Mission: ARF saves dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters and brings people and animals together to enrich each others lives. ARF strives to create a world where every loving dog and cat has a home, where every lonely person has a companion animal, and where children learn to care.
Vision
ARF was created in 1991 by Tony and Elaine La Russa to address the needs of companion animals. Their vision for ARF is an organization that can not only aid abandoned and homeless animals, but also promote the concept that people's lives can be enhanced by strengthening the bonds between humans and animals. With these intertwined goals as the guiding principles, ARF is known as a national as well as local leader.
ARF is growing to meet the demands of the 21st century with the first private adoption and education center in Contra Costa County, California. ARF will continue to respond to the immediate needs of animals who have been neglected, abused or deprived of love to ensure they find high quality homes. At the same time, ARF will embody the vision of a better future-one where animals are respected for the unique role they can and do play in making the world a better place for people to live and where there is a stable and loving home for every pet to complete its natural lifespan.
Programs: ARF's Animal Programs programs continue to grow nationally and prosper. ARF's Mission is to find more homes for abandoned dogs and cats; stop pet over-population before it starts through spay/neuter programs; teach people the joys and responsibilities of animal companions; provide the community with dog training classes and other hands-on seminars; and offer emergency veterinary assistance, donated pet food and supplies to low income families.
ARF’s People Connect programs foster the unequaled human/animal bond. Through classes, hands-on activities, interactive educational programs and play, people and pets enrich each others’ lives. ARF’s People Connect programs provide an opportunity for individuals of all ages to experience the unfailing friendship and magic of animals.
As an animal lover, I first became acquainted with ARF while living in Southern CA. I learned of their great work and began contributing to the organization and have continued to do so for the last 18 years. They have a dedicated staff who do everything possible to help animals find their forever homes. They have been one of the few groups that I've continuously supported.
I started contributing to ARF when I lived in CA and have continued to do so even though I'm now back on the East Coast. They are a wonderful organization of compassionate people who care very much about animals and are doing all they can to make sure that every animal in their care finds a forever home. I highly recommend them both to those looking to adopt and those looking for a reliable organization to donate to.
ARF is a world class rescue foundation. They truly care about the animals and believe with all their heart in their mission to save animals in shelters and to give them every opportunity to be adopted. I have donated materials and money to ARF knowing they will be put to good use. I plan to keep supporting ARF in their mission.
ARF saves lives, both animals and humans. They are so much more than an animal rescue (although they do an exceptional job at that.) They rescue people also, through their educational programs and community outreach. The organization is first rate and seems to wisely use the resources that are donated. I'm a HUGE fan, and continue to support them even though I no longer live in the area.
