ARF was founded in June of 1998 by animal advocate Mrs. Terri Panszi.  At the time of the founding, Mrs. Panszi worked as an x-ray technician at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, using her paychecks to rent a small building that held approximately 20-30 animals. In the beginning, she was the only person involved with the cleaning, feeding & daily caretaking of the animals. She also handled all the adoptions & fundraising.

 Since opening its doors in 1998, ARF has moved to its current location at 1209 W. Riggin Road. Thanks to the generosity of a very special donor, ARF is able to stay on the property rent-free, though ARF pays for all of the utilities, buildings, and ground maintenance associated with the property. Although ARF began as a sanctuary for homeless animals, ARF has since expanded its services to the community, including assisting low-income pet owners with Spay-Neuter Services.

Now, ARF has, on average, 150 animals on the premises or foster homes. In 2025, we adopted out 938 animals and facilitated many animals to other rescues when full. We have our own clinic on the grounds. We spay/neuter our own animals and help other local rescues and the community with spay/neuters.