Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, out of an abundance of caution and following direction from the CDC and the IL Department of Public Health we have decided to suspend adoption events until further notice. The health of our volunteers and adopters comes first during this time of need.

We will continue to do adoptions during this time, with the following modifications to our process:

• Adoptions will be performed at a mutually-agreeable location that follows public health guidelines and allows for 6 feet of “social distancing” between all attendees. We encourage all attendees to follow the recent CDC guidelines on wearing masks. In-home adoptions are prohibited.
• Please do not attend an adoption if you have traveled in the last 14 days, a fever, sniffles, cold or flu-like symptoms, sore throat, or cough. Notify your A.R.F. volunteer contact and we will work with you to reschedule or provide alternative meeting arrangements.
• We ask that attendees from high-risk groups or who are showing symptoms of a cold or flu stay home from adoptions, but meet with A.R.F. volunteers over video call platforms such as Facetime, Facebook Video Calling, or Skype.
• Please bring household dogs to dog adoptions. Pets do not carry or transmit COVID-19.
• The coupon for a free vet visit at one of our veterinary supporters has been extended from 7 days to 30 days after adoption*.

If you are interested in adopting one of our available pets, please follow our standard adoption process and start by filling out an adoption application.

This is a rapidly changing situation, your adoption counselor will have the latest information. Please bear with us as we work through this process.

FAQs

Are you still performing adoptions?
Yes! Adoptions are continuing following our standard processes with slight modifications listed above.

What should I do if I’ve already submitted an adoption application?
We are still performing adoptions at a mutually agreeable location. A volunteer will be in touch about the status of your adoption application and next steps in the process.

Are you still rescuing animals?
Yes! We continue to save animals from high-kill shelters outside of our area as long as it is permitted by the IL Department of Public Health. Transport of new animals happens on a weekly basis, and are shown on our website as they are ready for adoptions into their forever homes.

Is there any risk of COVID-19 transmission from the pets I adopt?
No. Per the CDC: “To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals.”

What about the cats in the Wheaton and Darien PetSmart Adoption centers?
Out of an abundance of caution for our volunteers’ safety, we have removed the cats from the Wheaton and Darien PetSmart Adoption Centers and placed them in foster homes. They are safe and still available for adoption.

How can I help?
Animals don’t know there is a global pandemic happening, and they still need rescuing. The best way to help is to make a monetary donation to help us care for these animals or purchase something from our Amazon Wishlists. If you are able, we are looking for foster homes to be able to rescue more animals. Please fill out a volunteer interest form and a coordinator will be in touch.

I need to rehome my cat or dog, will you take them?
We do accept owner surrenders, but we ask that you try to keep your pets in your home as long as possible so that we can help emergency cases at this time.

How can I get the latest information?
Please follow us on Facebook for the latest news and available pets.

* Free vet visit coupon for Animal Care Center of Downers Grove still expires after 7 days.