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Our Story
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
It's National Kitten Day!
Jul 10, 2026
We are celebrating National Kitten Day today! While you're feeling the hot weather outside, shelters all around Florida are feeling the swelter from kitten season. From March...
It's National Kitten Day!
Jul 10, 2026
We are celebrating National Kitten Day today! While you're feeling the hot weather outside, shelters all around Florida are feeling the swelter from kitten season. From March...
FOS OPENING BACK UP TO THE PUBLIC JULY 8
Jul 7, 2026
Friends of Strays will open back up to the public on July 8 and resume all regular operations at both The Cat Box Adoption Center and our headquarters. Adoptions and TNVR will resume under our...
Stray Thoughts
Babe's Story: Planning Ahead for the Pets We Love
Aug 19, 2025
Grief doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes, it looks like hissing. Like swatting. Like lashing out. Babe spent most of her life with the same person—and she adored her owner....
Prepare now for July 4 pet safety
Jun 30, 2025
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....
