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Why Adopt Steps for Dog Adoption Available Dogs Dog Adoption Application Steps for Cat Adoption Available Cats Cat Adoption Application Adoption Fair Calendar Adoption FAQs
Why Foster How to Become a Foster Additional Benefits of Fostering Foster FAQ's Dog Foster Sign Up Form Cat Foster Sign Up Form
Ways to Give Giving Societies Business Partnerships
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Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation
 

Get Involved

There are many ways you can make an impact. Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, or Donate. See what is right for you. We appreciate your interest.

 
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Adopt

Looking for a new furry family member? Thank you for thinking about adopting from a rescue organization. Each adoption saves two lives: the one you adopt and the space you’ve opened up for another animal to be helped. You will be your new pet’s hero!

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foster

Providing a temporary home for a cat or dog is a gift that keeps on giving. Animals that are fostered become more adoptable because of all the love, care and attention they are given. This is where they learn to trust again. Opening your doors to a homeless pet is rewarding beyond words.

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Volunteer

AARF volunteers make a BIG DIFFERENCE. They are a remarkable community of knowledgeable, caring and dedicated group who welcome everyone who wants to pitch in. New faces are always appreciated. Please check out the many opportunities for you to contribute.

 

Party 4 Paws 2025

To The Rescue

 

This event helps AARF care for the many cats and dogs that journey through our program and, just as importantly, raise awareness of AARF and its mission. Funds raised from the event will ensure that AARF can continue to be a major rescue in Forsyth County that treats most health situations. This benefit is every spring, but you can contribute year-round on our donate page. Our cats and dogs are always appreciative! Thanks for helping in whatever way you can.

To donate, please go to the upper right navigation and click DONATE. Thank you for helping.



 
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Featured Pets

Finding a friend is easier than you think. All of our adoptable animals are superstars. Here are a few examples.

 

Silas

Meet Silas, a sweet, medium-high-energy dog with a playful spirit and an eagerness to learn. Silas is the perfect companion for someone who loves staying active and is looking for a loyal friend with lots of love to give. Silas was found wandering the streets, scared and alone. Since then, she's received veterinary care, is healthy, and is now ready for the next chapter of her life with a loving home. Silas loves walks, playtime and cuddles!

A Few Notes About Silas: She is potty trained with continued consistent routines. She is approximately 25 pounds. She is cautious around new people: She doesn't like crowds and may take a little time to warm up, but with love and respect, her sweet and affectionate personality shines through. Reactivity: Silas can bark at and be reactive to people and other dogs during walks, but she's making significant improvements with training and guidance. She's eager to learn and will thrive with someone who can help her continue building confidence.

Timmy

Hi, I'm Timmy!
Everyone thinks that I am a little over a year old, and likely a Great Pyrenees mix. I'm already completely house-trained (big win!). I get along great with dogs, cats, and even chickens (we're still working on that, but we're making great progress).

I absolutely *love* playing with my two foster siblings-for now they are my best friends! To be fully transparent, I am not too fond of the crate, but am learning. I've been in a few different homes so I'm a bit unsure of myself and have learned about stairs and getting in the car. Once in the car, I'm the *best* riding buddy you can imagine. My wish list includes a canine sibling and a fenced-in yard because I LOVE it outside, and I do like to roam.

All to say, if you're looking for a sweet, playful, and affectionate pup, come meet me this Saturday at AARF. I'd love to show off what a good boy I am becoming.

Rogan

Hi there! My name is Rogan! I am a good boy that is anxiously awaiting my forever home. I have been waiting for a long time and really hope 2025 will be my year! I am a smart guy and have gone through weeks of professional training. I know things like "sit" "down" "crate" "heel" "place" "off" and a couple other cool tricks. I sit for my meals and am working on sitting at the door before going outside on a walk. I do love walks! I can be pretty strong on leash but with the right collar and handler I do well. Other things I love include cozy blankets, car rides, pup cups, laying in the sun, and balls. I am crate trained, and house trained. Sometimes I get a little upset when people leave me behind at home and I will bark and whine for a few minutes before going to chew on my bone. While I do not chew up anything that I am not supposed to, I am a very strong chewer on my toys, so I am only allowed to have the really tough ones. My current foster mom has seen what good manners I have so she lets me sleep on the couchI have lived with another dog before and also attended doggy daycare awhile back and did well. However, I can come on strong, so would need a proper introduction with any new dogs to make sure we would be buds. I have not lived with cats before but have a feeling it would be hard not to chase them so I probably should not go to a home with cats. People on the other hand, I do great with! Unfortunately, sometimes people see me or hear me bark and think I am scary, but I truly just want attention. I am a sucker for belly rubs and kisses. Since I am big and strong, I may accidentally knock over small children, so I would probably do best in a home with older kids or with an adult only family.I am looking for a home that will keep up my training since I really do enjoy practicing all the things I know, and I want to be sure I do not forget any of them. I have been in several fosters home so sometimes I can get confused on the rules. I hope that my forever home will provide me with structure, boundaries and consistency so that I can be the best boy for you! My perfect family will take me on walks, throw balls for me, and cuddle with me. A fenced yard would be nice too since I enjoy being outside, but it is not a must since I am not as energetic as I was in my younger days.

 

Sigourney

Meet Sigourney! Sigourney had a rough start. Living on the mean streets of Winston-Salem until help arrived. She and her 4 kittens were dodging cars and living off the kindness of strangers in the neighborhood. She is believed to be about 2 years old and has learned to trust
again. Her name was selected because she is a survivor like her namesake Sigourney Weaver in the movie Alien. She has evolved into a wonderful companion who will cuddle up next to her person and just wants to be loved. She is still as playful as a kitten and loves interactive toys
and play but will carry around a catnip toy or a spring. She loves to explore her foster home and gets along well with other cats and kittens after she gets to know them. Sigourney is spayed, fully vetted, and microchipped.

Gemma

Found alone outside a local grocery store, Gemma started off shy and fearful, but with love and patience, she has truly blossomed in foster care. She needs a kind and understanding person who will give her time to warm up at her own pace. Once she trusts you, she’ll reward you with deep, loving affection.

Gemma is the perfect mix of snuggly and playful—she loves curling up in a fuzzy blanket for chin scratches just as much as she enjoys playing with her toys. She also loves birdwatching from the window and basking in the sun. At night, she finds comfort sleeping by her foster mom’s side.

She would do best in a quiet, low-energy home and gets along wonderfully with friendly cats—she’d love a playful companion to help her feel safe.

If you’re looking for a rare gem with so much love to give, Gemma is waiting to meet you!

Dori

Dori is a sweet, big, fluffy girl with a heart full of love — and a motto to match: just keep swimming! This gentle beauty has a soft, luxurious coat that’s perfect for cuddles, and her sweet personality makes her a joy to be around.

Whether she’s lounging in a sunny window, exploring her surroundings, or just enjoying some quiet time with her favorite humans, Dori brings warmth and charm to every moment.

If you’re looking for a loving companion with a little extra fluff, Dori might be your perfect match!

our new address is 302 thurston street, winston-salem, nc 27103

 

“AARF has been a tremendous organization to work with as a volunteer. They are responsive, helpful, resourceful, and approachable. Most importantly, they always put the animals’ well-being first. I’m so grateful to AARF for giving me an opportunity to help these beautiful creatures.”

—Heather T., Foster parent