Because animal abuse hurts everyone
Animal abuse takes many forms — a starving dog left chained, a terrified cat, dozens of animals trapped by a hoarder. These gentle souls can't ask for help. For over 25 years, AAARF! has given them a second chance.
AAARF! provides financial assistance for the medical needs of abused and neglected animals in Allegheny County — made possible by pet owners and members of our community.
County government + local shelters
Created in 2001 by the County Treasurer and the District Attorney's office — the first program of its kind in the nation. A dedicated board reviews every request for help.
- Board includes the DA, a vet, shelter leaders & animal lovers
- Priority to cases holding abusers accountable
- Funds go straight to local shelters
The medical care that changes everything
When an animal comes in from a cruelty or neglect case, AAARF! covers the treatment they need — emergency surgery, ongoing medication, and the weeks of foster care and patience it takes to heal, in body and spirit.
Nearly every dollar goes to care
Support comes from neighbors who add a small gift when they renew their dog license. It flows through the county and local shelters straight to the animals — with almost nothing lost to overhead.
Twenty-five years of second chances
The County Treasurer and the District Attorney's office launched the first partnership in the country to fund medical care for abused and neglected animals.
A few dollars added at dog-license renewal add up. Over 25 years, neighbors across Allegheny County have quietly funded more than $2.3 million in lifesaving treatment.
Cats, dogs, rabbits and more — over 1,200 animals taken from cruelty and neglect and nursed back to health, across 68 funded cases and counting.
Pursuing animal-cruelty cases helps officials detect and prevent violence against people, too. Because abuse hurts everyone.
Meet the team
The volunteers and partners who make the mission possible.
Larry Gerson
Board, Primary Contact
Mary Withrow
Secretary / Treasurer
Stand with the animals who can't
Cruelty against animals is often the first sign of harm to people, too. Your donation funds the care abused animals need — and helps make the whole community safer.
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