Resources

MEDICAL AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY

When most veterinary offices are closed, the after-hours emergency vet is open. Carolina Vet Specialists (CVS) is located at 1600 Hanes Mall Blvd. (corner of Jonestown Rd. and Hanes Mall Blvd.) (336) 896-0902

DOG SURRENDER: FILL OUT DOG SURRENDER FORM

CAT SURRENDER: FILL OUT CAT SURRENDER FORM

  • Rehoming your family member is a difficult decision. If your animal has behavior issues, there may be solutions -- such as training -- to help solve the problems. See “Dog Training” below.

    We would love to help your pet if we are able. If you need to surrender your pet to AARF, please complete the cat surrender form or dog surrender form. If you are located more than 45 minutes from our headquarters, please pursue other options for rehoming your pet. We cannot guarantee that your cat or dog will be the right fit for our program.

    Because the owner surrender rate is so high in this area, shelters and rescues may be full. Below are some resources that can help you and your pet find a good solution.

    • How to rehome your pet yourself:

      • List your pet on adoptapet.com.

      • Post your pet on nextdoor.com of your local neighborhood.

      • Use your personal network. Reach out through social media, friends, your veterinarian, etc.

      • Check potential adopter’s references by asking if they have previously had pets. Request the name of their veterinarian so you can call to see if they provided regular vet care. Questions to ask the vet:

        • Did they come in for annual vet care?

        • Are their pets up-to-date on their vaccinations?

        • Did they purchase heartworm preventative medication?

        • Are their current pets spayed and/or neutered?

      • If they haven’t had prior pets, ask for personal, non-related references.

      • Be patient. You want to find someone who will be responsible and is financially able to provide care.

      • Please understand that moving your pet to a new home will be disruptive to them and they will need someone who is patient and understanding.

    • How to rehome your pet via rescues:

      • Reach out to all community rescues (see list below).

      • Is your animal a specific breed? Most breeds have their own rescue groups! Check out this national list, or use Google to search for local breed rescue groups.

    If you cannot rehome your pet through any of the above methods, refer to your local municipal animal shelter. Check hours of operation before going to a shelter. You may need an appointment. Please know that some of these shelters euthanize for space, so make this decision carefully.

    Davidson County Animal Shelter

    Forsyth Humane Society

    Guilford County Animal Services

    Humane Society of Davie County

    Randolph County, NC Animal Services

    Rockingham County Animal Shelters

    Stokes County Animal Control

    Surry County Animal Control

    Yadkin County Animal Shelter

    • Act quickly! Search your own property. Look under furniture, porches, in garages, drainage, pipes, or other possible hiding places. Be sure any microchip information is current.

    • First, do not assume the animal is homeless. There’s a good chance they have a family who loves and misses them!

    • Have the pet scanned for a microchip at any veterinarian’s clinic, AARF, Forsyth Humane Society, or Animal Services (5570 Sturmer Park Cir., Winston-Salem, NC 27105), or check your local pet store to see if they can scan for a chip. Typically this is a free service.

    • Post on www.nextdoor.com that you found a pet. Include a photo.

    • Report the found pet with Forsyth County Animal Services through this link. They keep a lost and found list. Check back frequently as it changes daily.

    • Post the pet on PawBoost of Winston-Salem, a free online lost and found service.

      • Be sure your image is close-up and clear.

      • When listing on PawBoost, provide some identifying marks on the animal so that the owner would recognize their pet, but leave out some details (such as an unusual marking, the color of the collar, etc). The idea is to leave out a detail that only the owner would know, to avoid theft by the wrong person.

    • Post a picture to Petco Love Lost.

    • Most local TV stations have an online bulletin board where lost and found pets can be listed, like WXII 12 Pets in Winston-Salem. Email info about the found animal to pets@wx1112.com

    • Check on Craigslist of Winston-Salem and other local areas.

    • Post and distribute flyers with pictures at veterinary clinics, in your neighborhood, and at local adoption agencies. Ask your neighbors if they know the dog.

    • Post your lost pet on Facebook. Here are some options:

    • BE WARY of people too eager to either claim a pet or to take in a pet if the owner is not found.

    • If someone reaches out to claim the animal:

      • Always ask for proof of ownership. Examples include:

        • Photo of the pet

        • Vet records with a description

      • Meet in a public place with another person.

    • If the owner of the pet is not found, see below for options on placing a pet for adoption through one of the local rescues. You may also contact AARF at info@aarfws.org or (336) 768-PETS (7387). This is currently an answering machine. Leave a message with your contact information.

    • If you are unable to locate the owner, and can not safely contain the animal short-term, call Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Animal Service Division which is located at 5570 Sturmer Park Cir. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 in the Forsyth County Animal Shelter.

      • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am until 6:00 pm

      • Closed Sunday, Monday and holidays.

      • The administrative offices can be reached by calling 336-703-2480, option 1 during normal business hours.

      • You can also contact them through email for animal related complaints or problems.

      • The dispatch center is available 24/7 by calling (336) 727-2112.

      • The website for Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Animal Service Division is Forsyth County North Carolina

    • Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation Pet Food Pantry (AARF) - Must apply: Food Assistance ApplicationPICK-UP: Tues & Thurs 2pm - 4pm only. Location: 302 Thurston Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Call for availability. (336) 768-7387

    • Ardmore United Methodist Church - First and third Thursday of the month at 5:15 pm. Bob Martin Hall, 630 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. (336) 723-3695

    • Bridges Church, Shattalon Church of Christ - Fourth Friday of the month from 9-11 am and 6-7:30 pm. 5490 Shattalon Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27106. (336) 924-2964

    • Fuzzy Friends Pet Food Pantry - Serving the Winston-Salem area. Only open in the fall and winter on the third Saturday of the month. People who are in need of pet food should email to set up an appointment. email548 Friedberg Church Road, Winston-Salem, 27127. 336-692-6207

    • Holy Cross Catholic Church - Education Building. Third Thursdays of the month from 10-11 am or until supply is gone. Located in front of the education building at 616 S. Cherry St, Kernersville, NC 27284. In case of inclement weather, call (336) 497-1767.

    • Love Community Development. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 1-3 pm. 3980 N. Liberty St, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. (336) 886-5641. Email

    • Triad Dream Center - First and third Thursdays of each month from 9 am-12 pm. 3650-G Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. (336) 744-4004

  • Below you’ll find loan and grant resources for financial assistance on vet care. You may also wish to apply for CareCredit -- a healthcare credit card -- by calling (800) 677-0718 or visiting www.carecredit.com.

    Financial Assistance for Veterinary Care for DOGS & CATS

    • American Animal Hospital Association. Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship. Emailor call (800) 252-2242.

    • Dylan’s Hearts provides families struggling financially with the funds necessary to move treatment forward in an emergency or critical situation for the animals. Website or call (843) 855-2581.

    • Frankie’s Friends provides grants to assist with the cost of life-saving or life-enhancing emergency or specialty care for pets whose families cannot afford the full cost of treatment.

    • Fur-Ever Friends/Rico Fund -- Serving all of North Carolina. Financial assistance for medical care for your pet, or a stray animal. Contact them with your name, phone number, pet's name, and what you need help with, and someone will reach out to you within 48 hours. Email or send a request through the Rico Requests page.

    • Onyx and Breezy Foundation supports medical treatment for animals where hardship is present, as well as other endeavors that benefit the welfare of animals.

    • Paws 4 A Cure provides financial assistance to qualified families throughout the United States who cannot afford veterinary care. Apply for assistance here

    • Red Rover Relief The Urgent Care Grants program helps animals who need urgent and emergency veterinary care. The typical grant is around $250 and is intended to fill a small gap in funding that is keeping an animal from care. Decisions are based on several factors, including medical urgency, financial need, available funding, and eligibility.

    • STARelief and Pet Assistance is a national organization that provides assistance for all the scenarios below. Email or call (203) 636-0971

      • Low-income individuals and/or families

      • Physically and/or mentally impaired

      • U.S. Military members and their families

      • Homeless who own pets

      • Senior citizens and retirees on a fixed income

      • Victims of domestic violence

      • Pets displaced due to natural disasters

    • The Magic Bullet Fund Financial assistance for cancer treatment including surgery or chemotherapy only. The fund operates only in the U.S. The fund does not provide assistance for other conditions, treatment that has already been done, cancer treatment after the first course of treatment has failed, palliative care, or euthanasia.

    • The Pet Fund provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals in the United States who need veterinary care. If you think your animal may be eligible for this program, email with a description of your animal’s medical needs. Include a phone number where you can also be reached with your email.

    Financial Assistance for Veterinary Care for Dogs Only

    • The Mosby Foundation assists in the care of critically sick, injured, abused, and neglected dogs through financial support and public education.

    • Canine Cancer Awareness - Providing owners with information and resources for canine cancer. Relies on contributions to assist dog owners with cancer treatments.

    • Trio Animal Foundation assists shelters, rescues, and individuals by paying the medical bills of homeless pets.

    Financial Assistance for Veterinary Care for Cats Only

    • Diabetic Cats in Need - Assistance programs available for those living in the U.S. and Canada, whose cats have been diagnosed with diabetes and who are struggling to handle the costs. Their Compassionate Assistance Program provides ongoing assistance with insulin, testing supplies, and limited vet care to those who qualify as low-income caregivers. Call (234) 738-3246 and leave a message.

    • Fallen Angel Fund helps cats/kittens recover by serving the Piedmont Triad and surrounding counties of North Carolina. The purpose is to aid with veterinary expenses for injured and/or sick feral and stray cats fed daily by a caretaker. Call (336) 650-1873 or email

    • Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) provides emergency financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companion with Vaccine Associated Sarcoma (VAS), also referred to as Injection Site Sarcoma (ISS).

    • Forgotten Felines of Forsyth provides a low-cost TNR (trap-neuter-release) program. Email or call (336) 602-2887.

    • Marion’s Fund provides funding for sick or injured feral or stray cats.

    • Handicapped Pets Foundation (for dogs and cats). Dedicated to the health and well-being of elderly, disabled, and injured pets. This organization provides mobility equipment to pets in need.

    • HandiPets Plus (for dogs and cats). Supplies drag bags, belly bands, and diapers that are made to order and help keep your pet comfortable as they navigate the world around them. This is a special need supply company and NOT financial aid.

    • Walkin’ Pets (dogs only). Provides equipment for disabled pets so that elderly, handicapped, and injured pets can lead happy, healthy, and high-quality lives. (888) 253-0777. This is a special need supply company and NOT financial aid.

    • Unchain Forsyth - (A program sponsored by Fur-Ever Friends of NC) Builds fences for dogs that have lived their lives at the end of a chain. Low-income candidates must meet certain requirements including having a current rabies vaccination for their dog, having the dog spayed or neutered, and agreeing to never chain the dog again. Apply on their website or Email

    • UNchain Winston - Primary services include building free fences for qualified families, building and distributing free dog-houses, repairing existing fences, offering free or low-cost spay/neuter and vaccinations, veterinary care, and loaning portable dog pens for fostering and rescue. For information contact (336) 365-8291.

      • Houses for Hounds (an UNchain Winston program) through a partnership with Forsyth Humane Society, provides free dog houses, crates, and straw bedding to low-income Forsyth County residents so outdoor dogs can be brought indoors during the coldest months.

  • DOGS AND CATS

    • AARF of Winston-Salem - Fosters and re-homes cats and dogs in the Piedmont area. Leave a message at (336) 768-PETS (7387) or email

    • Forsyth Humane Society- FHS.

    • Davie Humane Society Mocksville, NC (336) 751-5214

    • Davie County Animal Shelter - Davie county’s municipal shelter for dogs, cats, and other pets. (336) 751-0227

    • Davidson County Animal Alliance- DCAA will assist a pet’s family with spay/neuter funds, vaccinations, food, medicine, pet housing, fenced enclosures to un-chain their dogs, and assist with rehoming pets. (336) 248-2706

    • Davidson County Animal Control - The Davidson County Animal Shelter is an open admission facility for stray, injured, abused, or unwanted animals. (336) 357-0805

    • Friends of the Stokes Shelter - A shelter for dogs, cats, and exotic animals in Stokes County. Email (336) 914-9270

    • Guilford County Animal Shelter- This Guilford County facility is an open admission shelter for dogs, cats, and other pets. (336) 641-3400.

    • The Haley Graves Foundation NC- Is a foster-based rescue in Guilford County. PO BOX 191, Summerfield, NC. Email

    • Humane Society of Davidson County - This is a small, foster-based organization dedicated to the welfare of dogs and cats in Davidson County. Email (336) 248-2706

    • Loving Pet Project NC(formally Loving Pet Inn) - High Point, NC A foster and rescue organization for abandoned cats and dogs which are then rehabilitated and adopted to families. Email (336) 393-0000

    • Red Dog Farm- Stokesdale, NC Rescues and rehabilitates dogs, cats, farm animals, exotics, small pets, and more. Email or (336) 288-7006

    • ST. Furever Freedom Animal Rescue They are a non-profit rescue organization for cats and dogs in and around Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Lexington, & Wilmington NC. Email

    • Stokes County Animal Shelter- Stokes County Animal Control and municipal animal shelter serves homeless/stray dogs and cats in Stokes County. Check here for lost animals. Email (336) 994-2788

    • Surry Animal Rescue- Mount Airy, NC A volunteer-run, foster-based rescue for dogs and cats. They provide safe care in foster homes until permanent homes can be found. Email (336) 789-2328

    • Surry County Animal Control - This is the Surry County Animal Control and municipal animal shelter, which serves homeless/stray dogs and cats in Surry County. Check here for lost animals. (336) 401-8481

    • Triad SPCA - Services the Triad area of North Carolina. The SPCA of the Triad is a dog and cat rescue located in Greensboro, NC. Email (336) 375-3222

    DOGS ONLY

    • Chihuahua Rescue- Rescue, adoption, and the medical care of stray and homeless Chihuahuas, Chihuahua mixes, and hairless breed dogs in need. Contact Carla Johnson via email

    • Hart-2-Heart Rescue - Greensboro, NC. (Their adoption range is North and South Carolina and most of Virginia). Rescues small mixed-breed and purebred dogs only. Email

    • Peanut’s Place Small Breed Rescue- Small breed canine rescue dedicated to saving unwanted pets of all ages and conditions. Call/text is preferable (704) 650-9653. If unable to text, please, email

    • Ruff Love- Thomasville, NC A no-kill DOG rescue and foster care organization dedicated to the care of abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs. Email

    • Stepping Stones Canine Rescue - Winston-Salem - Rescues and provides sanctuary through foster and adoption of abandoned, stray, and neglected dogs. Email

    • Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina- Raleigh/Chapel Hill area (TriBeagles) -Breed-specific beagle rescue. Email

    PUPPIES AND KITTENS

    • Animal Rescue & Foster Program- ARFP - Greensboro, NC Dedicated to rescuing puppies and kittens. (336) 574-9600 ext 1 for information on finding a home for a stray pet you have found.

    PIT BULLS AND PIT MIXES

    Report Dog fighting: (877) TIP-HSUS or your local sheriff’s office.

    • Carolina Adopt-A-Bulls -Raleigh-Durham, NC Advocate to eliminate breed restrictions and end pit bull bans. Educate the public about pit bull truth and fiction. Liberate and find loving homes for pit bulls. Primarily focused on pulling dogs from North Carolina shelters versus accepting owner surrenders. Email

    CATS AND KITTENS ONLY

    • Alley Cat Rescue - Based in Winston-Salem. Focuses on the welfare of homeless/feral kittens Email

    • Juliet's House - Greensboro, NC Promotes the humane care and rescue of cats in the Greensboro area. Contact through their website form or email

    • Paws for Your Heart- Greensboro/High Point, NC PAWS is a cat and kitten rescue that serves the Triad area. Email (336) 253-8001

    • Tiny Tigers Rescue - Toast, NC 27049 - rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes less fortunate cats. They also work with the feral cat population through a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program. (336) 673-3009. Email or see the Facebook page.

    • Triad Independent Cat Rescue - Greensboro, NC Dedicated to saving and rehoming cats in the Triad area. Email

    SENIORS AND SPECIAL NEED DOGS

  • MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.

    FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don’t give them enough exercise.

    MYTH: It’s better to have one litter first.

    FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat cycle are typically healthier. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.

    MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.

    FACT: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth — which is unlikely since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion — the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life, and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.

    MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.

    FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats — mixed breed and purebred.

    MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.

    FACT: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect the home and family. A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

    MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

    FACT: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that does not mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can’t guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner’s chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet’s (and her mate’s) worst characteristics.

    MYTH: It’s too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

    FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian’s fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost — a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It’s a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant food costs and veterinary bills if complications develop. Most importantly, it’s a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.

    MYTH: I’ll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.

    FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet’s litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than one year’s time, each of your pet’s offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.

    (Source: The Humane Society of the United States)Item description

    • Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic serves the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. They provide affordable spay, neuter, wellness exams, microchipping, and vaccinations. Visit their website to request an appointment. Email (336) 723-7550

    • Feral Cat Assistance Program (FCAP) - Greensboro, NC This rescue improves the lives of local feral "community" cats through teaching humane cat trapping, loaning cat traps, and managing a monthly ultra-low-cost ($10 per feral cat) spay/neuter/vaccinate clinic. Email (336) 378-0878

    • Forgotten Felines of Forsyth provides a low-cost TNR (trap-neuter-release) program. Email (336) 602-2887

    • Humane Solution - provides low-cost vouchers to pet owners with financial hardships. Email (336) 723-DOGS (3647)

    • Humane Society of the Piedmont Provides spay/neuter and medical assistance for Guilford County residents. Email (336) 299-3060

    • Project B.A.R.K. (Bringing Animals Relief and Kindness). Focus on offering low-cost spay/neuter voucher assistance for pet owners in financial need in Guilford County only (336) 965-1059.

    • Sheets Pet Clinic in Greensboro, NC Low-cost spay/neuter services. (336) 852-8488.

    • Spay USA is a nationwide network and referral service for affordable spay/neuter. Their mission is to end the suffering of innocent dogs and cats by reducing the number of unwanted births.

    • Spay/Neuter Hotline: (336) 965-1059 for information on their 10/15 Fix Program. Guilford County Residents only.

    • Surry Spay and Neuter Clinic in Ararat, NC. Low-cost spay/neuter services. You do not need to live in Surry County to use these services. (336) 374-2262.

    • The Spay & Neuter Clinic of Alamance County - Burlington, NC Provides low-cost spay, neuter, and wellness for the general public. (336) 570-6767

    • A New Start in Life (NSIL) program partners with Family Services to provide safety and care to pets while survivors of interpersonal violence stay at their shelter. NSIL, a PAW-ALLIANCE program provides loving foster homes or lodging, food and treats, medical care, toys, and all other needs. After leaving the shelter, pets and humans are reunited. To qualify for this program you must be a resident of the Family Services shelter. PAW-ALLIANCE

    • For adults who are grieving the loss of a beloved pet or animal companion, Trellis Supportive Care offers a monthly support group via Zoom. They also offer supportive resources and grief kits for families with children who are coping with the impending loss or death of a pet. Call (336) 331-1300 to register for the monthly pet loss group or for more information. Trellis Supportive Care

  • It is much easier to prevent litter box problems than it is to fix them. While most cats use their boxes without difficulty, any cat can struggle if certain conditions are not met. If there are issues, first take your kitty to the vet to rule out any underlying medical issues.

    • The Litterbox Survival Guide (Humane Society of Pulaski County)

    • Caring for Neonatal Kittens

    • Need help with a cat up a tree, a dog in a drain pipe, etc.?

      • A & B Tree Expert

        • Chris Knight: (336) 588-6942 or (336) 258-1680 (Please note that this is not a free services and is cash only)

  • If you have found an injured or orphaned wild animal, please call or visit the website for one of these organizations before you do anything else. Do not feed the animal. Due to the risk of rabies, do NOT handle foxes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and bats.

  • We recommend obedience training for all dogs. Working with your dog on basic obedience is a great way to bond and make your dog a better family member.

    Bestfriends is an online resource that will provide you with a lot of helpful ideas, but it is not a substitute for a professional dog trainer.

    This is not a comprehensive list of dog trainers in Winston-Salem. AARF does not affiliate with or promote any of these. When you call, be sure to mention if you have adopted your dog from a local rescue, as many trainers will offer an adoption discount. An asterisk (*) indicates that the trainer will also work with certain aggression issues. Please contact the facility/trainer for more information.

    • Barkdale Dog Park at Creekside Park 5900 Mose Dr, Archdale, NC 27263

    • Griffin Park 5301 Hilltop Road, Greensboro, NC, 27407. (336) 373-2928

    • Hedgecock Park 300 W Parris Ave, High Point, NC 27262 (Registration required; see website before going)

    • Horizons Happy Hounds 2835 Memorial Industrial School Rd Germanton, NC 27019 (336) 703-2500

    • Jamison Park Dog Park 285 Meadowlark Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

    • LeBauer Park 208 N. Davie St., Greensboro, NC 27401 Email

    • Southwest Park Dog Park 6309 SW Park Dr., Greensboro, NC 27405

    • Stephen M. Hussey Bark Park at Country Park 3905 Nathanael Green Dr., Greensboro, NC 27455 Email

    • Tanglewood Park 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012

    • Vivian F. Bennett Memorial Dog Park at Fourth of July Park 702 W Mountain St, Kernersville NC 27284

    • Washington Park 1490 S Broad St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127