What a great place! I found Thor online one evening. I filled out the application and was contacted the same night. I scheduled a meet and greet for my husband and myself. We sat in a living room and were shown the pup and his friend to see how he played with other dogs. I brought kids for the next visit. I liked how they had volunteers available to show the pups personality with people he is familiar with. Finally I brought my dog on the third visit. Sue made time in her busy schedule to get me in to see the dog and gave me toys, food, and crates to ease Thor's transition. I was please with the care the took to make sure we were the right fit for each other. My new family member is right at home. Thank you ARF. read more

Animal Rescue Foundation - Thor in his new home. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Terryville, Connecticut

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I filled out an application for a dog on their website and Sue got back to me very quickly, you can tell they took their time to read the application because the dog I initially applied for wasn't a great match. They introduced me to three dogs they thought would be a better fit for me, being entirely honest about all of their dogs they had available. I'm so happy she did because we found our perfect match! Sue made time to let us come in to meet the pups on her day off (so so grateful for this). Her and every volunteer were so nice and cared deeply for all the pets at the rescue. The adoption process was easy and went well! We brought our boy, Reese, home and Sue was sure to check in a few days later to make sure everything was going good! Highly recommend adopting from this rescue, they send you home with toys, food, all of their vet records and information that you need! read more

I filled out the application for a dog they called me the next day and let me come in to meet some dogs. They have a nice big living room to play with the dogs, by my second visit I found the perfect one for me. The volunteers are so friendly and knowledgeable it made the process so enjoyable. I went the next day to pick up my new family member, the paperwork was ready and they gave me ALL the essential things I could possibly need!! I would highly recommend this place, it's clean you can tell the dogs are loved and they make you feel welcomed. read more

Animal Rescue Foundation - Animal Shelters Near Me - Terryville, Connecticut

Had such a great experience adopting from ARF! The volunteers here do amazing work, and when you visit, you can really see how much love they put into this place. While it took a little bit to get the initial contact, they were very responsive to my follow-up. A special shoutout to Sue, who was amazing throughout the process! You can really tell that their main focus is finding the perfect forever home for each pet. Having adopted from rescues before, ARF truly stands out for the level of care they put into their matchmaking process. Highly recommend! We are so happy to have welcomed Lucy into our home and all the work they did with her! read more

We just adopted our girl Stella from these wonderful people. Not only are they amazing with the animals but they are thorough and will not just hand them over unless there is a clear connection and all parties are happy to build that future together. We could not be happier or more impressed with their hard work and professionalism. read more

Animal Rescue Foundation - The day we took Stella home. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Terryville, Connecticut

Our family recently adopted the most handsome boy from ARF. He was 5 months old, a pretty big boy, and Coral and Sue assured us that he was gentle and would be good with kids. They were 100% correct! My daughter filled out the application and Sue contacted her right away. We arranged a meet and greet where Coral introduced us to our new family member. They do not rush you. You're allowed to sit and visit and play with your prospective new family member. They answer any questions you may have. The whole process was truly stress free and we could not be happier. We brought the kids to meet their new furry brother and they got to sit and visit with him. It truly was a perfect match. ARF goes above and beyond to make a great match. They sent us home with everything that we could possibly need and then some! read more

This is a great nonprofit animal rescue and adoption organization. The volunteers are so kind and amazing; they really care about the animals and helping you find a good match. I filled out the adoption form and got a call back in less than a day. I was looking at a senior dog on the website at first, but he was already luckily being adopted that day. The volunteer Dog Director suggested a little guy who had some special health needs. I had experience with that type of daily care needed and was delighted to adopt Luke! He's doing great. Thank you ARF! I was so impressed with the organization that I filled out the volunteer application, went to the orientation training, and am going to help out. read more

Very pleased with my experience! They went above and beyond what was both good for the dog and their people. Anything we needed for the dog to be comfortable at our home came along with her. Facility was beautiful and very inviting. Staff was so friendly and helpful. Thank you so much read more

Everything went better than just well. I got an appointment quickly to meet a little boy dog named Kevin that is a tiny Pom/mix 10 yrs old approx. The premises are absolutely awesome- clean,well maintained, spacious bordering on luxury for these rescue pets. I was anxious to adopt as soon as possible and after talking with Sue at my interview, my paperwork had all been checked thoroughly and I was given the go ahead to choose my pup. I had asked to see Kevin. I wanted a small senior and he fit the bill to perfection. I was floored at the essentials that came with Kevin. He had already been chipped. All vet visits with dental and shots done. With follow up set up. I was given the flea tick and heartworm. I was given a leash and harness, a folder of well planned and explained instructions. A bag of food. But most importantly, I was given the gift of a healthy, loving doggie to love. And it's reciprocated. He was well trained by their personnel and has fit into my life beautifully. The follow-ups by the wonderful Sue have been amazing. She loves her job and more importantly she loves these animals. She wants only the best for them and will freely give great advice for any questions. I had heard things in the past (years ago) about this rescue that were less than flattering. But the new building, director, and staff are top notch. I can't recommend this place more highly. Adoption is the only way to go. And this rescue should be at the front of anyone's choice. read more

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I had been searching for an older, small dog for two months. I had contacted 2 other rescue organizations but as they say...third time is the charm! ARF responded promptly and happened to have a dog that met all of my desires. I met Randy on a Sunday and by Tuesday, he was mine! What a great little dog he is! ARF spent time training him and he knows "sit, stay, come". The fee for adoption was lower than both of the other rescues. Not only did I get a little dog but I got food, a crate, harness, collar, leashes, a bed, blanket and two toys! Such a deal! I was impressed by the professionalism of all of the staff. You would never guess that they are all volunteers. They are all great. The only name that I remember is Sue. I highly recommend that anyone looking to adopt a dog, go to Animal Rescue Foundation in Terryville. You'll be glad that you did! read more

I applied using the online adoption application, picked out the dog I was interested in from the pictures available and received a prompt response from a very kind volunteer. She patiently answered my questions, and met me to do a meet and greet with their current dogs. The shelter was very clean, very well run and I was introduced to the staff while I was shown the facility. I waited in a pleasant, quiet area and one dog after another was brought into this serene environment. After finding a dog, or rather being found by my dog, I was told that there were other applicants who also were going through the same process. I was given information regarding the rest of the process and was able to spend a few more precious minutes walking with the dog and the volunteer to the entrance. The environment was very professional and everyone was hard at work. Clearly, these people love the animals that enter their gates with a protective passion and desire to find the right home for them. I left feeling unsure of whether I would be chosen, but with a certainty that whoever was chosen would be with a heart to protect them especially once the animal was placed beyond their agency's protection. The experience restored my sense that fair isn't always giving what a particular person might feel entitled to, but rather to find what is fair for the pet. read more

I volunteer here and have seen firsthand how loving everyone is that takes care of both the adoptable dogs and cats. We do our best to provide the necessary medical care, love and a safe space for these animals so that we can find them a good furever home. I personally rescued two cats from ARF and we couldn't be happier with our boys. read more

6/26/23 I just became aware of one of this organizations team members resigning. I'd like to give Carol Sirica, former manager of the cat department of ARF a much needed and delayed mention. For eleven (11) years Carol volunteered as their cat manager never once taking a salary. Carol is a compassionate, kindhearted and dedicated volunteer. She helped me immensely with providing vouchers for stray cats so that I could get them fixed and ready to seek a forever home. Carol will be missed and her shoes will not easily be filled as she is one in a million. I wish you well and hope your animal volunteering days aren't over yet. The Best of Luck Jean Furs read more

ARF has well cared for cats and dogs for adoption. I am a volunteer there and see how they care about the furbabies. They screen potential adopters to make sure they get a wonderful forever home. read more

My husband and I started volunteering here a year ago and were truly amazed at how well cared for and loved the animals are! The facility is clean and well kept by a contingent of volunteers. The dogs get play time in the yard and walked, sometimes multiple times a day. They are provided with regular well and sick Vet visits and all dogs will be up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered and microchipped. The Board of Directors do their absolute best to find the best possible home for each animal on a case by case basis. We recently adopted from them as well and are so grateful to them for our girl! read more

Animal Rescue Foundation - Our girl! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Terryville, Connecticut

I give 3 stars because of the fantastic dog we eventually adopted. She's the friendliest, sweetest pup imaginable. That is, I think, due to their care. With that said, however: This place sets new standards in noncommunication (I think that's a new word.) Nobody will ever answer the phone. Emails get auto-responses. Their trainer is in his own world. Nobody knows any facts. You can't get a straight answer. Their policies are their own. Maybe there's a reason. Nobody with kids may adopt. Renters? Go elsewhere. Greg S. is the high point. Knowledgeable and forthright. Good luck with them. It took us 6 weeks - but worth it. read more

Terrible organization. I was rejected because my 16-year-old got sick and was eventually euthanized after being treated by the vet. They rejected me without asking me or talking to me directly about the circumstances or the situation regarding the untimely end with my sweet prince. To disqualify someone who had a pet live almost 2 decades making it seem like I was a bad pet parent because I made the right choice to put him down instead of more procedures that wouldn't have helped. The ordeal was quite traumatic for me since Chester wasn't in poor health. He got old and had digestive issues due to his age. We lived in another state and I lost any paperwork I had for him so the only Vet paperwork available was when he was taken to the vet in March of this year. His previous vet said he'd eventually have the issue so severe that he'd need surgery or to be put down. Shame on you and your organization for being so judgmental and passing up yet another great home for a set of kittens! This is beyond unprofessional and cruel. Anyone else reading this review, believe all the other reviews who say the exact same thing about this heartless organization. read more

This "rescue" has been consistently getting bad reviews since they first opened. I'm not sure why they are even still there. Back around 1987, my family, consisting of my husband, 4 year old son and 1 and a half year old daughter, went to ARF to get a dog to add to our family. My husband and I both grew up in dog families and took care of them all our lives. As soon as they saw my 1 and a half year old, they said they would not let us adopt. She was too young they said. We ended up getting a beagle puppy from a breeder who lived out her life with us until she passed at age 12. She lived a very good life with us and the same could have been done with a rescue. With all of these bad reviews for more than 30 years, wouldn't you think they'd change some of their restrictions? It's a shame. read more

I went in to DISCUSS adopting a dog. I had to put my Leon dog down after two years of diabetes and Cushings. Six months later I'm starting to think about getting another dog. I walked in, was "greeted" by a receptionist who, compared to the ringleader, was nice, though she didn't offer much more beyond "Are you looking to adopt a dog?" I said yes, and she asked "Do you rent or own." Well, long story. I rent because I own a home in Oklahoma still, one that won't sell, and the whole process has kind of turned me off buying again. But how does this affect my ability to give a dog a good life? I'm thinking, well, my landlord - WHO I DOG SIT FOR -- will write me a letter so I can get a puppy. But no, Terryville ARF sends you packing the moment they realize Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac don't own your clearly-animal-hating-hindquarters. Yep, I was turned away FOR RENTING. No income questions, no questions about how long I've lived at this place (four years, BTW.) I said, "So if I rent, I just can't get a dog. Ever." The receptionist kind of weakly said yes. Thanks, lady, for at least trying to have a modicum of respect. Then ol' Blond Lady, who I've heard just AWESOME things about, jumps in to lecture me about how terrible she thinks I am. "While I'm sure there are renters who love animals..." blahblahblah" -- her tone was the most condescending thing I've heard. She was sitting with an unsuspecting family who clearly passed the first round of tests. She interrupted their questions to lecture me on how renters always return the animals when they get evicted - and they will because they are PIECES OF CRAP - and how we're just altogether the scum of the earth, because, you know, we have jobs that move around a lot or are in the process of trying to unload another home... this screeching harpy of a woman just kept screeching. Just no, you sad sack of protoplasm who can't even OWN A HOME, get out, our dogs are TOO GOOD for you. She wasn't wearing a nametag. I wouldn't either. But she was thin and fake blond with her hair piled on top of her head. She rolled her eyes at me. She was AWFUL. And probably in charge. Even though I have kept my Leon's ashes in a spot in the house where I can always see them..even though I spent hundreds of dollars each month on his medical care until HE told me it was time to go. Even though two pampered cats already live with me... even though I spend hundreds on wild bird food FOR STRANGER BIRDS and donate to the SPCA... nope, you don't have a mortgage, so you CLEARLY aren't good enough. I wanted to take a dog camping and hiking and to sleep in my bed for the next 15 years. I can see how my renting status would affect that... Sure. Keep telling yourselves that. I got news for ya, screechy blond lady who needs to get a better hobby besides lording your animal rescuer status over potential adopters -- more and more people are renting nowadays thanks to government BS a few years ago. So are you just gonna keep that policy? Even though renters aren't the common street trash your group assumes they are? Good luck with that. And good luck being a better person -- you need Jesus. I'm only half-kidding. OK, thanks for pulling back the veil, Terryville ARF. I'll donate my money to someone who actually needs it. OH, and I'm in the media. I'm telling EVERYONE I know about this experience. read more

I found this place on petfinder. I have owned two dogs in my life ( growing up) along with many other type of pets ( chinchilla, hamsters,birds). I drove two hours from my home in MA to look at this specific dog, that touched my heart, and the women who was volunteering or working...still not sure, was very aggressive and rude. Talked over you,and gave this attitude that she was better then you and that you were not good enough for this establishment ( which is funny considering that it is a place that adopts out animals. ) She made me fill out this 6 page questionnaire, before I was aloud to see the dog, all well making it very clear I would not be aloud to adopt him because there was another family that she loved. She was the rudest person I honestly ever met. I do not remember her name sadly. I understand wanting to do a thorough background on a person before adopt out a pet, to help prevent the pet getting into the wrong hands after living such a terrible life so far. BUT there is no need to treat the people who are generally interesting in adopting with such disrespect. She generally made me feel uncomfortable and angry for the whole two hour ride back to Boston. I am someone who knows at least a little about animals. I am not completely inexperienced and volunteered at a Vets office in my younger days and majored in animals science for the first two years of school. She made me feel unwelcome and stupid, I am too nice of a person to ever make a scene, but if I had been someone else; I honestly probably would have yelled at this women in front of her ( nice) colleges and embarrassed her. I plan on never going back to this place, not because of the distance, but because of THAT women. read more

I found ARF on petfinder after viewing some of their claimed amazing dogs. They looked happy and healthy and they claimed that the dogs were perfect for a home. So I took the ride out to terryville in hopes of looking for a forever companion and was turned away 10 seconds after walking in because I rent. I almost burst into tears it's so unfair! Their reasoning is that because some renters return dogs no renters are allowed to adopt dogs from them at all! I tried explaining to them that I was adopting a dog as a companion animal. (To help with my anxiety, and other mental issues) they didn't care! They just sent us packing and recommended that we go to someplace cheaper (As if we couldn't afford their dogs) it was horrible! I absolutely do not recommend them at all! read more

My husband and I walked in with our nearly 4 year old, looking for a cat. We own 1, and our 2nd cat died a year ago from cancer. The receptionist asked if we were looking for a dog or a cat. As soon as I said "cat," she said we could fill out an application, but we probably wouldn't be considered because of our young child. She never asked how my son's age, never asked if we owned any cats, never asked anything. She saw a young kid and immediately said "it's not my decision, but they just don't send our cats to families with small children." Put that on your website then, ARF. What a ridiculous blanket policy. read more

To begin We found this place via pet finder, they were open on a Saturday we were looking to get a dog for the family. We met with the person at the front desk they asked what kind of pet we were looking for and we advised a dog. They person proceeded to show us a book of dogs. We checked out a few and said ok, in the front area we were introduced to 3 pits which were siblings and rowdy! They were a great bunch but a little busy for what we were looking for, then they brought out a easy going black and white pitbull terrier. She didn't seem over active she came over and said her hellos and then just hung out. She was the one! We didn't expect to be picking out a dog that day but we already loved her. We went inside explained we wanted her, then we rec'd a packet we had to complete.. everything from income to kids.. we proceeded to fill it out and were told we don't do adoptions for the Christmas holiday because people tend to get animals as gifts and then family's return them because they didn't know what they were getting into. So we said ok no problem, but they said we can do it since it almost 2/3 weeks away ‍. We were told someone will stop by the house and make sure there was enough space, confirm we actually live there..then we were told the price of the adoption and that turned into a are you kidding moment..fast forward a few days they asked us to bring in our other children to introduce them to the dog which was fine. At that point we wanted her and the family loved her even more. While I was doing research I wanted to know why this adoption was so expensive and other places were not charging as much. The day came to pick up the dog and I had sent a text to Kathy I believe her name is and she said she would get back to me which she did..she explained to me they are not a facility such as the ASPCA and don't have millions of dollars in the bank to support their cause, if we could not afford the dog then why would we bother considering to adopt! She offered a discounted amount as well. I was so angry. She proceeded to tell us at this point she was on speaker phone, that she will come with clothes, a bed, leash, collar, dog food that cost at least 100.00 ( it did we checked) and a feeding dish! She said are you coming down to get the dog or not! So I told her if I am or if I'm not she should be there with the dog. I cried a little because I wanted this dog and the family were ready to welcome a new member, especially since the back story to this dog was heartbreaking. We went to the ARF and was met by a gentleman (Kathy was not there) asked if we were picking up the dog. We said yes, gave them a check told them they can keep all the items they claimed totaled 500.00 we did take the food as she stated she would throw that in.. they gave us her packet showing she had her rabies shots, she had been chipped and the Vet she followed up with. Gave us 2 medications they were giving her.. the people at the facility seemed as they enjoy working with the animals, the facility from what we saw were clean and inviting. 2 weeks later I received a call and a text from Kathy It was her checking on the dog, I didn't return either.. and no one has come to check on the dog she is living her best life and on the top of her game. I wish you luck with you ventures at this place but I would not recommend going here without doing more research than I did. read more

My family and I have been wanting to rescue a dog for awhile and we were looking on Petfinder. So we all took a ride on a Saturday and we got turn down in 5 seconds from walking in. 1st thing a women that worked there asked was do we own a home and I said no we rent a home. She said you can't adopt here, you have to own a home. She did it right in front of my children and they started to cry. SOOOOOO unprofessional. I said it doesn't say that and she continue to say yes it does. So right before we walked out I pulled out my phone and said where does it say that? so this doesn't happen again and why would I bring my children here knowing that. She started to say I don't know but that is the policy. It's when 2 months and Denver is still there. But we did adopt a dog at a different shelter for people like us that rent. People loose their homes all the time but that's ok for this rescue place. read more

This is not the place to go to if you want to adopt a furry friend without an agonizing process. They pull on your heart strings and lie to you. My husband and I wanted to adopt a dog so we went to the Terryville Animal Rescue. We found the perfect little guy who was everything we both wanted and we fell in love. He wasn't yet up for adoption but they allowed us to spend some time with him. We told them we would take him home that day but Greg, who is the guy making the decisions (which we were told by more than one person at this foundation) told us he should be available sometime the upcoming week and that if we hadn't heard anything yet we could email him on Thursday. I was anxious and emailed on Wed. and he replied the next day that the puppy wasn't up for adoption yet and that it would be a couple weeks. 2 days went by and there he was on their website and petfinder up for adoption so we went that Saturday to see him again and brought our son with us. There were many people wanting to see this dog. We waited a while to see him again. This puppy loved us and fell asleep in my sons arms. We became attached to him as if he was already a part of the family. A week went by and he was removed from the websites. I emailed again asking if he was adopted and if so we were heartbroken. I was told a decision hadn't been made yet and "the panel" was reviewing applications. I replied telling Greg how attached we were and explaining our feelings and that we would do whatever is needed if we could adopt this little guy. We have the perfect home and I told them that we have so much love to give this little one. We even stopped in again to let them see how much we cared and loved him and we were told by someone who we saw outside that Greg was there. When we went in we were told Greg wasn't there. Then the next day I received an email from Greg that he was informed that the "adoption panel" chose another family with no explanation as to why. What a horrible way to treat people! read more

Went to adopt a dog. Was not allowed to look at all of the dogs. Was treated as though we knew nothing about animals, even though I was raised with dogs, cats, goats, and horses my whole life. They acted like our family was not fit to wipe the dog poo off of their shoes. Funny considering that they are supposed to find homes for animals. Apparently, living in a shelter with a couple of walks a day is better than a forever home with a family that loves them. Very rude, arrogant VOLUNTEERS. I probably know more about animals than they do...large and small animals. Would never recommend. Poor animals. The longer they stay in a shelter, the harder to adjust in the real world. Like jail. read more

We recently adopted a 2 year dog, Beasley from them. I had been trying to adopt a dog through petfinder for several months, and found that many places never even call or email back --but Greg emailed back immediately. And he was very transparent about the policies of ARF--he told us ahead of time that we would have to live in CT and own our home, before we even visited. When we arrived they were again very honest about the large number of people that had come to see this particular dog, and they explained that they are always looking for the best situation/fit for each individual dog. We have 2 other dogs, so when they chose us, they said it was contingent on our dogs getting along with him. Then they had us come back with our dogs and they had a trainer introduce all of the dogs. This was great because the trainer was able to teach me how to handle the dogs together, and read their cues. He was able to give me a lot of advice on training for the adjustment period in our home--which has been working great. I have to say this organization clearly has a lot of employees/volunteers that truly care about the dogs. The facility is beautiful and unbelievably clean. Speaking with them about other dogs, it is clear that they really take the time to get to know the personalities of each dog and their mission is truly to do best each individual dog. This is a great group of people, doing wonderful work. read more

I agree with Katie. I also found this place on petfinder and found them to be extremely rude when I visited. Drove an hour for them to treat me like trash when I had asked to see a dog I wanted to adopt. Disappointing. read more

We wanted to get our daughter a small dog. She is very good and responsible with all creatures big and small. We have owned and currently own big dogs (Great Danes, German Short Haired Pointers). First we looked at various breeders to pick our dog and then we decided to look at rescue pets to see if they had one that would match our families wants and the pets needs. We found two on the Louisiana ARF website. A Chihuahua and a four year old terrier. We had excellent references from our vet. Own our home, a fully fenced in back yard in the country. The dog would have lived in the house, as all of our animals did. We take our animals with us on vacation and make sure we rent dog friendly houses. We were denied without even an interview, call to our vet, or visit to our house because we own a stud dog. The fee to "rescue" this animal is $200.00 , which we did not have a problem paying. The understanding is the need for funding and good people to adopt these animals is great. Yet, a family with perfect pet accommodations is denied because we would not neuter our stud dog. read more

Worst experience ever!!! We are retirees (ages 65 & 66), and after losing our beloved Buck two years ago, are ready to provide a forever home for our next furry child. We were so excited when we met Charlie at Animal Rescue CT in Terrryville and we could see that he was excited to meet us, too. I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start from the beginning. We visited there a week ago. We brought along our 8 year old grandson who hopes to become a veterinarian. He thought that, because of his love of animals, he should help in our search. Our grandson lives with his parents with his own dog approximately 1/2 hour from us. He does not live with us. Our welcome there was, "How can I help you?" We responded we are looking to adopt a dog. The next words spoken from Lisa who works there was, "How old is he?" while pointing at our grandson. We explained he is 8 but does not live with us. She replied, "Well, he does visit you, right?". We challenged her on this stating everyone has children visiting or living next door - what does that have to do with us adopting a dog. She didn't respond but handed us a 6 page application and told us we had to complete it before we could even see any dogs. We followed her instructions. Then we were told we could not see the dogs in the kennel. We had to look through pictures and let them know which animals we'd like to see. We finally were permitted to see a couple of pups and fell in love with one. After telling the volunteer we were ready to pay the $420 they were asking, we were told that they would let us know In a couple of days after we were evaluated!?! We did not hear from them. We made several unsuccessful attempts to contact ARF. When we finally reached someone there - a full week later - we were told the puppy we wanted was already adopted. We were told we weren't selected because we have grandchildren under the age of 12. Again, our grandchildren live 1/2 hour from us! Lisa is rude and arrogant. Still wondering what kind of welcome we would have received if we simply wanted to donate money. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!!! read more