For the first time in nearly two years, the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) has increased its adoption fees.

“This was a decision made over the course of a few months,” ARF president Bobbie Thompson said. “ARF provides exceptional care for the cats and dogs at ARF, and we need to increase the fee to reflect that care.”

ARF’s pet adoption fees last increased in October 2007.

The ARF is a nonprofit, private organization that relies solely on donations and pet adoption fees to sustain itself. During the summer months, ARF revenue streams take a slight dip, most times, Thompson said, due to family vacations and back-to-school shopping.

“During the school year, classes get together and gather donations. That is something that during the summer we don’t usually get,” Thompson said.

To get through the summer, ARF depends heavily on donors. Since the organization receives no tax money or support from city or county government, every dime counts and the new adoption fee will help to pay for the care of the animals.

“People still affiliate ARF with animal control, but it is something totally separate,” Thompson said. “The fee is increasing, but it is because we do so much for these animals.”

Revenue sources for ARF are limited, but Thompson said that through memorial donations the organization is able to bolster its coffers to pay for vet bills, pet food, medication and other supplies. Thompson said sometimes, donors give in honor of loved ones including those who may have been strongly connected to their pet prior to their death. The group has received donations requested by families of deceased loved ones in lieu of flowers.

“One of the ways people can help is by buying products that we have to buy every month,” Thompson said. “We use regular supplies like laundry and dish detergent, bleach and animal medication like Heartguard. We also need office supplies as well.”

A list of supply needs is posted on the homepage of the group’s Web site at www.animalrescuefoundation.org.

Thompson said during the summer, the shelter usually fills up with younger animals, and this summer is no exception.

“Right now we are pretty full, and it is based on whether we have puppies and kittens or large dogs and cats,” she said. “We have around 25 cats and kittens and 20 dogs.”

Apart from monetary and supply donations, ARF’s staff of caregivers is complimented by volunteers who do everything from clean to walk dogs in the mornings.

“We do accept volunteers 18 years of age and older,” Thompson said. “It’s not that popular, but 8 a.m. is one of the busier times for us. Volunteers do need to come in and fill out applications, and we can schedule them seven days a week 8 a.m. until noon and in the afternoon.”

Thompson said volunteers do need training because much of the work is fairly autonomous.