About
Friends of the Animal Shelter
Providing 32 years of service to the Jackson County Animal Shelter
Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1991 to help the animals housed at the Jackson County Animal Shelter (JCAS).
Each year, 200+ FOTAS volunteers donate an average (pre-COVID) of 50,000 hours of their time to supporting JCAS animals. Based on a recent study, this is the equivalent of 11 full-time employees, which saves Jackson County a significant amount in staffing costs.
Additionally, volunteers open their homes as foster parents to shelter animals. In 2022, more than 400 cats and dogs spent time in a loving FOTAS foster home for a variety of reasons: (1) animals experiencing kennel stress, (2) animals too young to be spayed/neutered, and (3) animals recovering from injuries/surgeries. Fostering saves lives!
Throughout the years, FOTAS has also provided significant financial support to JCAS. From 2011 to 2022, FOTAS donated more than $347,000 for animal medical expenses alone.
FOTAS also raises funds to provide supplies, food, and to subsidize low-cost adoption events.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for current information regarding the transitions taking place at the Jackson County Animal Shelter.
2021 Annual statistics:
OUR VISION:
FOTAS strives for a time when all cats and dogs in Jackson County have a responsible owner or caretaker.
OUR MISSION:
FOTAS is dedicated to the well-being and adoptability of animals at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. It also supports programs promoting the humane treatment of homeless cats and dogs in the community.
OUR VALUES ARE:
Service ∙ Compassion ∙ Integrity
