Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adopt a pet from SARF?

If you see a pet that you like on our website or in our Petfinder.com listings, you can contact the foster home by phone or email and find out more about it. If it sounds like the right pet for you, submit an adoption application. You can either do that online or you can print out a paper copy and send or fax it to us. Links to all these forms are on the "Adopt a Pet" page. If your application is approved, we will arrange to visit your home so that we can make sure that this particular pet will fit in well with your family and other pets, and if all goes well you can arrange to pick up your pet from the foster home.

Why does SARF only accept shelter pets into the foster program?

Since the Haywood County Animal Shelter has to take in so many unwanted or lost pets, they are frequently filled to capacity and must euthanize those that have been there longest to make room for more. SARF volunteers rescue as many animals as we can from the shelter because they are in immediate danger of being euthanized. We wish we could help every needy animal in Haywood County; unfortunately we don't even have enough foster homes to accommodate all the adoptable pets from the shelter, let alone pets from private homes.

How do I become a SARF foster home?

You can print, fill out and send in this Printable Foster Application form, or fax it to 1-267-295-8730. You can also apply online: Foster Application. If everything looks satisfactory, members of the Foster Committee will arrange to visit your home to see what kind of pets are the best fit for your family. If your application is approved, you will sign a simple contract that outines your responsibilities as a Foster Parent, and when a suitable pet is identified at the shelter, you can meet it and make the final decision on whether to foster that particular pet.

How do I become a member of SARF?

It's easy! Just print our membership form and send it in with your tax-deductable membership dues, or you can send money via PayPal. Details are on the "You Can Help!" page.

How can I find it a new home for a pet that I can't keep or a stray that I found?

If you've been taking care of a stray animal, the first thing to do is try and find its owner. Some of these same methods can be used to find a new home for a pet that you can no longer keep:

• Put an ad in the newspaper
• Put an ad on this website for lost/found pets: www.lostpetswnc.org
• Put posters in local veterinarians' offices, the Haywood County Animal Shelter and other locations in your neighborhood
• Have a veterinarian check for a microchip imbedded in the animal.
• SARF can post a courtesy listing on Petfinder.com. We would need 2-3 small digital photos along with a description of the animal (breed, age, size, temperament, shots,spay/neuter, if known.) Please email that information and photos to info@sargeandfriends.org.

What's the difference between SARF and HAWA?

Both organizations are working to benefit the animals of Haywood County. HAWA is handling the spay/neuter clinic and general educational material, while SARF's goal is a no-kill shelter for this county. SARF's activities at this time focus on fund-raising and rescuing as many pets as possible through our Foster Care Program.

What happens to the proceeds from fund-raising projects?

Most of the funds are earmarked for the purchase of an 8-10 acre property and subsequent construction of a no-kill shelter for adoptable pets.

Do you offer a low-cost spay/neuter program?

No, but HAWA does! Please check www.hawapets.com or call 452-3751.