Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE ANIMAL RESCUE FUND OF THE HAMPTONS ACTIVELY RESCUES CATS AND DOGS, PROVIDES QUALITY CARE AND OFFERS SANCTUARY UNTIL LOVING HOMES CAN BE FOUND. ARF's work with animals, within our community and throughout the organization is guided by three core values: compassion, integrity and dedication.
- Income
- $6.4 million
- Spending
- $5.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 78%
- Reserves
- 8.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 91%
- Employees
- 40
- Volunteers
- 202
- Highest pay
- $232,100, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (animals, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 8.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 5% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 22% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 41% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1578% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (animals, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2525 of 25 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $3.9 million spent. In 2024, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) strengthened its role as a leader in animal welfare across the East End and beyond. With our newly renovated East Hampton campus fully operational for a full calendar year, we significantly expanded our capacity to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need while maintaining our longstanding commitment to ensuring our community remains proudly no-kill.A Year of Growth and Lifesaving ImpactThroughout 2024, ARF provided safe refuge to hundreds of cats and dogs, with our enhanced facility and experienced staff allowing us to meet rising demand for shelter and services:967 animals rescued: including local strays, surrendered pets, feral cats from our Op Cat program, and transports from high kill, overcrowded and under-resourced shelters across the country.503 animals adopted: each one placed with a loving family through thoughtful matchmaking and post-adoption support.967 animals received medical care: ranging from preventative exams and vaccinations to complex surgeries.Our Model: Medical Care, Behavioral Support, and Daily EnrichmentARFs holistic care model centers on three core pillars that together ensure every animal receives the support needed to thrive.1.Medical CareOur on-site veterinary team ensures each animal receives immediate and comprehensive care upon intake, including wellness exams, spay/neuter surgery, parasite control, vaccinations, and treatment for injury or illness. In 2024, over 900 animals were treated, with several critical cases referred to specialist partners. Our medical suite remains a cornerstone of ARFs lifesaving capacity.2.Behavioral SupportAddressing emotional and behavioral needs is key to reducing stress and preparing animals for lasting homes. In 2024, ARF provided more than 4,500 hours of individualized behavioral support and training. Whether helping a shy dog gain confidence or easing a traumatized cat into human contact, our team creates tailored plans that build trust and readiness for adoption.3.Daily Care and EnrichmentFrom supervised playgroups and scent walks to puzzle feeders and socialization sessions, ARFs daily enrichment programming keeps animals mentally and physically engaged. With the upgraded facility now in daily use, every animal benefits from a quiet, clean, and comforting environment that encourages healing and connection.Operation Cat (Op Cat)ARFs Op Cat program remains a pillar of humane community cat management. In 2024, we performed 614 free spay/neuter surgeries for feral cats through our TNR (trap/neuter/return) model. Now in its 27th year, Op Cat has altered over 33,500 cats across eastern Long Island, helping control the outdoor cat population and reduce the number of kittens entering the sheltering system.Looking AheadARFs work in 2024 reflected the full realization of our expanded vision - larger shelter capacity, more adoptions, and more lives saved. As we move forward, we remain committed to evolving our practices, building partnerships, and expanding rescue efforts, especially in high-risk areas nationally. Whether through lifesaving transports, community education, or compassionate care for every cat and dog who comes through our doors, ARF is steadfast in its mission: to provide safety, dignity, and love to animals until each finds a forever home.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 1975.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.