Download our ARF-at-a-glance flyer
Download our Frequently Asked Questions document

Who we are and what we do

NOTE: ARF is NOT affiliated with Jackson County Animal Shelter, which is a high-kill county facility. For more information about the shelter, call 828-586-6138.

ARF (Jackson County Humane Society) is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation composed of a small group of volunteers who rescue animals from the shelter, the roads, and the community and keep them in their own homes. ARF has a no-kill policy, which means that volunteers foster the animals until someone adopts them, no matter how long it takes.  Some animals have been fostered for more than thirteen years.

ARF sponsors a weekly adoption show every Saturday afternoon from noon till 4 or 5, depending on weather. We're located on 50 Railroad Ave., off Mill Street in downtown Sylva. Puppies, kittens, and adult dogs and cats are on display, eagerly waiting for a special human to love.

The cost of adopting a pet from ARF is generally $60-70. This price includes the first series of puppy or kitten shots, worming, and spaying or neutering. Dogs that are old enough also receive their rabies shots. Cats are tested for feline leukemia. Although the charge seldom covers the cost of fostering an animal, especially one found sick or injured, ARF is committed to providing its services at minimum cost.However, some dogs need additional medical care, and ARF sometimes raises prices for certain dogs to pay for that care.

Download our ARF-at-a-glance flyer
Download our Frequently Asked Questions document

Assistance with Food

If you are having trouble paying for pet food during tough financial timnes, don't abandon your pet. Abandonments are on the rise, and most animals surrendered at shelters will be euthanized. Contact ARF at (877) ARF-JCNC to ask about assistance. And if you're interested in contributing to this effort, we need to hear from you too!

Animal Rescue

Abandoned pets often wander onto roads and highways where they can be injured or killed. Jackson County has no comprehensive program to deal with this issue, so county sheriffs and animal control officers contact ARF when an animal is found sick or injured. Volunteers pick the animal up and arrange for emergency care at the Sylva Animal Hospital.

People often leave whole litters of unwanted puppies and kittens at garbage dumps and by the roadside. ARF volunteers foster them and provide them with medical care if needed.

Volunteers also rescue animals from the Jackson County animal shelter. The shelter nearly always operates at capacity, which means that unclaimed pets must  be euthanized after only a few days. ARF volunteers foster as many of these animals as they can.

Our Supporters

ARF could not do its work without a great deal of help from the community. The Gray family allows us to use their space on Railroad Avenue. The Pet Stop sells us greatly discounted pet supplies. Sylva Animal Hospital donates time, reduced-cost services, and an endless amount of patience. The Sylva Herald donates free advertising space. Hundreds of community members donate money, food, clothing, and other supplies. And that's just a partial list.

If you would like to be part of our effort, see how you can help out.