FOTAS - FAQ

Volunteers

How do I become a volunteer at the Shelter?

All potential volunteers must complete registration forms and attend a training session with the FOTAS Manager of Volunteer Services before becoming part of the volunteer program at the Shelter. Volunteers are expected to spend a minimum of 4 hours per month. To request a volunteer application, please click on the E-mail link below or call 541.774.6646. Once your application is received, the Manager of Volunteer Services will contact you to discuss training and orientation procedures.
FOTAS volunteers can participate in: publicity, fundraising events, walking dogs, socializing cats, mailings, adoption counseling, socializing puppies, community outreach programs, participating in school educational activities, assisting at shot clinics, telephone calls, computer input, clerical tasks, donating, transporting animals, being an ambassador for FOTAS and the Jackson County Animal Shelter, and generally improving the quality of life for animals.

E-mail FOTAS

Can children and teenagers volunteer at the Shelter?

Yes, but they must be 18 years or older to volunteer alone. Volunteers younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian whenever they volunteer at the Shelter. Some, but not all, of our volunteer opportunities are suitable for families with children or teenagers. At age 10, young people may start volunteering with cats; at age 13, they may start walking dogs. For a complete list of requirements and opportunities suitable for people under 18 years old, please click on the link below to E-mail us or call 541.774.6646. Please provide the ages and number of youths who want to volunteer.

E-mail FOTAS

Adoptions

If I want to adopt a pet, how do I select the right one and apply for adoption?

A visit to our clean, modern shelter is the surest way to find out what pets are currently available for adoption and what our adoption policies are. Or, you can see some of the pets available for adoption and basic adoption guidelines on our website. All animals available for adoption have been evaluated by the Shelter staff and are ready for new homes. The best way to select a pet is to spend some quality time at the Shelter, talk to the staff and volunteers, and wait for the animal that is the right fit for your family.
You will then need to complete an application for the particular animal you selected, and the Shelter staff will help you decide if the animal matches your personality and lifestyle.
Adoption fees include first vaccinations, a free veterinary check-up, and spay or neuter. Dogs and cats that enter the Shelter are given a physical and behavioral evaluation for adoption suitability. When an animal is deemed of good health and disposition and placed in adoption, there is no time limit set for its stay, provided the animal remains healthy and friendly.

The Shelter maintains a pet “want file” consisting of cards where you may leave a request for any type of pet. The Shelter staff and FOTAS volunteers search the files for the right match, and call perspective adopters. The cards have specific categories, including size, breed, age, coat length, gender, and family needs. Many successful adoptions start in the “want file.”

View the pet adoption webpage

What kinds of pets do you have for adoption?

Because it is the largest animal shelter in Southern Oregon, and the only pet sanctuary in Jackson County that accepts both surrendered pets and strays, our animal shelter has a wide variety of pets for adoption, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and ferrets. From pure bred to pure mutt, we have the perfect pet for you.

View the pet adoption webpage

Why is it necessary to spay or neuter all dogs and cats before they may be adopted?

Spay/neuter is an important mission of FOTAS and the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Unless medical reasons prevent it, all dogs and cats are spayed or neutered before adoption. The reasons to spay/neuter are many:

Millions of homeless dogs and cats go to animal shelters every year, and there are not enough homes for them all. Unfortunately, the majority never find homes, and must be euthanized.
A spayed/neutered pet is more likely not to roam.
Spayed/neutered pets are healthier and less prone to develop cancer of the reproductive organs.
Cats and dogs are easier to care for and better behaved when they are spayed/neutered, as they focus on being good family members, rather than reproducing.
Millions of cats live feral (wild), and life is difficult for them. They are prey to other animals, suffer injuries and disease, and kill many wild creatures, such as birds. If not spayed or neutered, their kittens usually starve or die young.

Donations

How do I donate to the Jackson County Animal Shelter?

Animal Control and the Shelter operations depend upon fees and charges generated by our programs. In the past, the Jackson County’s General Fund supplemented the balance of budget needs. However, this support has been eliminated with changes in the overall funding of County programs. We depend on volunteer support and rely on the hours of dedicated service our many helpers provide. We also depend upon generous donations of funds and supplies. If you would like to help financially, please send your tax-deductible donation to: Jackson County Animal Shelter, PO Box 299, Phoenix, Oregon 97535. If you would like to know exactly where your money will go, you can make a designated donation to the MEDICAL FUND or to the GENERAL ANIMAL NEEDS FUND.

Donations made directly to FOTAS are tax-deductible and help the Shelter animals. Please visit the FOTAS donations webpage for more information.

What is on the Shelter's "Needs List"?

Since the Shelter does not turn any animal away, many items are needed for the thousands of dogs and cats every year that need our care. All of the supplies listed below go to directly help the animals and can be dropped off at: 5595 South Pacific Highway in Phoenix.

Pet food, both canned cat and dog food and dry kibble. (We also need higher protein kibble for puppies and kittens)
Old towels and rags for cleaning and bathing the animals.
Old blankets, rugs, and other bedding for the dogs and cats
Clay cat litter (Clumping-style cat litter is not recommended for kennel use because kittens sometimes lick or ingest litter, which will choke them.)
Washable toys for the pets to help ease the stress of kennel life
Bleach, laundry detergent, and dish soap
Pet shampoos, grooming supplies, and clippers
Food bowls for both dogs and cats, as they wear out fast
Spout type watering cans for filling water bowls
Collars and leashes
Spiral notebooks
Copy paper

How do I donate to Friends of the Animal Shelter?

FOTAS is a nonprofit organization and has 501(c) (3) status with the IRS. Therefore, donations are tax deductible. Thank you for helping save homeless pets in Jackson County. Please visit our donations webpage for more information.

If you would like to make a special kind of donation, please call us at 541.774.6646 or visit our donations webpage for more information. Tell us your wishes and how we can contact you.

Jackson County Animal Shelter

What do I do if I lose or find a pet?

The first thing to do is call the Shelter immediately at 541.774.6654 and make a lost/found report. If you get the voice mail, please leave a detailed message. Speak clearly and slowly. Please include the pet’s breed, sex, size, coloring, age, license information, name, any collar on the pet, and any other details that would be helpful in identifying the pet. We advise you to go into the Shelter to look for a lost pet. You are the only one that can ID your pet. There is a board in the Shelter office for the public to post pictures and announcements about lost pets. This is a great way for the Shelter staff and visitors to watch for the missing pet.
Contact the Jackson County Animal Shelter
In addition to contacting the Shelter, be sure to ask around your neighborhood and check the lost/found ads in the newspaper. You can also post a lost or found ad online at Craig’s List (www.craigslist.org) under the Community Section for your region (“Lost & Found” and “Pets”). Also, many people post flyers in the vicinity they lost/found a pet.

Why do dogs need to be licensed? What about cats?

Licensing ensures the pet is protected from contracting or spreading rabies because you must present proof of rabies vaccination before the license is issued. It also provides identification and aids in returning pets to owners. Dog licenses are required by Oregon State law for every dog, anywhere in the State. Every dog over 6 months of age is required to have a current rabies vaccination and county dog license. Cat licenses are voluntary but encouraged in Jackson County. For details on licensing and fees go to the Jackson County pet license webpage.

How do I get a dog or cat license?

There are several ways to purchase a dog or cat license. For details, visit the Jackson County pet license webpage.

Where and when is the low-cost vaccination clinic for cats and dogs?

The low-cost vaccination clinic is held the third Saturday of each month at the Shelter from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. A local veterinarian provides most cat and dog vaccinations for a fraction of their regular price. No appointment is necessary. While you are there, you can license your pet(s) on the spot and also receive low-cost nail trimming. The vaccinations are $10 (cash only) and pet nail trims are $5 (cash only).
Contact information for the low-cost shot clinic

Can you help me with a foster home placement, financial assistance, or other services for my pet?

We can only help the pets who are residents at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Our resources are limited, and thus, we are restricted to the number of pets we can help. If you cannot care for your pet's needs, you may consider surrendering him or her to a shelter for re-homing.
Please visit our resources webpage for more information on other local animal-welfare organizations that may be able to assist you.

Where can I find spay/neuter assistance?

FOTAS is fortunate to work hand-in-hand with Spay Neuter Your Pet (SNYP), a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and their pets with spay/neuter services. SNYP is located in Medford and provides the community with information on low-cost and subsidized spay/neuter programs within Jackson County. SNYP does not accept animals for re-homing.

View the SNYP webpage

How do I contact an Animal Control officer?

You can reach Jackson County Animal Control by telephoning 541.774.6655. For a life-threatening situation involving a pet, dial 911.
Contact information for Animal Care and Control Officers

Is the Shelter a "no-kill" facility?

No. However, over the past decade within Jackson County, there has been a dramatic decrease in the euthanasia of animals that are healthy and safe for adoption. Spay/neuter programs, adoption programs, and improved pet guardianship have been instrumental in helping to alleviate the need to euthanatize adoptable animals.
Thousands of lost, stray, abandoned, and unwanted animals end up becoming "Wards" of Jackson County and it is the Animal Shelter that provides humane, compassionate care for these pets. We operate programs to return as many of these pets as possible to owners as well as to place as many as possible in responsible new homes. Unfortunately, feral cats, terminally ill or injured animals, and those that pose a danger to people or other animals cannot be saved. Due to this reality, we also operate a humane euthanasia program. Currently, there is enough kennel space to allow all dogs placed into adoption as much time as it takes to find new homes. Sadly, there are times, especially because of seasonal overpopulation, that adoptable cats and kittens are euthanized to manage Shelter population.

Is the Shelter the local Humane Society?

No, we are not the Humane Society. The Southern Oregon Humane Society (SOHS) is a separate, private, animal-welfare organization, located at 2910 Table Rock Road in Medford. It accepts only surrendered and rescued pets for re-homing, and the number of animals they accept is limited by space and adoptability. No strays are accepted.

In contrast, the Jackson County Animal Shelter is the only “open-door” facility in the County, accepting both surrendered pets and strays. The Shelter is located between Talent and Phoenix on Highway 99 (5595 South Pacific Highway.

Contact the Jackson County Animal Shelter

What are some of the other local animal welfare organizations in the area?

Committed Alliance to Strays (CATS) is a shelter for stray cats (not surrendered pets) located in Medford on 104 North Ross Lane. It also has a volunteer program and staff members. The numbers of cats is limited to available space, and there is often a waiting list for cats to be accepted into the facility.

Spay Neuter Your Pet (SNYP) is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and their pets with spay/neuter services. SNYP is located in Medford and provides the community with information on low-cost and subsidized spay/neuter programs within Jackson County. SNYP does not accept animals for re-homing.

Sanctuary One at Double Oak Farm is the first care farm in Southern Oregon, and provides a refuge for farm animals. The Sanctuary also provides a temporary foster home for cats and dogs from the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Sanctuary One is located at 13195 Upper Applegate Road in Jacksonville.

Please visit our resources webpage for more information on other local animal-welfare organizations.

Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS)

What programs and fundraising events does FOTAS sponsor?

Medical Test Kits: FOTAS budgets for the purchase of Test Kits that the Shelter uses to improve the overall health of the animals.
The 2-Fur-1 program: FOTAS pays the second full adoption fee to the Shelter when two cats or kittens go to their new home together. Two cats for the price of one, which is only $65. Cats love having a feline companion, and live healthier, longer lives together.
Coins For Kitties: Umpqua Bank in the Rogue Valley invites customers to put spare change in a jar at the banks during the month of September. The monies collected are dedicated to the 2-Fur-1 program.
Foster Program: Volunteers provide short-term homes for animals from Jackson County Animal Shelter to help them become adoptable.
Community Outreach Program: FOTAS and the Animal Shelter actively inform Jackson County residents about responsible pet guardianship and animal welfare.
Publicity Programs: FOTAS volunteers develop videos, sponsor Pet of the Week advertisements, distribute pet adoption flyers, showcase adoptable dogs on television, place newspaper and magazine features, and maintain the FOTAS website.
Education in the Schools: FOTAS works with teachers in local elementary schools to promote responsible pet guardianship and animal welfare.
Parades: Several times a year FOTAS volunteers walk Shelter dogs in parades and other special events, such as the Ashland and Eagle Point 4th of July parades, Ashland Festival of Light parade, Talent Harvest Festival, and the Jacksonville Mutt Strut.
Dog Washes: Each summer, FOTAS volunteers wash hundreds of dogs at the annual Medford and Ashland dog washes to raise money and meet the public. These are fundraising events and are also a great way to meet the public.

What is the Puss 'n Boots Ball?

This is the most important fundraising event for FOTAS and supports the majority of our programs and operating budget. Every October since 1991, animal lovers have attended this Halloween party called Puss ‘n Boots Ball. The Ball offers an excellent buffet dinner, a cash bar, music and dancing, costume contests and there is a silent auction and a fun live auction. All proceeds benefit FOTAS programs that support the Jackson County Animal Shelter. For more information about Puss 'n Boots, please call us at 541.774.6646, or E-mail FOTAS.

What is the Foster Program?

The Jackson County Animal Shelter is frequently in need of people to temporarily care for animals that need special attention. Puppies and kittens (orphans or with a mom), sick or injured adult cats and dogs, or animals that need a change from the kennel environment are among the many who need loving family homes. The basic requirements are a suitable environment, time and resources to help an animal find a good home, and love.

Please visit our Foster Program webpage for more information.

What are some of the projects that FOTAS has completed?

Agility Yard: The large and beautiful exercise yard for dogs has a gazebo for shade, agility ramps, and a large grassy area. The maintenance of this yard is funded by FOTAS, and dogs thrive with the daily exercise and play provided by the FOTAS dog walkers.
Slim Jim Lane: This is a wonderful graveled walking path, which provides an excellent area for leash and stair training. Slim Jim Lane has park benches, shade, and gorgeous landscaping. It was funded by donations and is maintained by FOTAS.
Puppy Place: This is an ongoing project to provide a clean and fun area for Shelter puppies that are not yet fully vaccinated, and therefore cannot enjoy the “adult” agility yard. Puppy Place will be an area for play with other puppies, which is critical for socializing. This area will also be used to introduce puppies to the public, romp around in the fresh air, and play with specially trained FOTAS puppy volunteers
Mozart Room: The Mozart Room, in the Shelter facility, is a secure and comfortable living room in the Shelter facility that is used for introducing animals to one another and potential adopters. The Mozart room was paid for by a FOTAS supporter in honor of her dog Mozart, and FOTAS volunteers decorated this special room.
Cat Room Screens: Special screens were installed over the windows in the cat rooms to reduce the heat of the afternoon sun, and importantly, they are strong enough to prevent the cats from escaping into the driveway. The windows can be opened for fresh air, which relaxes the cats and kittens. This FOTAS project was funded and completed by FOTAS with support from a business partner.
Highway Sign: The Animal Shelter sign on Highway 99, was funded by a FOTAS volunteer, and the lighting was purchased by FOTAS. This attractive sign is visible to all drivers along the highway, and welcomes all visitors to the Shelter.

Who are the members of the FOTAS Board of Directors?

Please visit our Board of Directors webpage for a list of members serving on the Board.

How can I get a copy of your free FOTAS newsletter?

Our newsletter, The Scoop, is published three times a year and can be downloaded from our website. To begin receiving it, you can E-mail FOTAS your mailing address or call 541.774.6646.

Download the latest copy of The Scoop

Advertising and editorial information

Where do I send a change-of-address notice?

You can call us at 541.774.6646, or you can E-mail us with the information.