Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Animal Adoption Partner in Winston-Salem
Founded in 1995, the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation (AARF) is a no-kill nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs in the Winston-Salem area. Our mission focuses on providing foster care, medical services, and adoption programs while promoting spay/neuter initiatives and community education. With a network of dedicated volunteers and a state-of-the-art 6,000-square-foot facility, we prioritize the well-being of animals, including those with special needs or behavioral challenges. Our team of experienced professionals ensures every animal receives individualized care, from initial intake evaluations to post-adoption support.We collaborate with local businesses and veterinary partners to strengthen the human-animal bond and improve community pet health. Over 30 years, we have rescued thousands of animals, emphasizing responsible pet ownership and reducing euthanasia rates through education and outreach. Our transparent adoption process includes home visits and reference checks to ensure lifelong matches. As a 501(c)3 organization, we rely on donations, grants, and volunteer support to sustain our life-saving work.
Services
Dog Adoption
Cat Adoption
Foster Care
Volunteer Programs
Medical Services
Spay/Neuter Programs
Community Education
Adoption Counseling
Pet Retention Support
Business Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We include spay/neuter and vaccinations in all adoptions to prevent pet overpopulation
- Our foster network provides critical socialization and medical care for homeless animals
- 30+ years of experience rescuing over 1,000 animals annually in the Winston-Salem area
- We accept special needs animals others may decline due to behavioral or medical challenges
- Our adoption process prioritizes lifelong matches through home visits and reference checks
What people say
Lifesaving work
Compassionate staff
Successful adoptions
Community impact
Thorough process
Services
Dog Adoption
Our dog adoption program rescues homeless and special needs dogs through a rigorous evaluation and rehabilitation process. Each dog receives medical care, behavioral assessment, and foster placement before adoption. We match animals with suitable homes through application reviews, home visits, and reference checks.
Cat Adoption
We provide comprehensive cat adoption services including medical screening, spay/neuter, and socialization programs. Our cats receive FeLV/FIV testing and vaccinations while in foster care. The adoption process ensures proper environmental matches for each cat's specific needs.
Foster Care
Our foster program offers temporary homes for animals needing medical recovery, behavioral training, or socialization. Foster families receive supplies, medical support, and training while preparing animals for permanent adoption through our network of volunteers.
Volunteer Programs
We offer diverse volunteer opportunities including animal care, event coordination, and administrative support. Volunteers receive training and work directly with staff to support rescue operations, adoption events, and daily facility operations.
Medical Services
Our medical program provides comprehensive care including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and treatment for sick or injured animals. Partner veterinarians conduct health assessments and provide ongoing medical support through our network of clinics.
People
Carly Cockerham
Executive Director
Leads AARF's strategic operations with over 15 years of nonprofit management experience. Focuses on expanding rescue capacity and community outreach programs.
Catherine Williams
Medical Manager
Oversees veterinary care programs with a decade of animal health management experience. Coordinates medical treatment protocols and clinic partnerships.
Jane Jackson
Board President
Provides governance leadership with extensive local nonprofit board experience. Guides organizational strategy and long-term planning initiatives.
Questions
What does AARF's adoption fee include?
Adoption fees cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping, and initial medical care. Senior and special needs animals receive discounted rates.
How long does the adoption process take?
Applications require 2-3 business days for review. Home visits and reference checks ensure proper matches, with final approvals typically within one week.
Can I foster an animal with AARF?
Yes! We provide training, supplies, and medical support for foster caregivers. Foster stays range from two weeks to several months based on animal needs.
Does AARF accept out-of-state adoptions?
We require adopters to live within 45 minutes of Winston-Salem for follow-up visits and local veterinary network access. Special cases may be considered for special needs animals.
How can businesses partner with AARF?
Our 2025 Business Partnership program offers marketing opportunities and community engagement for local pet-related businesses supporting animal rescue efforts.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
We offer cat socialization, event planning, adoption counseling, and administrative roles. No experience needed - training provided for all volunteer positions.
Reviews (5)
April Dawn
May 29, 2022
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Went to adopt a pet after we were told we were approved. Once we got there, and found a pet, we were told very loudly and rudely that we couldn't adopt because our other pet is not spayed. (They had just spoken with our vet, and our vet called us to let us know) I understand rules are rules, but there is a way to get a message across without being extremely rude. I will be looking elsewhere, and will advise everyone else I know to do so.
Tiffany Donelow
Apr 30, 2022
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Aarf has been a part of the community saving countless animal lives throughout the years. I have fostered many cats through AARF and adopted two of my fur babies through them as well. I can only speak highly of the staff and organization as I've had nothing but positive experiences.
Kathryn Price
Apr 23, 2022
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Our family tried to adopt a cat but wouldn't let us because we had a kid under 5 in the household. Don't really understand why that matters the kids are my responsibility along with animals not their place to tell me otherwise. However it is okay we went to Forsyth Humane Society and found the perfect kitten for our children and family.
Darrielle Commodore
Mar 29, 2022
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I recently applied for a dog and instantly got denied because my first dog wasn't spayed. I explained why. No we didn't mate her and didn't plan on it. I was 15 and it was everyone's first dog. So I guess they punish everyone who's never had their dog spayed/neutered. Instead of asking and learning our story. So that a dog can get out of the shelter and go to a loving home. I see why people go to breeders and not shelters.
I emailed Joyce back and explained everything and never got a reply back. I googled this shelter and after reading the comments I wouldn't want to do business and I feel bad for the dogs that aren't lucky enough to get adopted out because they have a bias against a certain group of people. Seems as though they have an issue with people of color. This place needs to do better. The goal is to save and put these animals in better places/homes. No good comes from people who are privileged.
I emailed Joyce back and explained everything and never got a reply back. I googled this shelter and after reading the comments I wouldn't want to do business and I feel bad for the dogs that aren't lucky enough to get adopted out because they have a bias against a certain group of people. Seems as though they have an issue with people of color. This place needs to do better. The goal is to save and put these animals in better places/homes. No good comes from people who are privileged.
Lexie Z.
Feb 26, 2022
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Nice facility. All the animals were well cared for. The employees were all very kind and knowledgeable. We fell in love with a little kitten. We didn't realize we had to fill out an application ahead of time but we have put it in now and will hopefully be able to pick him up soon.
