ARF Adoption Process

ARF strives to make the very best matches between people and rescued animals, quite simply so they don't have to rescue them again. The entire ARF adoption process is outlined on their website (www.arf.ab.ca) , but basically, you must complete their online application; if this is passed, then you will be contacted by a volunteer screener who will discuss with you what you are looking for a dog, and what kind of home you can provide for a dog. At that point, the screener contacts the foster home for the dog you are most interested in, and they call you. If the foster home thinks this could be a match, they arrange for you to meet the dog in the foster home. All members of the household and any resident dogs must be present. This is an opportunity to visit with the animal and ask the foster family any additional questions about the dog. Either you or the foster home may decide that this isn't a match. The next day, you contact the foster home to discuss how things went - if it's a match, the next step is to schedule a day visit, where the dog goes to your house. Again, all members of the household must be present. The foster parent does a yard check to ensure it's secure and safe; if it is, then the foster home leaves the dog with you for the day. This is a great opportunity to see how the dog interacts with your family, however, keep in mind that going to a new home and meeting new people can be quite intimidating for some dogs, and makes them nervous. You return to dog to the foster home at a pre-determined time. There are no overnight visits. The next morning, you discuss the visit with the foster family - waiting overnight is important to ensure no rush decisions are made to adopt a dog. If all is well, then you will meet the foster family once more to go over the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee to ARF.

Please refer to the ARF website for complete information for potential adopters - here you will find information for renters who wish to adopt, information about fees and what the adoption fee includes etc.

There is no way of knowing the breed of an ARF dog - they are 100% ARF mixtures. This means, it is impossible to predict how big or small a dog will be. If this is a big concern for you, you may consider adopting an adult dog. If you know for sure you want a small breed, you can check out a new rescue organization called Little Mutts Rescue in Calgary. But, if you're open to the joy (and occasional challenges!) of bringing home a puppy and watching her grow, Kimmy may be for you.