Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals (OFOSA)

To improve the living conditions and adoptability of shelter animals through shelter support and our volunteer foster network.

We believe in "Making a difference one paw at a time".
Our philosophy is five fold (like the paws of a cat or dog):
Humane Education
Animal Rescue
Community Assistance
Shelter Assistance
Animal Welfare

Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals (OFOSA) formed in 2002 after shelter volunteers had to euthanize an adoptable animal for untreated medical conditions. Beauty was a quiet black cocker spaniel that after five days in the shelter, was found dirty and matted in “his” kennel. Out of unselfish love, it was clear that something needed to be done. Upon grooming and further inspection, sores and tumors were found encompassing “his” body. In addition, the cocker was not male as initially informed. After determining the serious condition that this pup was in, she was rushed to the veterinarian. Unfortunately, it was too late. It was decided right then and there more had to be done to care for and help these misplaced and often neglected animals.

Since 2002 we:

*Achieved 501(c)(3) status.

*Facilitated over 3100 adoptions and microchipped over 3600 cats and dogs.

*Participated and assisted in funding 4950 spays and neuters.

*Funded 227 surgeries for dog and cat injuries and illnesses.

*Funded, planned, and implemented projects such as sneeze guards in cat cages to reduce disease transmission.

*Provided food, medicines, supplies, housing, and veterinary care to rescues, shelters, and stray animals.

*Conducted scheduled microchip clinics, weekly adoption clinics, and agility fun matches.

*Built a cattery at Columbia Animal Control and provided new water spouts and beds for Linn County Animal Control.

*Created a mobile spay/neuter unit to aid rural shelters with the spaying and neutering of animals for adoption.

Every Saturday and Sunday we can be found at our adoption events at the Petco locations in Beaverton (117th & Canyon and 185th & Evergreen) and the Petco location in SE Portland on Glisan from Noon - 4PM. All our animals are on PetFinder.com.
Our annual fundraiser is an Auction held on March 6, 2010 at the old Auction House in Hillsboro now Estate Sales Unlimited.
Please visit our Volunteer and Event calendar at our website, www.OFOSA.org.

Volunteering with OFOSA is a great way for the whole family to get involved.

We have events throughout the year to spread the word about OFOSA and the needs of shelter animals in addition to our weekly adoption events.

Join us at Petco every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 - 4:30PM. We meet with potential adopters and discuss the needs cats and dogs have in a forever home. This is a very rewarding opportunity to see the companions find the forever home they have been waiting for and desperately need.

You will join the team as we meet and greet potential adopters making them feel welcome, ascertain purpose of their visit so their time is spent more productively. Provide information about Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals (OFOSA) and animals for adoption and the adoption process.

This is a great opportunity for families, small groups (5 or less), and clubs/groups/troops.

We need outgoing, friendly, motivated people to greet the potential adopters and help them select a companion. It is critical to help the adopter consider the life long comittment that can last the life of the cat or dog, 18+ years!

We ask that everyone is:

• Available Saturday or Sunday 11:30AM - 4:30PM
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Outgoing personality
• Level headed under pressure
• Good coordinating skills
• Focused on clean and sanitary conditions.
• We are looking for a forever home to ensure that these companions do not end up back in shelter care again.