Adopt a Cat or Dog from A.R.F.
We are excited that you have decided to adopt a dog or cat from A.R.F.-Animal Rescue Foundation! Below is an overview of what to expect during the pet adoption process.
Step 1: Submit an Online Adoption Application
Once you’ve found your new best friend, fill out our online adoption application. This form will ask for information about your household, your vet, and previous pet ownership experience. Submit your no-obligation application as soon as possible, as priority is given based on the order in which the applications are received. Read more about our adoption policies.
Step 2: Application Review
Our application checkers will review the information you submitted. We will call your personal references and contact your vet to ensure your current pets are up-to-date on their vaccines. We might ask for additional information from you, such as lease information or condo rules regarding pets. This step takes approximately 5 business days, though can take longer depending on volume of applications or response to reference checks.
Step 3: Meet the Pet
Once your application moves forward, a volunteer will email to advise you of the result of your application’s review. Depending upon the order in which your application is approved, you will be invited to meet with the cat or dog you are interested in at a mutually agreed upon time and location – our Saturday adoption events are usually most convenient. You’ll be able to meet the animal, get to know them, and ask questions of their foster parents. Please bring all human members of your family and, if adopting a dog, any dogs that already reside in the house to ensure everybody is involved and in agreement. Final adoption approval will be determined after this in-person meeting.
Step 4: Fill Out the Adoption Paperwork
We’ll walk you through the benefits of adopting through A.R.F., then complete the adoption paperwork and collect the adoption fee. Finally, your new best friend is yours! If the adoption occurs at one of our in-store events, our volunteers can help you shop for needed items and accessories to make your pet feel comfortable and welcome at home.
Step 5: Complete Required Follow-Ups
All information regarding required follow-ups will be detailed in your adoption paperwork. For example, some pets are required to complete obedience training or be spayed/neutered (if delayed due to medical reasons) within a specified time frame. Complete these activities and send the required information to arf_il_proof@yahoo.com.
Step 6: Keep in Touch!
Our foster families love to hear how their pets are doing. Please send us pictures and updates through Facebook or via email at marketing@arf-il.org
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees depend on the animal. Please see the pet’s biography for information on their adoption fee.
All pets adopted from A.R.F.-Animal Rescue Foundation include the following as part of their adoption fee:
- Spay/neuter or a certificate for a low-cost spay/neuter when medically recommended
- Microchip and registration, a permanent identification to reunite lost pets with their owners
- Initial de-worming and flea and tick treatment
- Age-appropriate testing for heartworm/FIV-FELV
- Age-appropriate vaccines
- Pre-adoption medical exam
- A certificate for a free healthy pet exam at one of A.R.F.’s participating veterinarians within 7 days of adoption
- Offer for a no-risk 30 day free trial with Trupanion pet medical insurance