Our History

In 1995, AARF was started by a small group of people wanting to make a difference in the lives of homeless cats and dogs. That same year, sanctioned by the state, they were granted nonprofit status with by-laws and a Board of Directors. Through fundraisers, adoption fees, and dedicated volunteers, in 2004 AARF found its home at 311 Harvey Street in Winston-Salem. In 2006, they hired a part-time director, established regular office hours, and expanded adoption fairs. In 2017, the Board of Directors went from four to twelve members who wrote new and comprehensive by-laws. With an operating budget of over $180,000, AARF was able to find homes for 1,000 cats and dogs in 2017. In 2018, AARF began a search for a new home. And in the summer of 2022, we moved into our newly built, state-of-the-art, 6,000-square-foot facility.