Berea Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) is a no-time-limit animal shelter that rescues stray and homeless companion animals, provides medical care, spay/neuter, vaccinations and housing, and prepares animals for adoption into loving homes.

We began as a grassroots organization in a familys garage and through hard work and the dedication of volunteers answering a real need in the community; the operation grew when the city of Berea provided us with a small building and utility costs; in return the shelter agreed to always have an open cage for the citys strays. The shelter was incorporated in 1987, and has now become one of the largest shelters in the region.

As a 501 c (3) organization, Berea ARF is funded exclusively through contributions from our supporters and revenues generated through adoptions and fundraising events. We have a small staff, but we re operated largely through our exceptional, devoted team of 300-plus volunteers, who work 365 days a year to care for our animals.

Prior to adoption, all animals are provided with basic veterinary examinations, age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, are tested for disease and microchipped. Berea ARF places about 1,000 companion animals into their forever homes each year.

As a no-time-limit facility we do not limit the length of stay for animals in our care, and are dedicated to finding them appropriate, loving homes for as long as it may take. In the case of one cat, it took four years to find a suitable placement, and it s not terribly uncommon to house animals for six months to over a year.

While some shelters put a limit on the amount that can be spent on medical care or treatment for an individual animal, ARF does not maintain medical spending limits. As long as the prognosis is positive for recovery and a reasonably pain-free life, we invest as much as necessary to treat the animals in our care. This also includes the many senior animals we accept and pull from other shelters, despite the fact that medical conditions may be more prevalent.

In addition to strays and owner surrenders, ARF also stretches our capacity by reaching out to overcrowded shelters in other parts of the state to accept their animals at risk of being euthanized. These may include highly adoptable animals but, oftentimes, also include senior animals and those suffering from treatable medical conditions, to give as many animals as possible the second chance at the happy life they deserve.


Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 544
Berea, OH 44017

Call Us: 440-234-2034