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Friends of Strays Animal Shelter is St. Petersburg’s oldest no kill animal shelter. Founded in 1978, our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with people who will love them. With thousands of cats and dogs entering our shelter every year, Friends of Strays’ staff and volunteers provide the utmost love and care for every animal that comes through our doors.
Through our outreach, advocacy, and services we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all. In addition to pet adoption, we seek to create a better world for pets and people by focusing on life saving programs promoting pet retention, community empowerment, and humane pet ownership education.
Friends of Strays receives no government funding, and our lifesaving success is only possible by the support of friends like you. Please consider an individual, business or planned giving gift to provide compassionate care to pets and the people who love them. We realize that our efforts on behalf of the animals would not be possible without you by our side.
You help us make a difference in their lives.
The Latest
Self-Trapping intake reopens with regular schedule Sunday, Aug. 25!
Aug 22, 2024
Intake for our MEOW Now self-trapping program (formerly Pinellas Cats Alive) reopens Sunday, Aug. 25! We will resume Sunday-Thursday intakes Please note self-trapping intakes will be closed...
Self-trapping intake paused - check back soon for resumption date
Aug 7, 2024
Intake for our MEOW Now self-trapping program (formerly Pinellas Cats Alive) is momentarily closed due to staff shortage for high volume surgery. We appreciate your patience and we are sorry for...
Tropical Storm Update: Closing at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug 4
Aug 4, 2024
Tropurrrical Storm Update! Due to the inclement weather, we will close at 4 p.m. today, Sunday, Aug. 4. We plan to reopen for regular hours on Monday as long as it is safe to do so! Everyone...
Stray Thoughts
Navigating Rental Agreements When Owning a Pet
Sep 11, 2024
Friends of Strays is fortunate to have supporters from all kinds of backgrounds. Eve Epstein-Ortiz is a member of the Board of Directors, and an attorney in the Tampa Bay area. Navigating pet...
Keeping pets safe during July 4 fireworks!
Jul 1, 2024
While many people may enjoy the excitement and thrill of watching a fireworks show, for pets it can be very scary and traumatic. More pets are reported missing after July 4 than any other holiday....