FOTAS - FAQ

At the Shelter

How do I become a volunteer at the Shelter?

All volunteers must complete registration forms and attend a training session with our volunteer coordinator before helping at the Shelter. To request a volunteer application, please click on the E-mail link below or call 541.774.6646. Once we have your name and address, we will send you an application packet via U.S. mail. You complete the forms, mail them back to us, and then we will contact you to discuss training and orientation procedures.

E-mail FOTAS

Can children and teenagers volunteer at the Shelter?

Some, but not all, of our volunteer opportunities are suitable for families with children or teenagers. Some opportunities are home-based, like fostering; some are shelter-based, like cat socialization; and some are school-based, like class fund raisers. 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

I want to adopt a pet. How do I find a pet 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.

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. From pure bred to pure mutt, we have the perfect pet for you.

View the pet adoption webpage

I lost/found a pet. What should I do?

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.

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 if you have a lost/found pet. Also, many people post flyers in the vicinity they lost/found a pet.

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.

Are you the local Humane Society?

No. The Southern Oregon Humane Society (SOHS) is a distinct animal-welfare organization with its own volunteer program and staff.

There are three major animal shelters located in Jackson County. Our non-profit, Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS), helps the animals at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. The Jackson County Animal Shelter is located just north of Talent, Oregon on Highway 99. Our shelter is the only "open-door" shelter in the County, accepting both surrendered pets and strays.

The Southern Oregon Humane Society is a private non-profit corporation located in Medford, Oregon. It accepts surrendered pets (no strays) for re-homing.

Committed Alliance to Strays (CATS) is a shelter for stray cats (no pets) located in Medford, Oregon. It also has a volunteer program and staff members.

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

Are you a "no-kill" shelter?

The Jackson County Animal Shelter has been able to save many adoptable dogs and cats that it serves, but not all. Because the Shelter has an open-door policy to admit all relinquished and stray pets, on occasion the kennels fill to capacity; there are more animals than kennel space will allow in the adoption areas. When this happens, some pets may have to be euthananized.

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic decrease in the euthanasia of adoptable pets in within Jackson County. "Adoptable" means healthy animals that have been evaluated and demonstrated safe behavior.

Spay/neuter programs, adoption programs, and improved pet guardianship have been instrumental in helping to alleviate the need to euthanatize adoptable animals. The Shelter is dedicated to ending the euthanasia of adoptable pets in Jackson County and they come closer to reaching that goal with every volunteer who shares their time, talent, or money. If you would like to help, please E-mail FOTAS, or call 541.774.6646.

Can I do my senior project at your shelter?

We take senior projects seriously and require students to help in an extraordinary way. In general, if you want a challenging project that will make a difference and save homeless pets' lives, we may be a good match. If you are looking for a quick, easy way to accumulate hours, we are most likely not the place to do your senior project.

All students must complete a registration form and attend a training session with our volunteer coordinator before starting their projects at the Shelter. To request an application, please click on the E-mail link below or call 541.774.6646. Once we have your name and address, we will send you an application packet via U.S. mail. You complete the forms, mail them back to us, and we will then contact you to discuss training and orientation procedures.

E-mail FOTAS

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

Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS)

How do I donate to Friends of the Animal Shelter?: Thank you for helping save homeless pets in Jackson County. Please visit our donations webpage for more information.
I want to make FOTAS a special kind of donation. Whom should I contact?: Thank you for your interest in making a special gift to help homeless pets in Jackson County. 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.
Who are the FOTAS Board of Directors?: Please visit our Board of Directors webpage for more information.
How can I get a copy of your free FOTAS newsletter?: Our newsletter, The Scoop, is published three times a year. To begin receiving it, you can E-mail FOTAS your mailing address or call 541.774.6646.; 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.
What is the Puss 'n Boots Ball?: Every October since 1991, animal lovers from all over the Rogue Valley have attended the Halloween party we call Puss 'n Boots. All proceeds benefit FOTAS and programs at the Jackson County Animal Shelter.; At Puss 'n Boots, people enjoy a gourmet buffet and desserts, a cash bar, music and dancing, costume contests, and the chance to bid on over 200 items (artwork, jewelry, home decor, fine restaurant gift certificates, bath and body, professional services, and much more) at the best silent auction in our area.; For more information about Puss 'n Boots, please call us at 541.774.6646, or E-mail FOTAS us.

General Information

Where can I find spay/neuter assistance?: FOTAS is fortunate to work hand-in-hand with Spay Neuter Your Pet (SNYP), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and their pets with spay/neuter services.; View the SNYP 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 receive low-cost nail trimming for them.; 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 links webpage for more information on other local animal-welfare organizations that may be able to assist you.