ABOUT ARF SEPA   >   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 (generally within two hours).  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 Canine and Feline Rescue Teams patrol area community shelters each week looking for pets that are adoptable, yet their time in a shelter may be running out when community shelters euthanize animals to create space.  ARF SEPA does not discriminate on breed, age or health – we are out looking for adoptable pets that simply need our help.  ARF SEPA rescues animals from community shelters, takes them to a participating veterinarian for a check-up, testing, vaccinations, and any other needed care, then transports the rescued dog or cat to its new foster home.

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, cat, or rabbit 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 and are spayed or neutered prior to adoption.  Pets also receive any additional veterinary care if needed, such as medications and surgeries to help get sick pets feeling good once again.

The adoption fee for dogs is $150 for each dog or puppy.  Since ARF SEPA provides veterinary care for foster pets, adopted dogs receive the following while with ARF SEPA:

1. Veterinary exam
2. Vaccinations (rabies, distemper, any other needed vaccinations)
3. Tested for heartworms and started on heartworm preventive (like Heartguard)
4. Received de-worming medication (all dogs get this medication as a precaution)
5. Microchipped indentification
6. Spay / Neuter
7. Any other needed veterinary care or medication, even surgeries if necessary

Due to the age of some puppies and kittens at the time of adoption, ARF will provide veterinary care as appropriate for the age of the pet. If a pet is too young to receive certain services by the time of adoption, any veterinary care that that is needed after the Date of Adoption and for the lifetime of the pet will be at the cost of the adopter. Exceptions: ARF SEPA will cover spay/neuter and microchip at our participating vets only.

The $150 adoption donation helps offset some of our costs and provide care for the next pet that we rescue.  For senior pets, adoption fees may even be reduced or waived, and we appreciate any donations our senior pet adopters wish to give.

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 $1 (for a total of $101 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:

1. Veterinary exam
2. FELV/FIV testing
3. Vaccinations (rabies, FVRCP, FELV)
4. Received de-worming medication (all cats get this medication as a precaution)
5. Microchipped Identification
6. Spay / Neuter
7. Any other needed veterinary care or medication, even surgeries if necessary

Due to the age of some puppies and kittens at the time of adoption, ARF will provide veterinary care as appropriate for the age of the pet. If a pet is too young to receive certain services by the time of adoption, any veterinary care that that is needed after the Date of Adoption and for the lifetime of the pet will be at the cost of the adopter. Exceptions: ARF SEPA will cover spay/neuter and microchip at our participating vets only.

The $100 adoption donation helps offset some of our costs and provide care for the next pet we rescue.  For senior pets, adoption fees may even be reduced or waived, and we appreciate any donations our senior pet adopters wish to give.

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.