Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for shelter animals. Founded by Oakland Animal Services volunteers in December 2005, FOAS was created to support the municipal shelter’s efforts to better care for thousands of animals each year in the face of Oakland’s ongoing budgetary challenges. Our mission is to provide homes, health, and happiness for Oakland’s homeless animals. Some of our main funding areas include: -Emergency and specialized medical care -Equipment needed to help veterinary staff better care for shelter animals on-site -Adoption outreach and foster program support -The creation of indoor/outdoor play areas and better animal housing, including general supplies and repairs -Transportation of animals to both local and out-of-state partner rescue groups -Tools to help with Oakland field services, including digital cameras for staff to document cruelty cases and laser thermometers to determine the temperature inside parked cars -Materials, training, and other supplies for the volunteer program that is integral to the quality of life for shelter animals -PetFix, our free spay and neuter program for Oakland residents We are proud to assist Oakland’s only open-door agency, where we have the opportunity to improve the lives of the greatest number of animals.