Friends of the Animals (FOA) employs a limited number of employees and is mostly operated through a network of volunteers who work together to make sure that every animal receives a loving, lifelong home. Most of us are involved in animal work for our love of the animals and their well-being.

We are a non-profit and the only shelter in Cedar County located in Tipton, Iowa. All the money and donations we take in are used to help our dogs and cats either directly or to fund our organization (buying supplies, shelter expenses, supporting a website, medical funding for animals, a new facility etc.).

FOA takes in animals either by owner surrender, strays, or by helping other shelters/rescues etc. We take in all ages of animals from the smallest of babies to the adults still in search of their forever homes. As well as the seniors just looking for a comfy lap to sleep on, and to the medical cases needing round the clock care.

After FOA accepts an animal, it is given a veterinary exam to make sure that it is healthy. We also update the animal’s immunizations, spay or neuter if the procedure hasn’t previously been done. Spaying and neutering not only prevents pet overpopulation, but also lowers the animal’s risk of contracting reproductive diseases later in life. We then microchip the animal in FOA’s name and get them ready for adoption.

Typically, after the animal comes to the shelter it is kept at the shelter or placed in a foster home. The foster home provides temporary care for the animal until a new owner can be found. The foster home also evaluates the animal’s temperament and behavior, so we can find the best family for our animals.

If the animal has special needs or medical issues, we do our best to find them a foster home as it can help them decompress and or heal so they’re able to find their perfect home. One on one attention is often needed with these cases and will help the shelter be able to place them in the best fitting home based off of the feedback we receive from their foster.

When an animal is being fostered only, we ask them to help assist FOA to find the adoptive family that best fits the animal. While being in the home the foster family will be able to get to know the animal most and know what a good fit will look like for that specific animal. Most likely a family friend or even coworker could meet the animal and fall in love, having another outlet to have these animals be seen helps shorten their time with the shelter tremendously.

Usually when a family comes into the shelter it is love at first sight! One of the Adoption Coordinators or the Facility Administrator will sit down with the potential family to talk to them about the fur baby and the steps to adoption.

FOA requires most animals to be placed in a foster to adopt process before finalizing the adoption process. The process usually takes two (2) weeks, but this is a guideline and if FOA feels more or less time is needed we will adjust based on the situation. This process allows FOA to help the animal and family adjust to each other and iron out questions you may have and provides guidance for the family and animal.  Foster to adopt can also help families see what owning a pet is like and help find the best fit for their house hold.    

Once the adoption is finalized, we will wait a few days and do a follow up with the adoptive family to provide support with any remaining questions you may have on your new family member. We want to make sure that both the family and animal are doing well. Our goal is to have a successful adoption that has a smooth transition for the animals going from the shelter into a home and the families to their new furbabies.