Finding Loving Homes for Animals

Many of us are lucky enough to have companion animals in our homes, often considering them the heart of the family. The staff and volunteers at Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation (AARF) feel similarly—unlike most animal rescue facilities, most of their cats and dogs live in loving foster homes while they await adoption. Because of that extra level of care, AARF is also well known for its willingness to take in animals with difficult medical cases and special needs.

“This is a group of people who are dedicated to the notion that all animals deserve to be treated respectfully and with dignity—and by helping animals, we help people quite a bit, too,” said board chair Jeff McFadden. “It’s really rewarding to see the joy that these animals bring to the people who adopt them.”

In the summer of 2022, AARF moved into a newly-built 6,000-square-foot facility in the Hanestown neighborhood with the goal of helping even more animals. A Capacity-Building Grant from the Foundation helped AARF hire its first executive director to provide leadership for the organization’s growth, and a Capital Improvement Grant supported their purchase of spay and neuter equipment for the new facility.

“Community volunteers are a significant and critical partner for us because we work together to find loving homes for both dogs and cats,” said executive director Tracy Turner. “Our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of companion animals and the people who love and care for them.”