Frequently Asked Questions...
Does ARF-SEPA adopt animals to areas outside of SEPA?
Yes, ARF-SEPA will adopt pets to homes outside of the Philadelphia area. However, due to the fact that all dog adoptions require a pre-adoption home visit to the prospective adopter’s home, and that ARF-SEPA reserves the right to do post-adoption follow up visits, adopters must reside within driving distance of Philadelphia( within two hours round trip, with exception from ARF President only ). For areas outside of the greater Philadelphia area, we urge prospective adopters to consult their local shelters and rescue organizations, as there are homeless pets all across the country that are in need of loving, permanent homes.
If I have not had pets before, does that mean I can’t adopt because I don’t have a vet reference?
Prospective adopters who have not had pets before can provide just as loving a home as someone who has had pets all their lives. As long as you own your home, or you rent and can provide written proof from your landlord that you can have a pet, you can apply to adopt. While a veterinary reference (showing that you took good care of your past pets) can help, it’s not absolute. Adopters who have not had pets before may be asked more questions through the adoption process, as our goal here at ARF-SEPA is to ensure that prospective adopters have the proper expectations and are prepared for the needs and requirements of having a pet. It’s also ARF-SEPA’s goal to be a resource for animal welfare and not just an adoption agency, so we are here to help answer questions and provide information and contacts to assist our adopters and the public, even after adoption.
Where does ARF-SEPA get its foster pets?
ARF-SEPA foster and volunteers save adoptable dogs and cats that are facing euthanasia at kill shelters due to space. ARF-SEPA pulls from local high intake shelters in the south. Also will take owner surrenders if we have the space. ARF-SEPA does not discriminate on breed, age or health – we are out looking for adoptable pets that simply need our help.
What are the adoption fees?
Adopters are asked to make a small donation to ARF-SEPA when adopting a pet. This donation helps offset veterinary expenses and will help provide care for the next dog or cat that needs our help. When you adopt from ARF-SEPA, we provide up-to-date veterinary records included with the adoption. Our pets are examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, receive any needed tests, spayed or neutered, and microchipped prior to adoption. Pets also receive any additional veterinary care if needed, such as medications and surgeries to help get sick pets feeling well once again.
The adoption fee for dogs under 1 year of age is $400.
The adoption fee for dogs over 1 year of age is $200.
Since ARF-SEPA provides veterinary care for foster pets, adopted dogs receive the following while with ARF SEPA:
For cats, the adoption donation is $100 (adult cat or kitten). Since cats often are happier with a feline companion, if you adopt two cats together, the adoption fee for the second cat is just $50 (for a total of $150 if you adopt two cats together). Two cats can keep each other company while you’re away from home, and it also helps your cat get needed exercise during play. Two cats are almost always better than one! Since ARF-SEPA provides veterinary care for cats during foster care, adopted cat(s) receive the following while with ARF SEPA:
Where does ARF-SEPA get its funding?
ARF-SEPA is not affiliated with any other humane group or rescue organization. We do not receive public funding from the government. The work we do is supported entirely by private citizens and businesses through adoptions, donations and grants.
Because ARF-SEPA is all-volunteer, overhead expenses are low. We try to get everything donated that we can. All the funding we raise goes directly to promote adoption for homeless pets and help curb the problem of pet overpopulation in southeastern Pennsylvania. ARF-SEPA accepts monetary donations, as well as other donations such as towels, food, wire crates and toys (please see our wish list for a complete list of wished-for items).
Wish List
*Towels/Blankets
*Dry Kittens or Cat Food
*Dry Puppy or Dog Food
*Litter
*Puppy Pads or Newspaper
*Cat or Dog Treats
*Cat or Dog Toys
*Collars, Harness's or Leashes
*Wire Crates or any used crates
*Pack and Plays
Yes, ARF-SEPA will adopt pets to homes outside of the Philadelphia area. However, due to the fact that all dog adoptions require a pre-adoption home visit to the prospective adopter’s home, and that ARF-SEPA reserves the right to do post-adoption follow up visits, adopters must reside within driving distance of Philadelphia( within two hours round trip, with exception from ARF President only ). For areas outside of the greater Philadelphia area, we urge prospective adopters to consult their local shelters and rescue organizations, as there are homeless pets all across the country that are in need of loving, permanent homes.
If I have not had pets before, does that mean I can’t adopt because I don’t have a vet reference?
Prospective adopters who have not had pets before can provide just as loving a home as someone who has had pets all their lives. As long as you own your home, or you rent and can provide written proof from your landlord that you can have a pet, you can apply to adopt. While a veterinary reference (showing that you took good care of your past pets) can help, it’s not absolute. Adopters who have not had pets before may be asked more questions through the adoption process, as our goal here at ARF-SEPA is to ensure that prospective adopters have the proper expectations and are prepared for the needs and requirements of having a pet. It’s also ARF-SEPA’s goal to be a resource for animal welfare and not just an adoption agency, so we are here to help answer questions and provide information and contacts to assist our adopters and the public, even after adoption.
Where does ARF-SEPA get its foster pets?
ARF-SEPA foster and volunteers save adoptable dogs and cats that are facing euthanasia at kill shelters due to space. ARF-SEPA pulls from local high intake shelters in the south. Also will take owner surrenders if we have the space. ARF-SEPA does not discriminate on breed, age or health – we are out looking for adoptable pets that simply need our help.
What are the adoption fees?
Adopters are asked to make a small donation to ARF-SEPA when adopting a pet. This donation helps offset veterinary expenses and will help provide care for the next dog or cat that needs our help. When you adopt from ARF-SEPA, we provide up-to-date veterinary records included with the adoption. Our pets are examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, receive any needed tests, spayed or neutered, and microchipped prior to adoption. Pets also receive any additional veterinary care if needed, such as medications and surgeries to help get sick pets feeling well once again.
The adoption fee for dogs under 1 year of age is $400.
The adoption fee for dogs over 1 year of age is $200.
Since ARF-SEPA provides veterinary care for foster pets, adopted dogs receive the following while with ARF SEPA:
- Veterinary exam
- Vaccinations (rabies, distemper, bordetella or any other vaccinations they may need)
- Tested for heartworms and started on heartworm preventive (like Heartguard)
- Received de-worming medication (all dogs get this medication as a precaution)
- Microchipped indentification
- Spay / Neuter
- Any other needed veterinary care or medication, even surgeries if necessary
For cats, the adoption donation is $100 (adult cat or kitten). Since cats often are happier with a feline companion, if you adopt two cats together, the adoption fee for the second cat is just $50 (for a total of $150 if you adopt two cats together). Two cats can keep each other company while you’re away from home, and it also helps your cat get needed exercise during play. Two cats are almost always better than one! Since ARF-SEPA provides veterinary care for cats during foster care, adopted cat(s) receive the following while with ARF SEPA:
- Veterinary exam
- FELV/FIV testing
- Vaccinations (rabies, FVRCP, FELV)
- Received de-worming medication (all cats get this medication as a precaution)
- Microchipped Identification
- Spay / Neuter
- Any other needed veterinary care or medication, even surgeries if necessary
Where does ARF-SEPA get its funding?
ARF-SEPA is not affiliated with any other humane group or rescue organization. We do not receive public funding from the government. The work we do is supported entirely by private citizens and businesses through adoptions, donations and grants.
Because ARF-SEPA is all-volunteer, overhead expenses are low. We try to get everything donated that we can. All the funding we raise goes directly to promote adoption for homeless pets and help curb the problem of pet overpopulation in southeastern Pennsylvania. ARF-SEPA accepts monetary donations, as well as other donations such as towels, food, wire crates and toys (please see our wish list for a complete list of wished-for items).
Wish List
*Towels/Blankets
*Dry Kittens or Cat Food
*Dry Puppy or Dog Food
*Litter
*Puppy Pads or Newspaper
*Cat or Dog Treats
*Cat or Dog Toys
*Collars, Harness's or Leashes
*Wire Crates or any used crates
*Pack and Plays