In March 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, we signed up to foster an animal through Nuzzles. Their commitment to the animals is unparalleled. We fostered a puppy from the Navajo Nation in September and officially adopted her after our foster period. The work they do to rescue animals is so important and we are grateful we could be a part of the nuzzles family.
I love this place so much. I was lucky enough to be a dog-walking volunteer this summer at Nuzzles & Co. These dogs couldn't be luckier to have a staff (and facility) like this caring for their welfare and trying to find them permanent homes. There's so much love going into nursing healthy or injured dogs back to health, working with dogs with challenging behavioral quirks to give them a real chance, and just generally keeping dogs sane by making sure they're living in a clean environment with plenty of opportunities to socialize. I didn't have a huge opportunity to interact with folks in the back-office, but I have to say everyone I interacted with here were all-around good folks. Thanks for sharing your dogs with me this summer, Nuzzles!
Nuzzles and Co is one of the most amazing nonprofits for which we have had the pleasure of volunteering. The level of care and love Nuzzles and Co provides to their rescue animals is unsurpassed. We even adopted our own Nuzzles alumni (Guillermo), who we could not love more!
Our family has fostered kittens and puppies for Nuzzles and Co for the past few years, and it has been a wonderful experience. Our 10 year old daughter has learned about responsibility and animal care and even donates some of her birthday and holiday funds to Nuzzles because she truly believes in the work they do for the animals in need.
We feel privileged to be able to help such a phenomenal cause and an absolutely incredible nonprofit!
I have fostered for Nuzzles & Co for over six years and they are a great organization! They truly appreciate those who foster for them and provide everything they'll need, and they are in this work for the animals! They are definitely trying to save as many lives as possible and work tirelessly doing so! I stand behind their cause and will pick up fostering for them again once we move back to Utah! I have fostered for other rescue groups in Utah as well but Nuzzles is my favorite and they are the farthest away from me but that doesn't stop me from continuing to help. Great group of people.
They do excellent work with the community to ensure pets go to proper loving homes. They are very thorough with their assessments of potential pet parents. I wish all pet adoption places were as thorough and caring as Nuzzles and Co.
I volunteer at the Park Silly Market from time to time and help find puppies forever homes! Working with such an incredible nonprofit is such a rewarding experience. Nuzzles is a standout organization at this event and many others. And we just LOVE that they always share such compelling stories about the animals.
I have been actively involved volunteering at Nuzzles and Co. since 2016 and it has been a gratifying experience for me. I can honestly say every employee I have worked with goes the extra mile to ensure each and every animal is taken care of and that an excellent “forever home” is found.
My favorite activity with Nuzzles is being part of the rescue team. These are usually two-to-three-day trips that encompass driving down to either the Navajo or Ute reservations, identifying those animals to be brought back, giving them their medical injections and then heading back to what we call the “Ranch” where the animals are put through a thorough examination and observation period prior to being put up for adoption. These are very rewarding experiences for me.
In my opinion Nuzzles exhibits all the elements a successful nonprofit organization should have. A well-defined mission, an active board of directors, capable leadership and involved staff and volunteers. Nuzzles provides its staff and volunteers with meaningful work and ensures that volunteers feel a sense of ownership and inclusion. Nuzzles can be proud that is has employees and volunteers with a variety of diverse talents.
For many years, I have wanted to help the reservation dogs. Their plight Is miserable, their lives unappreciated. When I found out Nuzzles had actually taken on this daunting task, I signed up to help. I get to do the fun part of raising puppies until they are old enough to be adopted. Each precious puppy is there only because Nuzzles gave them a chance to live a good life. Nuzzles is the best Nonprofit!
I LOVE my little fur baby that I adopted from Nuzzles and Co. She is the sweetest senior kitty that wants nothing more than to cuddle and play. I couldn’t have asked for a better companion. Thank you Nuzzles and Co!!
Hazel, now known as Mochi, is the perfect addition for our family. We walked into Nuzzles wanting to adopt a kitten, explained what we were looking for and the staff knew just the right fit. Mochi was the last of her liter to be adopted and she landed in the best place for her spunky, loving, cuddling, playful personality. It was clear Nuzzles took great care of her while she was in the shelter. We are so thankful for all they do and would adopt from them a million times more if we could. We love our little kitty and we’re pretty sure she is obsessed with all of us too.
I just completed my first volunteer shift and I have to say for a dog rescue I had some expectations going in and almost none of them were true. I mean this in the best way! I expected to be completely heartbroken for these animals. While they would absolutely have a more fulfilling life in a forever home, they still receive plenty of space, enrichment, and outdoor time to keep them happy and sane. I have not spent much time at dog rescues but their rescue ranch really impressed me and I’m thrilled to continue volunteering and taking these pups on long walks on their trails! Thanks for giving these sweet animals second chances of finding their forever families and homes!
Nuzzles & Co. is an excellent pet rescue. I adopted my best friend from there, a little six pound senior dog named Bear, about a year ago and he hasn’t left my side since. Facilities are exceptionally clean, dogs and kitties are given plenty of love and attention here. We love Nuzzles and Co!
I am always amazed at the wonderful work FOAU does saving so many animals every year. Our puppy came from Furburbia almost two years ago and we are so glad we could in some way be a part of this organization. I especially appreciate the foster network they have built, not only helping these animals but fostering community as well.
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What an incredible organization! We recently adopted our puppy from Friends of Animals and have had the best experience. The environment is very comfortable and clean for the animals and they are clearly well cared for. For humans, the adoption is low pressure and easy. The staff is helpful, knowledgable and truly wants each pet to go to a forever home. They do such a great job of finding fosters and socializing animals allowing them to transition into their new homes as best as possible. Also, the community loves Friends of Animals and that speaks volumes for me. I love that we were able to have our puppy on trial for a few days to be sure that we were the right match for him. It turns out we are and we are thrilled. Friends of Animals takes care of all puppy shots, provides a voucher for a spay/neuter, microchips your pet and sets you up with great tools to welcome your new pet into your home. Most importantly, Friends of Animals saves these wonderful creatures that may otherwise be euthanised in local shelters and provides not only a second chance for them, but an opportunity for us all to play a part in their mission.
Review from Guidestar
FOAU understands that being a rescue organization & an NPO starts with collaboration. To truly be effective animal welfare stewards & community leaders, we have to be as generous with others as our donors & supporters are to us. This means we assist other shelters as they strive to become no-kill. We reach out to other organizations creating programs like Purple Paw that serve victims of domestic violence & their pets. It is our responsibility to serve the animals in our care & my honor to be associated with an organization that values its mission so highly.
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I have been with FOAU for more than a year working as a fundraiser and expanding the organization's voice through social media. I am thrilled to start this year as board president! FOAU has currently found permanent, loving homes for more than 11 thousand dogs and cats. We ensure the safety of any pet that enters our embrace until a forever family match is made. It is exciting to be a part of our community by strengthening the human-animal bond through pet adoptions, but additionally with our many programs that facilitate humane education. We are considerably fortunate to have the many wonderful foster families and volunteers who give so generously of their time to the pets in our care. I am honored to be a part of this impactful organization and look forward to to a successful year.
This organization truly saves lives. With over 1,000 cats and dogs rescued, and then placed in their loving new forever homes, all you have to do is spend a few minutes at the adoption center to see the daily miracles. This organization is supported by the community in an extraordinary way - from donations to the gift of time, Friends of Animals Utah is making a difference for not just the animals, but also for the people who choose to serve. We are lucky to have an organization like this to serve both our community, and the lives of those who need our guardianship.
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FOA Utah is an EXCEPTIONAL organization. I recently adopted a rescue Bengal cat from Furburbia in Park City Utah, after visiting many times and donating many cat items, over the last 5 years. Each time I visit, I am astounded by the care that all staffers and volunteers provide to all of the "residents" - both cats and dogs. The facility is clean, well managed, and the resident cats/dogs are constantly receiving a high quality of attention and care. All staffers are kind, welcoming, and encouraging to all visitors. In addition, they have taken great care in providing full medical care for boarders/residents, and make the adoptions completely turn-key for clients. I have also observed innovation. They launched an innovative program with Petco, placing a permanent installation at Petco for 3 cats at a time. Adoptions have been quite good at our local Petco, and when I spoke with Petco management, they said the pilot program did so well at the Park City UT location that they were now rolling this out to other Petcos in the area. Fantastic! I have also seen great work in the community, in trying to place these cats and dogs. Everything from regular TV spots on PCTV, to running features in all of the Park Record Newspaper editions. They have also successfully created a Ranch Sanctuary nearby, made possible with the many fund-raisers they have driven, as well as the large donations that they have solicited to make this possible. FOA is simply the best run organization I have ever seen (and I have been exposed to several other large organizations in CA). I do not know what our community would do, without such an exceptional program. To this day, I have yet to run across a member of the community who has not adopted from FOA. This community wholeheartedly supports FOA.
Review from Guidestar
Friends of Animals and Summit County work together to find loving partners for animals and people. Their benefit to all of us is incalculable.
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When my son-in-law was paralyzed in a bicycle accident, my daughter came to Furburbia and adopted "Cody" a Lab/Shepherd mix to keep him company. Through the years, Cody has been a constant companion and "best friend" performing "fetch" tasks and keeping spirits high in low times.
Review from Guidestar
In our town of Park City we have an extraordinary number of people that have adopted dogs from Friends of the Animals Utah. Not only have I adopted a dog, I have also fostered them. The Friends of the Animals Utah have established a great system of fostering animals of all ages and they have a great adoption success rate as a result. Adoption has become a given in our town thanks to FOA Utah's proactive approach to reaching out to the community to educate them in the benefits of adopting, volunteering and contributing to the organization.
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I have been a resident of Park City for 28 years. When I first came to town there were stray cats and dogs all over town...With an itinerant winter population that came to work at the resorts and restaurants, came many "cute puppies and kittens" that were purchased or acquired during their stay for the winter, but once the spring came and the jobs ended, those folks returned to their countries but couldn't or didn't take their pets with them.
Since Friends of the Animals has been in town, many many formerly homeless pets have found homes...it is a rare occasion to see a stray cat or dog wandering through town.
I have had first hand experience with them since up until 6 years ago, I regularly fostered dogs at my home. I had 9 foster dogs and 1 litter of 3 puppies before I actually became the owner of a fostered dog that couldn't me adopted. Due to the nature of that dog, I couldn't foster any more.
What I find amazing is HOW MANY people in this town have dogs they have acquired from FOAU. Almost everyone you speak to walking a dog has a story to tell about how they found their pet through FOAU.
What's more...they take in and rehabilitate where necessary, and find homes for all sorts of other pets from turtles to horses.
The FOAU provides a huge service to our community in Summit County.
Review from Guidestar
If you are not familiar with the work of this no-kill rescue organization, I have one word to describe it: PHENOMENAL! The amount of caring, hard work and the number of hours dedicated by its board, staff and volunteers to finding forever homes to their locally-rescued pets is incredible! Next time you are think about getting a pet, please consider adopting one. Consider Furburbia! Next time you have a gift to give, whether for someone's birthday, Christmas, wedding, in memory of a friend, a loved one or someone's pet, please consider a donation to FOA Utah.
This wonderful organization has had an amazingly positive impact on my son Jaret who is autistic. He loves animals and a friend suggested that he volunteer there. This was almost 2 years ago and he looks forward to his time there as much today as when he started. In addition he met and adopted his adult cat Molly and she has changed his life!
Everyone associated with Friends of the Animals is kind, caring, capable and efficient. My son has created friendships and nurtured his love of animals in ways that I could not have imagined without discovering the many services and activities that Friends of Animals offers.
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Friends of Animals helped a starving dog on the Indian reservation near Four Corners, far from FOA's location in Park City: We saw a stray black lab, mix bug-ridden, with ribs and spine sticking out, scavenging for food along the road across the reservation. I took a chance and loaded him in my car, where he went right to sleep. The next day I called FOA and they committed to helping him find a home, so Chief traveled to Park City with us - we already had dogs and couldn't keep him. After the obligatory stay at the shelter they took him in. He kept having medical issues and it took months to get him adopted - but finally Chief found a home. FOA was wonderful to take in a dog from so far out of its service area.
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I wanted to list "volunteer" and "donor" because I helped clear and burn the sagebrush off the land the new rescue center was built upon, and I donate a very small amount each month to this wonderful animal "no more homeless pets" program.
Living in Midway, I was especially excited when FOA partnered with the Heber City animal shelter so that animals in that center could have a real chance at another loving family life.
I have suggested adoption through Furburbia to several people in search of a pet. Thanks to all who work for and support this much needed animal shelter.
Review from Guidestar
Friends of Animals is a vital part of the Park City/Summit County community. This is a pet-friendly place and all of us, people and pets, are well-served by this wonderful organization.
We had a pet that did not fit into our current living situation. Shortly after our phone call, they arrived and help us find a solution. In this case, we put our little dog up for adoption and he found a loving home within 24 hours.
Their new initiative to help the residents of Peace House who are temporarily without a home for their pets is an outstanding example of their willingness to jump in with both feet and four paws to solve a community need.
Review from Guidestar
FOAU in Park City has allowed me to find a wnderful addtion to my family. Wrigley (chihuuahua, 6 year old) and I found each in the Summer of 2010 while I was visiting Furburbia and the factory outlet in Park Ciity Utah. He had just been brought back from another adoptive family who adopted him in April. They desided that he was not a good match. I think it is wonderful that the FOAU allows the dogs to be brought back if the match doesn't work and reconditioned the animal and up back up for adoption.
Wrigley is not our first, In early years of FOAU wer adopted a black adult cat named Lucky he has sinced past but brought great friendship to my children. Please give FOAU the $5000.00, I know they will use it to bring friendships together.
Tell your story here and help others understand this charity
Summit County Friends of Animals has successfully promoted
responsibe care and adoption for thousands of animals - cats, dogs, horses, bunnies
There presence in our community helped to inspire our pilot project....STETSON,Street Dog of Park City - a half hour TV series promoting animal adoption and responsibility against the backdrop of a wonderfully Dog-Friendly town, Park City Utah.
Without Summit County Friends of Animals, we could not have had the kind of community support that a pilot like this takes.
They are the best!
My husband and I went to a home to "look at" a black cocker spaniel. I instantly fell in love with him and we adopted him. He was 3.5 years old and we renamed him Jet Back because his original name didn't fit. He was my devoted companion until throat cancer took his life in Sept. 2008. Tears come to my eyes as I remember him. He seemed to sense that they/we saved his life. As soon as the new FOAU building donation center was started we purchased a name brick for him. I never knew his true story but I was lead to believe he was neglected rather than abused. He had papers and we tried to find the breeder but were unable to do it. FOAU gave me the best dog of my life. The people at FOAU work tirelessly to save animals. I was also indirectly involved with the rescue of a puppy mill in a local city where 6-8 Papillon puppies were taken from squalid conditions. I have volunteered on several occasions and felt very satisfied in doing so. I plan to do so again because I personally know Claudia and the force, leadership and strength she can bring to an organization is unlimited.
Review from Guidestar
What a great organization! The dedication that the staff and volunteers to all of the animals is amazing. I have just recently started volunteeering at FOA, and am excited to be a part of this great cause.
Review from Guidestar
Friends of Animals is an organization that helps you see the humanity that still exists in our chaotic world. I have been a volunteer in years past, as well as a client more recently. I have seen the passion that the people of the FOA have for animals as they sacrifice many hours of hard work to care and rehabilitate the Dogs, Cats, Horses, etc. that are fortunate enough to become a part of the FOA family. I have also seen the tears and frustration that come with such an awesome struggle to save lives. Cathy Clark of the Utah chapter of FOA is a personal hero of mine. I volunteered many hours with Cathy at their adoption center Furburbia. I learned about dedication and perseverance from Cathy. On many occasions, when Cathy was helping a particularly sick or emaciated animal, tears would flow from her eyes, letting you know just how much she cares about what she is doing. You can see this dedication throughout the FOA organization. And this is why I am writing this review to say Thank You to the Friends of Animals! Thank you for your love and your daily struggle to help the animals! The FOA is an ultimate example of courage and strength!! -
Review from Guidestar
FOA Utah is a wonderful organization! My husband and I found a wonderful addition to our family at the Furburbia location in Park City, UT. She was "saved" from a local shelter and we couldn't be happier.
FOAU is a well run facility, clean and welcoming. Everyone on staff has always been very helpful. The adoption process was thorough, but simple.
Review from Guidestar
It's easy see the problems in this world. It's difficult, on the other hand, to fix them. Friends of Animals Utah is a strong, effective organization that has been working hard in this community for more than a decade to solve problems about which my husband and I care deeply. We are grateful that such an organization exists so we don't have to labor alone. Working with FOAU amplifies our efforts. FOAU makes a difference.
Review from Guidestar
We have fostered puppies and dogs for the last two years for Friends of Animals Utah. FOAU does an impressive job helping animals find loving homes. They also do a fantastic public service for our community and State. We adopted our two cats form FOAU who are not so happy when we bring a puppy home for the night but they are getting used to the idea. While we have the puppy or dog we enjoy teaching him things, finding out what he knows and taking him for walks. It is so fun to have a dog. This is a great program for us as we have jobs that don't allow us to have a dog full time. We also fall in love a little bit every time we have a foster.
Review from Guidestar
FOA is amazing, I have volunteered ther several times in the last few years, and everytime I was there and I saw the dogs, I found that I wanted to help these animals too. I believe that their's is a good cause and I would like them to get the reward due to all their hard work and excellence.
Review from Guidestar
I have fostered many dogs through Friends of Animals and also adopted our dog Danny from Friends of Animals after fostering him.
FOA does an amazing job of helping to place dogs and cats in permanent homes.
Review from Guidestar
The Friends of Animals Utah organization is incredible. They are very professional yet they make you feel like you live next door. I have been very impressed with their care for animals and REALLY wanting to match up the perfect pet with its new home.
Review from Guidestar
Eight years ago we lost our wonderful 20 year old cat, Georgie. When the time came to bring a new cat to our home, we visited both theWasatch County shelter and Summit County FOA....we adopted a kitten from each! Both are delightful cats and we love them as we did our Georgie. Summit FOA had lots of animals from which to choose and the volunteer helped us make our choice, showing us every cat and letting us hold them. We were looking for a male kitten and brought home a sweet son of a feral mother. When we took "Toby" to be fixed, we learned that he was really Zoey! Can't always tell when they're that young.
Review from Guidestar
FOAU brings out the very best in people. In giving humans the opportunity to help animals in great need, FOAU ends up helping both. They are so organized and energetic in their efforts to save dogs and cats in our community. I am fostering a puppy who could not go to the shelter (there was parvo there) but wasn't vaccinated yet to be taken in by FOAU. The director mobilized vaolunteers to take these 5 week old pups and provide their care for 2 weeks until FOA could adopt them out.
Review from Guidestar
We have adopted 2 animals from Friends of Animals, a dog and a cat. When we were looking for our dog, the staff was great about not being too pushy. We went back weekly until we found the perfect dog. The adoption process was quick and easy. And Charlie is now a great part of our family. We also adopted a kitten from FOA. It's great what supplies they include with your adoption. I will only adopt an animal from FOA because I know that they were treated well when they arrived and they are healthy :)
Review from Guidestar
I have two wonderful dogs thanks to the great work done by Friends of Animals, Utah in Park City Utah. Both of my big buddies were rescued from "kill shelters" cared for and loved until my adoption. Without this fantastic organization my noble beasts would not have been allowed to survive. In these difficult financial times Friends of Animals, Utah is a ray of hope to all abandoned and in need animals and very deserving of any financial support available.
The staff was wonderful. I stopped in a couple of times and did not find a fit for me. I gave some personal information and expressed what I was looking for in a dog and low and behold a couple of weeks later I was united with an adorable chihahua/pug (maybe?) mix. The staff gave me a three day grace period just to make sure the transition was smooth. They also supplied me with a crate, dog food, and a sweater. Well it's been two years later and I could not imagine my life without my Bruno.
Review from Guidestar
I am a client served, donor and member of the general public in Park City and have been aware of FOA since their inception. I've been continuously impressed with their accomplishments in serving animals in need of good care and homes and how they continue improving on that as they expand. This organization is run with great compassion and a high level of professionalism, drawing in volunteers with the same qualities.
Two of our cats were adopted from FOA and both were healthy and had been well cared for while there. I appreciated that the "adoption" process was thorough enough to be certain that we were serious about providing a good and safe home.
Summit County is fortunate to have them here.
Review from Guidestar
I started volunteering with Friends of Animals Utah (at the Heber Valley Animal Shelter) several weeks ago and am already tremendously impressed with the level of dedication and selfless service exhibited by everyone I have come in contact with. The volunteer staff works with me to accomodate a crazy work/travel schedule so that I have this opportunity to give back, the site manager there calmly and professiionally takes excellent care of the animals while at the same time encouraging and guiding the volunteers. For an animal lover, its always hard to see energetic pets in cages. But these animals clearly get a great deal more attention and love as a result of the well-organized nature of Friends of Utah. Volunteers are lined up several days of every week, which I know means these deserving animals get some respite from their cages and encouragement to remain the loving, healthy animals that will make great adoptees when the time is right.
Review from Guidestar
I have been so impressed with The Friends of Animals Utah organization and the extraordinary progress they have made in Summit and Wasatch counties. I started volunteering with them about a year ago, and in that short time they have worked continually to forge an agreement with the city of Heber that resulted in changing their animal shelter to a 'no-kill' shelter. We have adopted and saved hundreds of dogs and cats and increased public awareness of pet responsibility through neuter and spay programs and the trap and release program of feral cats. We are attracting more and more volunteers who are inspired to work for a common goal: that no animal should have to put down simply for existing.
Review from Guidestar
I have been volunteering for Friends of Animals Utah in Heber City, UT for over a year. I work at the Heber Animal Shelter once or twice a week and it is the most rewarding work I have ever done. It is very heart warming to see an animal go from being afraid of people to being a sweet, loving animal ready for adoption. I clean their cages and socialize with both cats and dogs. The animals get to know you and respond when they see you, which is probably why I have adopted 2 cats from there. The best thing FOAU has done is making the shelter a place that keeps animals alive rather than put them to sleep.
Whenever I come to Utah I run my dogs where I meet other dog owners. A large majority of the dog owners I meet have adopted their dogs from Friends of Animals. They are all so happy with all the help the agency has given them. I also know so many people who have given countless hours of service to help construct, open and run the beautiful new shelter.
Review from Guidestar
I adopted a mixed chihuahua named Kona, renamed Franjean, in Sept 2010 as a companion for my other mixed chihuahua, Rool. Franjean has two speeds - 125 mph and asleet. I think the chihuahua part of Franjean was mixed with a Jack Russell terrier. He looks like a chihuahua but has the unbounded energy of a Jack Russell. I probably should have named him Tigger though because he just bounces everywhere. Though I got him as a companion for Rool, whenever Franjean is mouthing him or jumping over him or just being a general nuisance and Rool looks at me with that "Really, Mom?" expression, I just can't feel bad that I have this cute little bundle of neverending joyous energy.
Review from Guidestar
I have met many volunteers and employees of Summit County FOA and I'm so amazed at the level of dedication and passion that they throw into their work. Don Miller (volunteer) is a friend and co-worker and he always sings the praises of FOA. I have been into the store at Tanger outlet mall and observe the incredible positive energy and love that Cathy and her staff of employees and volunteers give to the dogs and cats there and the people who come into the store. I have participated in some of the fund raisers too and the volunteers and staff are all first-rate!
Review from Guidestar
Where to start is the question. I have had several very positive experiences with Summity County FOA. Charlene Brewster deserves a BIG hand for finding a wonderful Springer Spaniel for my friends who lost both of their dogs in a car accident three years ago. The concern and caring shown by the entire staff is amazing as it extends not only to the animals but to all of us humans as well. My grandson rescued a pit bull and FOA, was there every step of the way to insure that (Twigg) the dog had all his shots, was microchipped and nuetered. I have been a donor and will continue to donate to FOA.
The entire organization is staffed by the most incredible people that I have had the pleasure to meet. They work very hard and very long hours to help the animals. No one deserves the prize more than this group of people. They are AWESOME!!!!
T
Review from Guidestar
I adopted my second cat, Prince, from friends of animals. My first cat, who I adopted from a different organization, had medical issues that I didn't feel were ever even caught by their vets. So when I adopted Prince, I was happy to see so many preventative measures done. I felt reasured and the process was very easy. Prince is now a staple in our home and he taught my first cat, Kokoro, how to be a cat. I'm very happy they were there to give him a place he would be safe from any danger until we found each other.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a foster family for FOA for 2 years and am constantly impressed with the dedication and knowledge of the staff and volunteers. It is a wonderful feeling to care for a homeless pet and help prepare it for a permanent home. We have seen dogs come in from all types of situations, some neglected or abused, but in the end FOA finds the right home for all of them, no matter how long it takes! We have been fortunate enough to continue to have contact with many of the families who have adopted from FOA and see the wonderful impact that their new pet has added to their home. I can't imagine not having FOA as part of our community.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a volunteer at Friends of Animals for over 4 years. During that time, I have adopted 2 dogs. What a wonderful experience both volunteering and adopting from Friends of Animals! Everybody I meet and work with are incredibly dedicated, caring, and fun to be around. I always look forward to my volunteer day. And, I have 2 the best dogs. My 2 dogs have converted many of my non-dog friends to dog lovers. Other friends who prior to meeting my dogs and hearing about the work of Friends of Animals would have never gone to a shelter to adopt a dog. Both my best friend and my sister recently adopted their first shelter dogs. Keep up the great work Friends of Animals!!
Review from Guidestar
I'm a former volunteer for Friends of Animals Utah and found that no matter what, they put the animals first. Even in the days when the organization didn't have a facility, staff and volunteers would drive to Salt Lake City on the weekends to adopt dogs & cats out of Petco stores in Salt Lake City. With a shoestring budget and a cadre of committed foster homes, the organization managed to find homes for hundreds of dogs and cats each year.
Friends of Animals has matured significantly in the past ten years, as the organization now has two physical homes: a beautiful adoption center located in a popular outlet mall and a significant housing facility located on a large parcel in eastern Summit County. The new housing means the organization no longer pays boarding fees and can provide a safe and consistent environment for some animals awaiting adoption.
Your charitable donation will go far with this organization. Their staff and volunteers are professional and caring.
Review from Guidestar
I attended the first meeting to organize a Friends of Animals group in Summit County. As I remember, it was held at the home of Clair Weiss. There were about 12 women there and the meeting took place a long time ago, 25-30 years. From that informal kitchen-table meeting a fabulous organization has been formed. This is an animal lovin' community!!
Review from Guidestar
On adoption day at Petsmart, I gravitated right away to the pretty two-room suites that some cats enjoyed. Who gives the cats they are trying to adopt so much consideration and SPACE? It was Friends of Animals. The description of the 7-month rescue who, once found, had not lived outside her condo broke my heart--but she was a happy little camper. The condo she had the good luck to be stuck in belonged to Friends and her life up until now had been good. Still, I decided it was her day to be free. She's on my lap now. Thanks Friends for taking care of our kitties before they find us!
Review from Guidestar
I am a relatively new, virtual volunteer for Friends of Animals Utah. I work from my home (wherever that might be) to improve the volunteer experience for our volunteers. I love my volunteer job and find that it fits perfectly with my lifestyle and with my desire to make a difference.
I interact (via email) with a team of other volunteers to define and accomplish our goals. I've learned many new skills and absolutely love having something "important" (like saving animals) in my life.
My challenge is two-fold: increase the number of volunteers we have and improve the volunteer experience-once we have them. I can't do it alone: so my challenge is to find additional volunteers who are team-spirited, experienced, dedicated and able to help.
Review from Guidestar
This is such a great charity and i have adopted 2 animals from here and i voulunteer here all the time! I love it!!
Review from Guidestar
I have adopted 3 cats from FOA. I appricated the fairly indepth interview that they performed to insure that I would be a good parent. One of my kitty had an infection from her spaying with in a couple of days after adoptiong. Kathy was very concerned and did all she could to make sure my kitty was on the mend , working with the vet, giving me medicine, calling to make sure she was getting better. I will definatley adopt from them again and hightly recommed other do so also.
Review from Guidestar
I got involved in Friends of Animals after writing a story on the organization for Park City Magazine. I was so impressed with the R&R Ranch that was the focus of the story and the Dogs of Bark City fundraiser that I readily volunteered. My son and I became regular dog walkers and snuggled with the cats and kittens. It soon morphed into a foster dog spending the night here and there and it was a great way for my kids to have an animal in the house without formally adopting one (they are both allergic.)
As I've gotten to know the organization from the inside/out, I continue to be impressed wtih the board and all the FOA staff. They are loving, kind people with a heart for the animals and are doing great things to end ethunasia in Summit County.
My husband and I now regulary attend their fundraisers and are advocates of the organization throughout our community.
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The staff at Friends of the Animals were just wonderful in helping me find the perfect dog for me. After 6 weeks of looking I found just the perfect dog for me. He is my forever furry friend. I have been so inspired by them that I have become a donor and a volunteer when time permits. The staff are kind and sensitive to humans and animals. What a great service for our community to have this available to everyone who is looking for a pet.
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I wish I could volunteer at FOA.....but it is impossible. Even w my husband driving me there and picking me up.......I feel I have to take at least one of them home. So many beautiful animals in need of love and shelter. How can such a cruel world be???? So we have become donors.....and when we lose one of our dogs/cats, we adopt from FOA. They are a wonderful organization staffed by saints and volunteer saints. alice puleo
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In July, I saw "Barley's" big, brown, deep eyes looking at me on the Furburbia Facebook page. His story said that he was a puppy mill rescue from Missouri.
The next day, I picked him up.
Oh, sure, I pretended I was going to "foster." But, when I stepped into his kennel, Cathy scooped him up and put him in my arms. His fur matched my hair.
But, his spine went rigid.
I was prepared with a pocketful of treats, but having spent 3-4 years in a puppy mill in Missouri, then traveling across the country to Utah, and, being one of eight chosen to go to Furburbia, he was shell-shocked. Did I mention he'd just been neutered and had an upset stomach, too?
So, Barley loaded up in a crate and sat in the back of my Element. We came home.
For a week, he cowered in his crate, but carefully watched his big Bernese sister, Faith. Everyone's gotta' have Faith.
Then, he started walking around on his own. . .
One day, I called him "Gus," after Captain Augustus McCrae in Lonesome Dove. He's strawberry blonde ears perked up.
But, winter is when he found joy . . . I don't know if it's because he realizes he has a home where he is loved, but . . .whatever it is, Gus runs, romps, and rrrrffffs when we go outside. Gus practically flies.
I love watching him run in the snow . . .there's pure joy when he stretches luxuriously in his very own downward facing dog next to my bed in the morning.
They told me, "he may never be a real dog." Nobody told me that he'd be a puppy.
Thank you Friends of Animals.
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Our association with Furburbia began several years ago. We adopted a dog that we eventually were unable to keep since he could not adapt to be alone in our home. We found a loving home for this dog (with someone who was home all the time). We went back to Furburbia a year later longing for another dog. Well we found the perfect match. A bit unsure of adopting again Furburbia gave us several weeks to be sure Roscoe would fit into our home. Roscoe came from an abusive situation and really needed some love and attention. During those first few weeks we kept in touch with the staff and eventually signed the adoption papers. Our little Rosco has become the love of our lives. We truly appreciate the wonderful staff at Fuburbia. The care and love they give to the animals waiting for homes is evident every time you walk into the place. Furburbia has also been a wonderful place for students in the Park City School District to volunteer for community service. They are very deserving of this monetary award.
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We adopted the best dog in the world from Furburbia in Park City Utah. I saw her online late one night and called first thing in the morning. They held her for me until I could get there (I live over an hour away) even though other people had called wanting her. They were very helpful and thorough, making sure she was going to a good home. I had a great experience and outcome!
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We adopted both of our dogs from the Summit County Friends of Animals. In both cases we were very impressed with the facility and with the care that the animals received while they were awaiting adoption. Everyone we dealt with was so kind and helpful, especially Cathy King. All employees did all that they could to make the adoption process as easy as possible. The trial adoption period was so nice because we took dogs home three different times and one of them was not compatible with our family. We love our two dogs that we did make a part of our family and we are so grateful for the FOA and the loving care that they give to so many animals. So many furry lives have been saved!
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I have watched, volunteered and become a board member of Friends of Animals Utah over the last 6 six years. I have seen them grow from being a small group of animal lovers to a business that serves the community and saved over 1,000 animals last year alone. The commitment, the drive, the involvement of the community, volunteers, people from across the country that come in contact with FOAU makes me proud to be a part of this great organization. As we grow we hope to do more in the community and nationally and with kind donations, grants, and fundrasing we hope to continue to expand and help animals and people in all walks of life.
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This is the most dedicated crew of people ever. The animals they see and take care are some of the most abused and damaged in the system. I have the great experience of attending their fundraising events, knowing the volunteers personally and being able to donat to this worthy cause.
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I have adopted dogs through FOA and have helped in whatever way I can to assist this incredible organization. My dog was rescued from a terrible situation where he was living with a broken front leg after a truck ran him over. The owners woudl not care for him. FOA rescue dhim, paid for the amputation of his leg, fond him a foster home to rehab and then finally he came to our house. This organization has the most dedicated staff and volunteers and brings joy to our community every day by helping animals.
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My husband and I adopted a dog (an Aussie Shepherd) from Friends of Animals in April 2005. We love this organization! They are well-run, the staff is well-trained and to a person, everyone involved with the organization is dedicated to the well-being of the animals they help save. The dog we adopted had a long and rather difficult history, and due to some physical issues, was a difficult dog for them to place. They kept the dog in the organization - using foster care - for a lengthy period, up to 6 months, before we found him. In another setting (including many shelters), this dog likely would have been killed. We truly believe FOA Utah helped save our beloved Cooper's life. The joy Cooper has brought us in the years we have lived with him is indescribable, and would not have been possible without FOA Utah.
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Although I live in Wasatch County, I work in Summit and participate in many activities and events here. Summit County FOA is undoubtably the most active and effective non-profit animal welfare group I have encountered. I am a marketing professional, and am amazed at their ability to communicate through multiple channels, marshaling volunteers and donations for a variety of projects. It seems everyone in Summit County knows that they can find just the right pet at Furburbia; that they can help out at The Ranch; what time of year they can look forward to the Barking Ball; and that they can donate their spare change at the counter of any number of local retail shops. These efforts have created a more conscientious public, and a better environment for Summit County's homeless pets. I hope my volunteer work with FOA Wasatch County can produce the same results.
Review from Guidestar
Summit County Friends is an amazing organization. I am a huge animal fan and have two rescue dogs myself. I enjoy going to Furburbia and seeing how well they take care of the animals. I have friends who foster animals and I know kids that volunteer to walk the dogs. Their new rescue ranch is a great accomplishment! This organization is definitely dedicated to animals of all types. Those who run the organization are high energy, "get things done for the animals kinds of people." I am a fan!
Review from Guidestar
Friends of Animals-Utah/Furburbia is the epitome of the goal to have no more homeless pets in Utah. They will keep any adoptable animal until it finds its forever home. My cat Freya was at Furburbia for a long time before I found her and brought her home to live with me. She was taken to Furburbia when she was pregnant, and her previous owners left her there. She had her kittens which were adopted. Now she is living in the lap of luxury which she deserves. Furburbia is a beautiful facility with luxurious kitty condos. The dogs are at Furburbia for six hours a day, and then they are taken to the Friends of Animals Ranch, a wonderful new building that can house both cats and dogs. There is a 24-hour a day caregiver there as well as a spay and neuter facility. Eventually they will be able to take horses and other large animals that are abandoned or abused. I am so proud of the work that FOA/Furburbia is doing in our community, and I am happy to support their work.
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I have been to furburbia several times to find a pet that would fit our family. the volunteers have always been helpful, we eventually found a cat that healed our heart ache and has more personality than any pet I have ever had.
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my family adopted a pet from Furburbia. The staff was helpful and helped us choose the right new family pet.
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I helped volunteer during the building of the Rescue Ranch - it is such an awesome facility and a great addition to Summit County Friends of Animals, as well as residents of the greater Summit County area. SCFA is now so muc more capabable of helping a larger number of animals in need!
Review from Guidestar
On Christmas Eve we went into the Furburbia store in Park City based on an adorable picture of a dog that came up on Facebook. Although we did not end up adopting that particular dog we came away with a very special addition to our family. Kathy, the manager, was so incredibly patient with our many questions, gave us an amazing amount of information and assurances that if it did not work out our little dog would find a great home. Because of her and her team, we not only left with a very special little guy we made an extra contribution to the organization so that their work could be multiplied and sustained.
Furburbia is a very special place in our community!
Review from Guidestar
Being an avid animal activist and animal lover means giving time, energy, dedication and love to the animals you love and care for. I found the place that I can now call my "volunteer home." Friends of Animals rescue ranch is that place. What a wonderful group of loving people that work there! The ranch is nestled right in an unbelievably beautiful spot right past Park City. The facility is amazing. The volunteers are wonderful. The animals are so well taken care of and happy. When you walk in the healthy cat playroom, the purring just about makes the walls shake! The dogs have toys to play with and an abundance of treats! What a healthy, happy and wonderful place to volunteer at...not to mention being an animal there has to be just as fantastic!
Review from Guidestar
My wife and I have volunteered for both the DC Humane Society and Friends of Animals of Summit County, Utah. We have also been donors to both. Both are good organizations run by good people who are committed to saving animals.
Their is a difference. Whereas the DC Humane Society is largely government funded, the FOA of Summit County is funded almost entirely by donations.
And with those donations, they have built a wonderful, large animal rescue facility. It also serves as a teaching facility for school kids with its summertime "Camp Kindness", and a place where veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome can come and help the animals many of whom have also suffered trauma in their lives.
The FOAU is great on these many fronts and deserves our support.
Review from Guidestar
I have always been impressed with Friends of Animals Utah when I visited their facility in past. When I went looking for a Border Collie mix, I started there and found a great dog. Friends of Animals Utah supplied whatever I needed to get started with my new puppy as well as shots and neutering. They even gave me a follow up call to make sure my puppy wasn't sick when they identified an illness in another dog at the facility.
I was also impressed how carefully they matched me up with my dog. They were concerned that he might be too much for me, being a Border Collie and dominant in his litter. When I told them about my experience with training Border Collies in herding, obedience and agility they were thrilled I had the right dog.
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For some reason, I have always been connected to animals.... as long as I can remember, they always spoke to me. Through their gentle eyes, their play, their total trust in us. I have always had companions and they have been part of my family. Knowing that their is an organization of volunteers that provides for the animals in the county where I live is a huge relief to me. And if I can help by donating to their cause, I will do so as long as I can.
I love to go into Furbubia and say hello to the animals..... it's the only place I've been that houses animals and it does not make you feel sad for them. They are the lucky ones. Once Furbubia has them, their luck has turned.... they have foster care from people who truly love them and they have activities during the day. It's like they're going to work just like everybody else. FOA is an organization made up of volunteers and they get things done for the animals. Their adoption system is thorough and protects the animals and well as giving an adopter an opportunity to give the adoption their best shot.
When my sister was looking for a dog, that's where she went to find her companion. Rascal has been with her for 3 years now. He loves her like no one else. He's a lucky dawg!
I'm a proud supported of FOA!!!
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My sister has adopted two dogs (at separate times) over the last 5 years through FOA and had an amazing experience each time. The staff genuinely cares about the animals and wants to ensure they have a good homes.
Review from Guidestar
We have adopted numerous pets from Summit County Friends of Animals over the past 10 years and have been extremely pleased with the knowledge of all the staff. I have also been a regular volunteer for the past 2 years and have seen first hand how well cared for all the animals are.
Review from Guidestar
I've adopted two dogs from Friends of Animals over the past 6 years, and both were great experiences. Of course the dogs are great, but I've learned that Friends of Animals makes an effort to insure that each pet is going to a prepared and committed pet-owner. They check out and educate the people that want to adopt and make sure that the adoption will be successful. This makes for happy dogs - going to a good and permanent home. I've seen Friends of Animals care for and foster dogs for many months, in order to find that dog a forever home. The most recent dog I adopted, an adorable little terrier named Billy, had a bad case of kennel cough, which I realized after taking him home. When I told Friends of Animals about his condition, they made sure I had the medication to get him better. My sincere thanks to Friends of Animals for all they do for our animal friends!
Review from Guidestar
We adopted our "Buddy" (aka Cupid) from Furburbia in Park City this past November. We are new to Utah, and asked around about adoption facilities when we began our search for a new dog. Furburbia came highly recommended to us by locals who had been clients and loved the adoption experience they had there (as well as their pet). The staff was supportive, knowledgable and caring. They knew Buddy and shared both his strengths and weaknesses so there would no surprises when we took him out on trial. The trial period, which I believe is one of the strengths of Furburbia, allowed us to get to know Buddy without making an initial commitment. This was very important to us as we have two other dogs and small grandchildren. We were looking for a dog that would fit into our established pack and be gentle with our little ones. Buddy was just the one for us! Now, when we run him at the Park City Dog Park, most of the people we meet there also adopted from Furburbia. Like us, they love their dog and had a wonderful adoption experience.
Review from Guidestar
It has been my privilege to volunteer for this organization for 10+ years. It has grown from an all volunteer animal adoption group to a full-fledged animal rescue organization with a significant presence in Northern Utah and the surrounding region. Along with animal adoption, the organization now offers education, spay and neuter and human-animal welfare programs as well as lobbying for animal welfare issues. Please visit the website at www.foautah.org to learn more about Friends of Animals Utah.
Review from Guidestar
What a phenomenal facility to help house animals and find them new homes!!! I volunteered with a program called Canines With A Cause. I helped train shelter dogs to be used as psychological therapy dogs. We worked with a trainer on basic obedience and canine good citizen certification. All of the dogs in the program were adopted. This is a win win for the dogs as well as the people that adopted the dogs.
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I was looking for a dog - a family pet. The friends of the animals spent time on the phone with me finding out information that would help them find the perfect pet for my family. They then found the perfect 4 month old "mutt" that became Charley, the world's greatest dog. We had Charley for 12 1/2 years and he provided much joy and love for our family. I cannot thank the people of Friends of Animals enough.
Review from Guidestar
We had the pleasure to adopt a dog from Furburbia (FOA of Utah) in Park City. It was an outstanding experience. They made it so easy. The process was thorough, but fast, we were in and out of there in less than half an hour ( we kenw what animal we wanted by visiting their website).
their facility is outstanding. It is very clean, beautiful and pet friendly and the animals are very well taken care of. Their website is very helpful. You can search for a dog and then just go there and adopt it! What luxury. We were very impressed by their services.
I Love Friends of Animals Utah. It is so great that they have rescued and saved so many animals. It is a very well run non kill shelter which is clean and organized. When I visit and my son has volunteered we see how well these animals are cared for while waiting for their permanent home. They have been friendly and are current on sending e mails out to keep people updated in our community. Friends of Animals also keep us posted on their news by weekly articles and adoption in our local Park Record Paper. If you have ever visited friends of animals website they are always updated and current at what is going on at their facility. Most importantly for our family we are thankful for Friends of Animals because we adopted THE BEST DOG for US!!!!! THANK YOU friends of animals.
Review from Guidestar
Friends of Animals Utah is a group that has brought much joy to numerous families and animals in my local community of Park City. I have numerous friends that have had the wonderful opportunity to rescue animals from Friends of Animals Utah and these special pets have brought about life-changing expereicnes for these freinds of mine. More over, the animals that have had a second or third chance at life due to Freinds of Animals Utah rescue services, are now prancing about the trails of Park City bringing joy to the entire community. We are ALL so thankful for their services.
Review from Guidestar
I have adopted two wonderful dogs from Summit County Friends of Animals. In both cases, every person I interacted with was very helpful. Their primary concern was always in making sure that the dog found a good forever home. We were given advice, allowed a trial adoption period, and lent equipment, such as kennels, to help ensure that our home was a good match for the dog.
When we adopted our second dog, we had to consider that we already had a dog at home who had strong fears of other dogs. The FOA staff let our fearful dog meet some other dogs and finally suggested a particular dog who turned out to be a perfect match.
This is a well-organized group of people who are dedicated to serving the homeless pet population. I have followed the group since my first adoption from them 14 years ago, and during that time FOA has continually expanded in order to serve more and more animals. Their latest addition is a new rescue and rehabilitation center.
Review from Guidestar
Friends of Animals Utah has helped save the lives of over 10,000 adoptable dogs and cats since it's inception in 1990. Through its rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and adoption programs, FOAU found homes for over 1000 pets in 2010 through its Furburbia adoption center! The organization recently opened its Rescue & Rehab Ranch in Peoa, Utah, and is now poised to have far greater impact on local communities through new and expanded education and outreach programs, as well as increased spay and neuter services for pet owners in need. FOAU is committed to significantly reducing the population of homeless, unwanted companion animals throughout northern Utah.
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