Friends Of Animals Foundation

I volunteered for Friends of Animals for almost a year 2010/2011 and have nine years experience volunteering at other animale rescues . I understand how challenging it is to operate a rescue in general and how overwhelming it must be during this difficult economic period when many families are relinquishing their pets. Friends of Animals has assisted many people in the past and helped to find homes for the many abandoned and sick animals. But the reality is FOA has the financial resources and support to provide a "quality of life" to its rescues but refuses to provide that care for the majority of its rescues. In 2011 FOA was cited by LA Animal Services to improve the living conditions of its animals (dangerous and too small cages, too many dogs in one enclosure etc ). It was volunteers (dismissed in 2011 by the rescue- some who were jobless and trying to make ends meet) who purchased an overhead tarp for the "warehoused" dogs on the back of the property so they could have protection from the rain and extreme heat.This tarp was requested by a kennel person who stated that the tarp had been damaged for years. Forty + large dogs (some who are not spayed/neutered but have been at the facility for months or years) are kept on the back of the property (including the old and sick) are exercised once or twice a week for shrt periods. Many of these dogs live in these conditions for years some until their final days. Only the kennel manager has access to all the dogs - volunteers are not allowed to see the back area or were the small dogs are caged. Small dogs are caged 23+ hours a day were they urinate and defecate. This is not a temporary living situation for the majority but the norm. FOA DOES NOT FOSTER ANIMALS. How many animals have lived this way in the past ten or twenty years? The public (by appointment only - walkins are constantly turned away) cannot walk thru the facility and view all the animals available for adoption. Why does FOA pay a substantial amount for rent in a building that is not conducive to showing their animals. I belive in a stringent adoption process but FOA places obstacles and ignores opportunities for potentially good homes for their animals. The board members have become insensitive to the majority of their animals and not open to any changes that would greatly improve the physical and mental wellbeing of their animals . They are paralyzed in their thinking and refuse to hear any suggestions from their volunteers. Yes the FOA has experience and knowledge and not every suggestion from their volunteers is an intelligent one that can be put into practice but they refuse to acknowledge any constructive criticism and continue on with their archaic practices and rules. FOA needs to start fostering animals and give a sincere effort in adopting their animals. I am tired of hearing that they love their animals and are doing the best they can with what they have. FOA you are nowhere near doing the best you can with your resources. Your animals should not suffer because of your arrogance and stubborness

This is such an amazing organization, one of the first no-kill shelters in southern California. Not only do they shelter homeless, abused, and/or abandoned dogs and cats, they provide a wonderful education program for students on the humane care of animals which translates into humane care of all creatures, two and four legged. FOAF is truly a grass roots organization. The organization is open for more volunteers to help walk and take care of the animals and to help with fundraising. The president, office staff, and kennel staff are people with huge hearts!