ARF Rescues 400

More than 400 pets were rescued in 2009 by the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Tulsa. These pets were obtained from kill shelters and owners who could no longer care for their animals.

ARF, along with other rescue groups, has struggled through a challenging year. The downturn in the economy has forced more people to abandon their pets. Also, Tulsa County continues to receive a poor grade when it comes to spaying and neutering animals, so there are far too many unwanted and abandoned pets. On average, ARF spends more $4,000 a month on veterinary bills and boarding. ARF depends completely on public donations. Although ARF is foster-homed based, they must board animals until a foster home is available. They are always looking for more people who would be interested in fostering rescued dogs and puppies.

Working closely with city shelters, ARF assists in rescuing highly adoptable, small to medium sized dogs and puppies. However, ARF does take rescue some animals at risk of being euthanized. For example, ARF has taken older animals, deaf animals, and even puppies that were temporarily blind due to poor nutrition. ARF also mans a phone line to assist citizens with information about lost pets, where to report strays, and where to make a complaint about animal abuse.

Every dog ARF adopts out is current on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, on heartworm preventative, and tattooed for identification. The adoption fee for dogs is normally $125.

For more information about ARF, go to their website at http://www.arftulsa.org or call 622-5962.