I started volunteering with FOHA in 1994 as a dog walker, and since then have also been a cat snuggler, dog and cat foster, and fundraiser. I am continually impressed with the level of a care they provide to their animals. Many rescues only vaccinate and spay/neuter, but FOHA also does additional procedures as warranted for animal comfort, such as dental procedures and TPLO surgery. They also take in heartworm positive dogs and FIV positive cats, which many shelters do not. They have matured an enrichment program to help address shelter stress for animals at the shelter. They have several trainers who work with the dogs, and train staff and volunteers on working with dogs so there is a consistent approach. The level of support they provide to adopters before, during, and after the adoption process is also excellent, aimed at keeping the animals in the home.
I don't know where to start! Volunteering at FOHA is one of the very best parts of my life, and walking dogs at the shelter is the highlight of every week. The staff and volunteers dedicate themselves 110% to providing the best possible care for FOHA's cats and dogs, and finding the best forever homes possible. Dogs that other rescues would have given up on or not taken in the first place get medical care, training for behavior issues, and walks throughout the week. There's nowhere more worthwhile I could spend my time and donate my money.
I have been a volunteer at FOHA for several years and have loved every minute of it. In addition to the wonderful dogs I get to interact with and help socialize, I have the pleasure of working alongside dedicated staff and volunteers. I expected to enjoy helping homeless dogs find forever homes but I didn't expect to join a community. The FOHA team is incredibly caring and devoted to the mission. While some dogs are ready for adoption when they arrive at FOHA, others take time and special attention. Each dog is assessed and then managed accordingly. And the results are inspiring. What I have found most rewarding is watching a dog find its confidence and blossom. One such pup was my very own "foster fail", Ella. She was extremely timid and shy after coming to FOHA as a stray. Who knows what she went through. After getting to know her, building trust and seeing her start to come out of her shell, I decided to foster her short term to give her a break from shelter life. She quickly worked her way into our hearts and never went back.
FOHA dogs are the best because FOHA is such a special place.
I've been volunteering for over 11 yrs, helping both dogs and cats and love it. FOHA staff and volunteers genuinely care about these animals. We all do it for these wonderful creatures. Fostering, taking animals to events, training, loving, finding them the perfect home, it's all such a gift.
I have had 3 FOHA dogs, the first adopted by my family in 1992 when I was a child. My husband and I adopted our first dog from FOHA soon after we married in 2006 and a year after she passed away we adopted our second FOHA dog in January 2020. All 3 were/are wonderful dogs who FOHA gave a second chance at life too. My daughter and I started volunteering at FOHA walking dogs this past year. It is an amazing rescue that cares so much for all of the animals living there!
I have been volunteering at this wonderful shelter, located on 35 beautiful acres, for 7 years. I have helped get dozens of dogs get adopted by loving families. FOHA has an incredible staff who toil 365 days a year cleaning the kennels, feeding the dogs, caring for illnesses and injuries, walking them, and providing training. Most important is the love they provide the dogs, as well as the cats. FOHA has attracted around 400 volunteers, to help in a wide variety of tasks, including landscaping, administrative tasks, fundraising, building maintenance, dog walking, dog training, and just hanging out with them.
Volunteering at Friends of Homeless Animals has been such an amazing experience for me! I started about a year ago, and from the start, I felt like part of a team that genuinely cares about giving animals a second chance. I am usually walking the dogs, helping out with adoptions and promoting them through social media. The staff and other volunteers are so passionate about giving their time and making sure to care for them until they find their home. I feel so grateful to be part of something that makes such a big difference. If you’re thinking about volunteering, I recommend FOHA!
I have been volunteering withe Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) for over seven years. The commitment, passion, and dedication of FOHA's staff and many volunteers never ceases to amaze me. Dogs and cats that come to FOHA become part of a family that never gives up on them. The veterinary care care that FOHA provides is above and beyond what most other rescues or shelters do. I highly recommend adopting your next best friend from FOHA or volunteering if you live in the DC metro area!
I have been volunteering with this wonderful organization since 2017. I am also a proud dog-father of a FOHA dog.
There is something here for all dog and cat lovers. You can cat snuggle, dog walk, or shop at the Treasure Hound (a local resale shop that helps fund the shelter). FOHA is a true no-kill shelter, and everyone involved in the organization is passionate about providing the best care to the animals that come through the program.
FOHA even has a senior care program, providing a full life to dogs and cats that may not otherwise be so lucky.
I have volunteered at several non-kill shelters over the years. FOHA is by far the best. Once a dog or cat comes to FOHA, this organization spares no expense in caring for that animal and helping to get it adopted. Medical treatments and procedures that other shelters do not even think about paying, FOHA will pay. Specific behavior programs are created for individual dogs tailored to the dog's needs to help it get adopted. The dog runs are spacious and allow the dogs to have inside and outside living space during the day. FOHA encourages volunteers and staff to make sure every dog is walked as frequently as the weather allows. The cats have 2 separate buildings where they reside and can roam, and volunteers spend time with them. Finally, the staff is the best. The care, compassion and dedication these people have for these animals is unbelievable. The dogs and cats at FOHA are treated by the staff and volunteers as if this is their home.
FOHA goes above and beyond to ensure the animals in their care and their adopters get the best support possible. I am proud to be a part of their volunteer team!
I've adopted two wonderful young cats from FOHA over the last 15 years. Both have been wonderful, loving pets that we have just adored. Couldn't have gone better. I'm so glad they were both rescued from other shelters and could become a part of our family.
Recently we began fostering a senior cat. A new experience for us. FOHA has been completely supportive throughout the entire process. We completed the application process and interviews very quickly. And we had a nice long meet and greet with JoJo at the shelter. All our questions were answered throughout. And JoJo was cleared by a vet to come home with us, despite some ongoing medical concerns. FOHA was completely upfront about what was going on, and we have entered into fostering this wonderful kitty with open eyes and open hearts. (We are experienced with senior cat health issues. We know the drill.) And since she's been with us, all of our questions or concerns have been quickly answered and addressed. Such great commitment!
And what a wonderful cat JoJo is. Cute as a button. Purrs madly all the time. Zooms around the room when she gets some FOHA supplied catnip on board. What a comedian! And just loves to curl up and snuggle every chance she gets. She's truly stolen our hearts.
JoJo has some more milestones to hit, but so far she's thriving and improving every day. And we just love her to pieces. She has yet to cross the threshold into the rest of the house and meet our other two kitties, but that day is quickly approaching. And once that's done - we'll be happily completing the adoption. I cannot wait!
I cannot say enough about all the kind and caring people who are involved in the adoption and foster process. They truly care about the animals and are looking for the best possible outcomes for everyone. I really appreciate their drive and devotion to the cause of No Kill. It's heartwarming to see all the happy stories on their website from previous adoptions. I plan to add mine very soon!
I've had many years with FOHA cats, and I am happy for every single minute! Thank you!
I have adopted 3 animals (1 dog and 2 cats) from FOHA and I also recently became a volunteer with them. They are truly the most amazing animal rescue and our family feels so fortunate to have them nearby. Their mission is simply to provide loving homes to cats and dogs and as a no kill shelter they also provide a loving place for animals that may have otherwise been euthanized.