Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons Inc.
A Legacy of Compassion
The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons is dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs in need, providing them with exceptional quality care, medical intervention, and training to support their journey toward adoption. For over 50 years, we have worked to ensure every cat and dog receives a champion and a loving home.
Our History
Founded in 1974 by Sony Schotland, Barbara Hotchkiss Posener, and Dorothy Wahl, ARF was established to address the crisis of homeless and abandoned animals on Long Island’s East End. Since those early days, we have grown significantly, opening our dedicated Adoption Center in 1985 and continuing to expand our reach through medical, training, and community outreach programs.
How We Care
We believe every animal deserves a fresh start, which is why we provide a safe sanctuary until they find their permanent families. Our approach combines high-quality shelter care at our East Hampton facility with robust programs like Operation Cat for community cats and a national Rescue Transport Program. Supported entirely by the generosity of our donors, we offer these animals the healing and training they need to thrive.
Finding Your Perfect Match
We are committed to setting both animals and families up for long-term success through thoughtful, supported adoption processes. Our team takes the time to get to know each animal’s unique personality and needs, ensuring a safe, healthy, and joyful transition into your home. Whether you are looking for a spirited puppy or a seasoned senior cat, we are here to help you find your new best friend.
Join Our Mission
There are so many ways to be part of the ARF community and help us continue our life-saving work. We invite you to visit our adoption center, explore our adoptable pets online, or discover how you can get involved through volunteering, fostering, or attending our community events.
- Helpful and professional staff
- Efficient adoption and foster process
8/11 - Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Gifts $255K in Surprise Grants to Animal Welfare Groups
Miranda Lambert's MuttNation Foundation has surprise gifted $255,000 to animal shelters across the country.
7/20 - McCarthy To Be Honored at ARF Bow Wow Meow Ball
The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons will host its annual Bow Wow Meow Ball on August 15 in East Hampton, honoring Lisa McCarthy for her decades of leadership and dedication to animal welfare and rescue initiatives.
5/18 - Social Season in Full Swing, From Palm Beach to the East End
It’s hard to believe that Memorial Day weekend is upon us, but the calendar doesn’t lie.
5/12 - 1,500 Beagles Rescued from Wisconsin Lab Farm – Here's Where They're Going – Dogster
After failed attempts to break in and free the 1500 dogs (not 2000, as was previously estimated) kept in tiny cages, thousands of animal rights activists, joined, supported, and spurred on by celebrities like Ricky Gervais, had planned to storm the facility on Sunday, April 19th.
5/7 - ARF Hosts Pet Celebration Day – Dan’s Papers
Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons hosted Pet Celebration Day in East Hampton. The event was led by Executive Director Kim Nichols, featured pet adoptions, a
5/4 - A Tail-Wagging Good Time: ARF Kicked Off Season At Pet Celebration Day
The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc. (ARF Hamptons) held its Pet Celebration Day on Saturday, May 2, at the ARF Adoption Center in East Hampton. The public was invited to bring the whole family, including pets, for a tail-wagging pet fair dedicated to the joy that cats and dogs bring and to the…
10/5 - 🐾 ONLY 5 DAYS UNTIL THE DOG WALK! 🐾 The countdown is on and the forecast is looking PERFECT! We are getting ready for one of the biggest dog events in the Hamptons, and early pickup has started! Stop by ARF to pick up your event T shirt, tote bag and doggie walk bibs before Saturday! 📍 ARF Hamptons, 124 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton October 5 to October 7 11 AM to 4 PM October 8 11 AM to 7 PM Get your gear, grab your pup and get ready to Stroll to the Sea! 🐕🌊 Register at arfdogwalk.org and we’ll see you Saturday! 💚#arfhamptons #arfdogwalk #supportyourlocalshelter
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9/22 - Not every lesson happens in a formal training session. Sometimes they happen at a car dealership! 🐾🚗 Earlier this summer, some of our rescue pups enjoyed a dog day out at Lexus of Southampton, where they explored new sights, sounds, smells, people, and experiences. These outings help build confidence, encourage socialization, and give our dogs valuable enrichment while they wait for their forever homes. Judging by the tail wags, curious sniffs, and thorough vehicle inspections, we’d say the trip was a success. A huge thank you to Lexus of Southampton, a longtime sponsor and supporter of ARF Hamptons, for welcoming our dogs and helping them gain new experiences that make a real difference in their lives. 💚 #arfhamptons #adoptdontshop #supportyourlocalshelter 📹 @minskoffstudios
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