About Shelter Friends
Shelter Friends is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping vulnerable animals through emergency medical support, rescue partnerships, and compassionate advocacy.
- Mission Statement -
Shelter Friends helps homeless, injured, and vulnerable animals through emergency veterinary funding, rescue support, spay/neuter programs, and community partnerships.
The Story Behind Shelter Friends
In 2012, our founder, Dawn Dulle, experienced every pet owner's worst nightmare when her beloved cat, MommaKitty, disappeared.
For months, Dawn searched tirelessly. Her search led her to local animal shelters week after week, where she met animal control officers, rescue organizations, and countless homeless animals still waiting for someone to fight for them.
As she walked through the shelters, Dawn realized her mission had become bigger than finding one lost cat. She wanted to help every animal still waiting for a second chance.
During her search, Dawn made herself a promise: if MommaKitty found her way home, she would dedicate the rest of her life to helping animals find their way home, too.
Eleven months after disappearing, MommaKitty was found. After six more weeks of patience and determination, Dawn finally brought her home.
Dawn kept her promise.
Today, Shelter Friends helps homeless, injured, and vulnerable animals by providing emergency veterinary funding, rescue support, and second chances when they're needed most.
Every animal we help is part of the promise that started it all.
Who We Are
Founded by passionate animal advocates, Shelter Friends was created to help fill critical gaps in animal welfare support throughout the region.
We work alongside shelters, rescuers, veterinarians, fosters, and community members to help animals receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
How We Work
Shelter Friends is not a traditional shelter facility.
Instead, we focus on providing support that helps rescue efforts succeed — including emergency veterinary funding, rescue partnerships, community programs, and resource coordination.
By working collaboratively with local organizations and compassionate supporters, we are able to extend lifesaving assistance to more animals throughout the community.
Community Partnerships
Strong partnerships allow us to expand our impact and respond more effectively to animals in need.
We are grateful for the support of veterinary clinics, rescue organizations, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and local businesses that share our commitment to animal welfare.
TESTIMONIALs
"We're grateful for Shelter Friends whenever we have orphaned, injured, or sick kittens and puppies that need extra help. Working together saves more animals."
Sharon | Founder, SNUGGLE Pet Rescue
Are you a shelter?
Shelter Friends is not a traditional shelter facility. We support animals through funding, partnerships, rescue assistance, and community programs.
Do you take in animals directly?
Situations vary, but Shelter Friends primarily works with rescue partners, veterinarians, and community resources to assist animals in need.
How are donations used?
Donations help fund veterinary care, rescue support efforts, spay/neuter programs, and other lifesaving assistance.
How can I help?
You can support Shelter Friends by donating, volunteering, attending events, sponsoring programs, or sharing our mission with others.
FAQs