THE ARF
MISSION
“Our mission at ARF is to promote our promise to love and to protect
dogs and cats by providing shelter, nourishment, medical care and
placement for them in order to make our community a better place to
live for animals and humans alike.”
ARF'S
HISTORY
ARF was founded in June of 1998 by animal advocate Mrs. Terri Panszi. At the time of the founding, Mrs. Panszi worked as an x-ray technician at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, using her paychecks to rent a small building that held approximately 20-30 animals. In the beginning, she was the only person involved with the cleaning, feeding & daily caretaking of the animals. She also handled all the adoptions & fundraising.
Since opening its doors in 1998, ARF has moved to its current location at 1209 W. Riggin Road. Thanks to the generosity of a very special donor, ARF is able to stay on the property rent-free, though ARF pays for all of the utilities, buildings, and ground maintenance associated with the property. Although ARF began as a sanctuary for homeless animals, ARF has since expanded its services to the community, including assisting low-income pet owners with completing and submitting SNSI (Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana, Inc) vouchers for their low-cost Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP).
WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON OUR CAMPUS
Catty Shack
The Catty Shack which houses up to 50 cats in large rooms with approximately 15 cats per room​
Ollie's Bed & Biscuit
The Sanctuary House which houses dogs with behavioral or medical issues making them less suitable for adoption. These fur babies are our “permanent residents,” & they need a lot of financial support to keep them comfortable. If you have a soft spot in your heart for the “underdogs,” please consider sponsoring (via a recurring donation) our Sanctuary House doggies.
Jeff's House Adoption Center
The Adoption Center which houses our adoptable dogs
Aluminum Cans
The aluminum can recycling corral at which everyone is encouraged to recycle aluminum cans (look for the big blue dumpster marked as aluminum recycling).
Administration
The Administration building where guests can make donations (both supplies & monetary donations), pay for adoptions, get assistance with dog and cat food as needed, & surrender animals (by appointment.)
Bark Park
The Bark Park which is our one-acre fenced park for dogs & owners to play off-leash for a nominal membership fee. It is now open. Email barkpark@munciearf.com for information.
ARF Paw Clinic saw nearly 3000 animals in 2022