten to adopt.
Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue has a very high proportion of adult cats being adopted, in addition to kittens, which are the easiest to adopt.
This place is the absolute best shelter in Denver. I've been volunteering for about a year and a half and I just love coming to visit the kitties. You can tell the staff really cares about the quality of life for these guys, they couldn't ask for better caretakers! With a warm, friendly environment, it's the best way to pick out your new best friend. Even if you can't adopt & take one home right now, they have a great 'sponsor a cat' program. You can also join the TLC program where you pick out a kitty or two and make sure they get extra special attention whenever you come in. This program ensures that every single cat gets some much needed love. What an amazing place for these needy kitties!
I enjoy volunteering and petting kitties at this shelter. At first I thought it would be very sad to visit a cat shelter. That isn't true at Animal Rescue and Adoption Society! We just changed our name to Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, but the place is the same. It has a very nice warm feel. It seems to me that all those special kitties in one place give it a wonderful energy. We have a lot of volunteers who come and love the kitties so they will be more sociable, and get to go home with someone who will love them every day. Many volunteers work to make sure the kitties who are more shy get special attention. I got to hold a kitty the other day who wouldn't let me get close 2 months ago! I'm thinking about helping to go out to pet stores to help publicize the shelter. Some volunteers will help with the Taste of Colorado fair on Labor Day weekend to earn money for the shelter. Every year we have at least a couple of garage or craft sales with items donated to the shelter. This helps to make money to buy catfood for our kitties. The shelter is always clean. Right now they have quite a few energetic kittens running around and playing. They are SO cute. You can fall in love with a baby kitten in 2 seconds flat!
We had a wonderful experience at this shelter as the staff and volunteers are very caring and compassionate. The adoption process included us being about to socialize and hold all the kitties and play with them on the floor so we could tell what their little personalities were like. We chose one in October 2008 and another in July 2009. The cats are doing well and now we go back to the shelter on occasion to pet kitties (my 5 year old loves to do this!) and we help change litter and feed and anything else they may need. The fun part is to just play with the cats, and they are just fine with you just doing that! And you can come as often as you;d like! We are even considering fostering an older cat since they have a hard time with the kittens around. Wonderful shelter doing really great work!
I adopted Rocky 'Rocky Raccoon' 3/2009. I was searching for a 5-6 month old companion for my other young cat. I came in and a very nice ARAS person told me about a 6 month old she was fostering. He has been the sweetest ever. Plus I love their shelter. They have outdoor places for ferals and the other cats to roam. I'd love to have them do my backyard! Lol. Its such a cat oasis in the city. Plus the cat rooms are tops. I have recommended this place to others.
Animal Rescue and Adoption Society is a wonderful, no-kill, no-cage cat shelter. They take in many cats who would otherwise be left to suffer on their own. They have taken in many abused and injured animals. Like all non-profits at this time they make every dollar count with many of their paid employees volunteering time and taking fewer paid hours. This shelter also takes in cats with FIV and FILV, something that most shelters cannot do. All the people at ARAS care for and love all the cats. They are well taken care of. They do a great job!!!!