After retiring in 2012 I volunteered at Friends of Cats for about six years. I met so many nice people and wonderful cats and kittens there and adopted my sweet O'Malley, who sadly passed in June of this year at age 15. They have several cat rooms where the kitties can wander out to an enclosed catio and snooze in the sunshine and fresh air or just hang out inside in one of their comfy cat beds. They're always happy to see visitors and love the attention . If you're looking for a cat to adopt or just want to volunteer, I highly recommend Friends of Cats!
I wanted to volunteer for a reputable animal welfare organization in my area, and FOC fit the bill. Having worked professionally at a large nonprofit animal shelter for many years, I knew what I wanted in my volunteer experience and the kind of organization that I wanted to support: established best practices in animal sheltering, zero euthanasia of adoptable animals, and a positive presence in the community that it serves. My friend has since adopted a cat from FOC and she is the best little kitty you could ever hope to make a part of your family.
I have been volunteering with Friends of Cats for about 3 years and they are a wonderful organization. Above all, the cats' well-being at the shelter is their top priority. The cats are well cared for, have lots of space to play safely (inside and outside), and everyone who works there or volunteers deeply cares about the cats in their care.
My husband was reading the newspaper and came across a cat named Bob-Bob who is gray & white. He reminded us of our cat who passed away after 19 years. Is he up for adoption?
Friends of Cats is a safe, loving,warm shelter for pre-owned and lost cats to live until they find good , permanent homes. I've been a board member, since 1993. I found F.O.C. by their excellent newsletter CATTALES!
Since joining, I found a big love of mine is handicapped cats. I've had many handicapped animals live with me. One special one was Duchess who walked in a walker and visited many human handicapped groups.
She was on local television news and was on Hard Copy.
Board members,shelter workers and guests have a special love for our cats. Much time and money is spent to make cats feel wanted-safe-healthy and happy.
People and cats have many personalities. I have seen where it all works out for the cats!
After all, this shelter over 70 years old is still finding homes and taking great care of cats.
Come give our cats a hug!
Review from Guidestar
Amazing no kill shelter in San Diego county. I adopted my cat from there years ago and staff was friendly and helpful. Love to help out with shelters like this that care so much for animals.
In 2009 when elected to the board, I saw an opportunity to help a grassroots organization that existed for over 80 years, take the next step to growth. With the election of an active board of unpaid volunteers, we were able to improve the shelter facilities, implement sound financial planning, interact with the small awesome staff, and bring the organization into a more modern role with social media. Each improvement was reviewed to insure it helped the cats directly and supported our mission to provide a caring place for unwanted cats without using Euthanasia. I was relieved personally to find a place that would take my cat in case I was unable to care for her in a program called "Future Care", a unique program to eliminate our fears that no one would be there for our pets when we are no longer here. Future Care cats enjoy a whole new life without their owners in an air conditioned retreat with lots of love and care and live separate from the adoptable cats, who also live in large open areas indoors and are cared for by a small efficient staff. Each year the board is elected by the large membership. I hope to be reelected and if not, to continue to be part of an organization where donations to a smoothly run, financially sound non profit have a direct impact of nearly 300 cats. PS: There is a website with a webcam to watch the cats. Lovely to look at the happy healthy cats any time!
Review from Guidestar
Friends of Cats, Inc. is a not- for- profit, private, no- kill animal shelter and sanctuary. The goal is to find homes for all of the cats, but if a cat is deemed to not be adoptable, it is not euthanized (unless it is terminally ill and suffering).
I have been on the Board of Directors since 2010. We are a diverse group of people that all have something unique to contribute to Friends of Cats, Inc.
The Board of Directors is very proud of our current staff (both paid and volunteer), who work hard to provide wonderful, loving care to our resident felines. They take time to "match" families and kitties (resulting in a lot less being returned due to not being a good fit with the family). They also work hard providing overall maintenance of the shelter.
Friends of Cats, Inc. has gone through many changes since I became a Board Member, and we continue to strive to improve our shelter.
Friends of Cats, Inc. can always use support, whether you become a member, donate money, make in-kind donations, and/or volunteer your time.
Thank you for considering us, and feel free to contact the shelter if you have questions or comments.
Review from Guidestar
I worked with this agency for over 10 years and found over the years that no matter how hard the staff tried to bring the place forward and connect it to other agencies in the area, some of the long term board members always seemed to be afraid of advancement and hindered the shelters chances at gaining a positive reputation in the field.
Friends of Cats is the largest no-kill and life-care sanctuary for cats in the greater San Diego area. Currently about half of the cats are adoptable and the remaining cats have a home for life at Friends of Cats due to health conditions or other issues that prevent their being adopted. Friends of Cats relies totally on donor support. The board of directors are all volunteers and the staff is augmented by many volunteers who help keep the cats happy and ready for adoption. Like other rescue organizations, Friends of Cats struggles with making ends meet financially. Currently the expenses of supporting almost 300 cats is putting a strain on available funds. If you care about cats, this is the sanctuary that is worthy of your support. Visit the website: www.friendsofcats.org and become a friend of Friends of Cats.