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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

Friends of Strays, TNVR intake closures for June 2025
May 30, 2025
In June, Friends of Strays will be closed to the public on the following dates:• Wednesday, June 4 • Thursday, June 19• Saturday, June 28MEOW Now TNVR program:Due current program...

An update regarding yesterday's closure
May 28, 2025
We are deeply saddened to share that Shannon, a member of our Animal Care & Enrichment Team, lost her life Sunday evening in a devastating car accident that also claimed the lives of her...
Friends of Strays closed Tuesday, May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025
Due to a staff emergency, Friends of Strays is closed for today, Tuesday, May 27, 2025.We plan to reopen Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. Please call or check our website for updates. We...
Stray Thoughts

Kitten Season 2025 is heating up for the summer
May 20, 2025
Kitten season is heating up and here to stay for the summer!As of Tuesday, May 20, we have more than 120 kittens in our care, and we're receiving daily calls, messages, emails, and public walk-ins...
The dangers of heartworm disease: how cat and dog owners can keep their pets safe
Apr 3, 2025
With spring heating things up, it’s a good time for a reminder: heartworm disease is a threat to your cat or dog all year round. Heartworms are a parasite that infect animals after being...