Friends of Strays Animal Shelter & Humane Society 2026 Guide
Use this guide before visiting Friends of Strays Animal Shelter in St. Petersburg, Florida. It explains adoption hours, the separate cat and dog adoption locations, adoption fees, first-come in-person adoption rules, foster-pet meetups, owner surrender limits, found stray routing, lost pet steps, pet food support, MEOW Now community cat help, volunteer options, map directions and official links.
Friends of Strays is a nonprofit no-kill animal shelter, not the county animal-control intake facility. If you found a stray in Pinellas County, need an animal-control response, or found an injured animal, use the stray and animal-control section below before driving to Friends of Strays.
Friends of Strays Animal Shelter Quick Details
These details answer common searches like Friends of Strays hours, Friends of Strays cats, Friends of Strays dogs, Friends of Strays adoption fees, St. Petersburg no-kill shelter, Friends of Strays surrender, found stray Pinellas County and Friends of Strays pet food pantry.
Cat adoptions
The Cat Box, 3015 46th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714.
This is where adoptable cats and kittens are located.
Dog adoptions
2911 47th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714.
This location also handles foster, intake, donation drop-off, MEOW Now and other programs.
Main phone
727-522-6566.
Adoption questions can also use the Adoption Center extension listed on official pages.
Adoptions
Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM–7 PM on the current official site.
Monday and Tuesday adoptions are listed as closed.
Friends of Strays Locations: Cats vs Dogs
Friends of Strays now separates cat adoptions from dog adoptions. This matters because arriving at the wrong building can waste time, especially if you are visiting for one specific pet.
| Need | Correct Location | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt a cat or kitten | The Cat Box, 3015 46th Ave. N. | Bring an approved carrier or plan to buy one during adoption. |
| Adopt a dog or puppy | 2911 47th Ave. N. | If you already have a dog, bring your resident dog for a meet-and-greet. |
| Meet a foster pet | Follow staff instructions after inquiry | Foster pets may not be physically at the shelter, so use the adoption inquiry route. |
| Donation drop-off | 2911 47th Ave. N. | Check current donation needs before dropping off specialty items. |
| Found stray animal | Pinellas County Animal Services route | Friends of Strays can scan a microchip but says it cannot keep strays at its shelter. |
Friends of Strays Adoption Hours 2026
The current official site shows Friends of Strays adoption hours as Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM. Special closures and early closing notices can appear on the homepage, so check before driving.
| Day | Current Official Adoption Hours | Visitor Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Adoptions closed | Use Monday to review pets, prepare questions and confirm next open day. |
| Tuesday | Adoptions closed | Good day to plan, not to walk in for adoption. |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–7 PM | Strong weekday option if you want more time with staff. |
| Thursday | 10 AM–7 PM | Check listings before visiting for a specific cat or dog. |
| Friday | 10 AM–7 PM | Arrive well before closing for paperwork and counseling. |
| Saturday | 10 AM–7 PM | Likely busier. Bring all household decision-makers if possible. |
| Sunday | 10 AM–7 PM | Good weekend option, but verify holiday or special-event closures. |
How Adoption Works at Friends of Strays
Friends of Strays says pets are available on a first-come basis, all adoptions are completed in person, and adopters should keep an open mind because many visitors find that a different animal is the better match.
Check cats and dogs online first
Look at adoptable animals before visiting. Write down the pet’s name, species, age, location, foster status, medical notes and any behavior notes.
Go to the correct location
Go to The Cat Box for cats and kittens. Go to 2911 47th Ave. N. for dogs and puppies. Foster pets may require an inquiry before a meet-and-greet.
Bring all household decision-makers
Friends of Strays encourages the whole household to be in agreement and to visit together when possible. This helps avoid last-minute adoption conflict.
Bring your resident dog for dog adoptions
If you want to adopt a dog and already have a dog at home, Friends of Strays says to bring your resident dog for a meet-and-greet.
Talk with an adoption counselor
Ask about energy, fear, training, children, other pets, medical notes, litter habits, leash behavior and what the first two weeks should look like.
Finish payment and safe transport
Friends of Strays accepts credit card or cash for adoption. Dogs must leave with an approved leash and collar; cats must leave in an approved carrier.
Friends of Strays Adoption Fees
Friends of Strays lists adoption fees by species and age. Fees can change during adoption specials, so verify the current fee before checkout.
| Pet Type | Listed Fee | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten under 1 year | $90 for one; $120 for a pair | A pair may be a better fit for social kittens, but ask staff about each kitten’s needs. |
| Cat 1 year and older | $60 for one; $80 for a pair | Ask about confidence, litter habits, other cats, dogs and indoor-only expectations. |
| Puppy under 1 year | $300 | Budget for training, chewing, potty work, booster shots and long-term time commitment. |
| Adult dog 1 year and older | $150 | Ask about energy level, leash skills, dog meet, kids, cats and first-week decompression. |
Friends of Strays Adoption Requirements and Rules
These rules matter because a visitor can lose time if they arrive without ID, safe transport supplies or a realistic home plan.
Age and ID
You must be at least 18 years old and have a government-issued photo ID to adopt.
Cat placement rules
Friends of Strays says it will not adopt cats to homes intending to declaw or allow indoor/outdoor life.
Dog placement rules
Friends of Strays says it will not adopt dogs to homes intending ear cropping, tail docking, debarking or outdoor-only life.
Found a Stray in Pinellas County? Do This First
Friends of Strays is not the county stray-hold facility. Its found-stray page says strays found in Pinellas County should be directed to Pinellas County Animal Services, also known as PCAS.
Check for a microchip
Take the pet to a veterinarian, shelter or scanner location. Most places do not charge for a microchip scan.
Post the found pet
Post clear photos and location details on Lost & Found Pets of Pinellas, Nextdoor and Petco Love Lost.
Use Pinellas County Animal Services for strays
If there is no microchip or you cannot safely keep the pet, Friends of Strays says to take the pet to PCAS because all Pinellas County strays should be directed there.
Know the stray hold basics
Friends of Strays says PCAS holds strays with ID for 7 days and animals without identification for 4 days before the next placement decision.
Lost Pet Near St. Petersburg? Search Plan
Lost-pet searches need speed and repetition. Do not check one database once and stop. Pets may be held at PCAS, posted by neighbors, scanned by a vet, or brought to a shelter later.
First 24 hours
- Check Friends of Strays adoptable/animal listings.
- Check Pinellas County Animal Services found pets and stray-hold pages daily.
- Report the pet missing through Petco Love Lost.
- Call the microchip company and mark the pet missing.
- Post clear photos on Pinellas lost/found Facebook groups and Nextdoor.
- Put flyers near the last-seen area, vet offices and local pet stores.
What to include in posts
- Pet name, species, color, sex and size.
- Last-seen street, cross street, city and date.
- Collar, tag, microchip, scars or unique markings.
- Two or three clear photos.
- Safe contact method.
- A warning not to chase if the pet is scared.
Owner Surrender and Intake at Friends of Strays
Friends of Strays describes owner surrender as appointment-only, case-by-case and limited by capacity. Its intake page also says owner surrender requests may be closed at times, so never bring a pet without being told to do so.
Before surrendering
- Check whether surrender requests are currently open.
- Submit the intake request form if available.
- Wait for staff to contact you about whether they can accommodate the pet.
- Prepare pet history, vaccine records, medical notes and behavior details.
- Bring valid photo ID and proof that you reside in Pinellas County if an appointment is offered.
Important limits
- Dog surrenders over 50 pounds may not be accepted due to kennel capacity.
- Medical or behavior needs may affect placement in the adoption program.
- Dogs must be securely leashed at an appointment.
- Cats must be in carriers.
- Friends of Strays may provide other resources if it cannot take the pet.
Friends of Strays Pet Food Pantry
Friends of Strays has provided free cat and dog food support for under-resourced households since 2015. The program now redirects community members to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic location while Friends of Strays continues to collect and distribute donations through partners.
Food help intent
If your search is “Friends of Strays pet food pantry,” the practical next step is to check the pantry page and partner pickup instructions before going to the shelter.
Donate food
Friends of Strays still collects donations at the shelter and works with local partners for distribution.
Before surrendering
If the issue is food cost, ask about pantry support before assuming surrender is the only option.
MEOW Now Community Cat Program and TNVR
Friends of Strays runs MEOW Now, a community cat program focused on Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, also called TNVR. This is not a pet cat surrender route; it is for outdoor community cats and caregivers.
| Need | MEOW Now Guidance | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Self-trapping | Best for 1–2 community cats. | Use approved humane traps and check capacity notices before going. |
| Trap rental | Refundable deposit may apply. | Ask about trap availability and deposit rules before arrival. |
| Capacity | Intake can close when capacity is reached. | Sign up for text notifications and call if unsure. |
| Found kittens | Kittens may not be abandoned; mom may be nearby. | Observe from a distance before moving healthy kittens. |
Volunteer, Foster and Support Friends of Strays
Friends of Strays relies on volunteers, fosters and donors. Foster homes create space for more animals, and volunteers help with animal care, adoption support, events, transport, donation pickup and community cat work.
Volunteer
Volunteer qualifications include being 18+, committing to a minimum monthly schedule, completing training and following safety protocols.
Foster
Fosters help animals who need time outside the shelter, including special-needs animals, pregnant cats, nursing moms and bottle kittens.
Donate
Food, supplies and financial support help Friends of Strays provide medical care, enrichment, sheltering and adoption services.
Official Friends of Strays Video
The official Friends of Strays About page links to a YouTube video of co-founder Jean Bomonti sharing the organization’s story. Use it for background and mission context before deciding how to adopt, volunteer, foster or donate.
What to Bring Before Visiting Friends of Strays
A prepared visitor has a better adoption experience. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting a cat, adopting a dog, meeting a foster pet, donating food or asking about surrender.
Government photo ID
Required for adoption. You must be at least 18 years old.
Housing approval
If renting, confirm pet rules, deposits, breed/size restrictions and maximum pet count before visiting.
Cash or credit card
Friends of Strays says it accepts cash or credit card for adoption payment.
Leash and collar
Dogs must leave with an approved leash and collar, either brought by you or purchased there.
Cat carrier
Cats must leave in an approved carrier. Do not plan to hold a cat loose in the car.
Question list
Ask about medical history, first-week setup, current pets, children, behavior and follow-up vet care.
After Adoption: First 14 Days at Home
Friends of Strays recommends a veterinary wellness check within two weeks after adoption because many animals arrive with unknown histories. A calm first two weeks can prevent stress and behavior problems.
First 24 hours
- Keep the pet in a quiet starter room or controlled space.
- Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
- Use a leash, carrier, crate, gate or closed room to prevent escape.
- Expect hiding, pacing, barking, whining or reduced appetite.
- Keep medical history and microchip information in one place.
Days 2–14
- Schedule a veterinary wellness check.
- Set a predictable feeding, potty, walk, litter and rest routine.
- Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
- Continue preventives or medication as directed.
- Ask for training or veterinary help early if concerns appear.
Friends of Strays Map and Directions
Use the map below for the main dog adoption, foster, intake, MEOW Now and donation drop-off location at 2911 47th Ave. N. Cat adopters should use The Cat Box address at 3015 46th Ave. N.
Official Friends of Strays and Pinellas Animal Services Links
Use these official links after reading the process above. They are separated by intent so users do not confuse adoption, foster pets, surrender, stray animals and county animal services.
Friends of Strays Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Friends of Strays Animal Shelter located?
Adoptable cats are at The Cat Box, 3015 46th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714. Adoptable dogs and many programs are at 2911 47th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714.
What is the phone number for Friends of Strays?
The main phone number is 727-522-6566.
What are Friends of Strays adoption hours?
The current official site lists adoption hours as Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM, with Monday and Tuesday adoptions closed. Check current notices before visiting.
Are Friends of Strays adoptions first-come?
Yes. Friends of Strays says pets are available on a first-come basis and all adoptions are completed in person.
How much are cat adoption fees at Friends of Strays?
Listed cat fees are $90 for one kitten under 1 year, $120 for a pair of kittens, $60 for one adult cat, and $80 for a pair of adult cats.
How much are dog adoption fees at Friends of Strays?
Listed dog fees are $300 for puppies under 1 year and $150 for adult dogs 1 year and older. Confirm current fees before adoption.
What is included with a Friends of Strays adoption?
Friends of Strays says adoption fees include a wellness exam, vaccines, spay/neuter surgery and a microchip. Pets also go home with recent medical history, microchip information and a sample bag of food.
Do I need an ID to adopt from Friends of Strays?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old and have a government-issued photo ID.
Can I adopt a cat that will be indoor/outdoor?
Friends of Strays says it will not adopt cats to families who intend to declaw or allow cats to be indoor/outdoor.
Can I bring my current dog to meet a dog?
Yes. Friends of Strays says if you want to adopt a dog and already have a dog at home, bring the resident dog for a meet-and-greet.
Does Friends of Strays take stray animals?
Friends of Strays says it can scan a stray for a microchip, but it cannot keep the stray at its shelter. Strays found in Pinellas County should be directed to Pinellas County Animal Services.
What should I do if I found kittens?
If kittens look healthy, observe from a distance for one to two hours because the mother may be nearby or moving the litter. Kittens have the best chance of survival with their mother when possible.
Can I surrender a pet to Friends of Strays?
Possibly, but only if surrender requests are open, the pet fits intake capacity, and an appointment is arranged. Surrenders are case-by-case for Pinellas County residents.
Does Friends of Strays have a pet food pantry?
Friends of Strays has a pet food pantry program and now redirects community members to partner food resources while continuing to collect and distribute donations.
Final Take: Use Friends of Strays the Right Way
Friends of Strays Animal Shelter is a major St. Petersburg nonprofit no-kill shelter for cat and dog adoption, foster support, community cat TNVR, pet food support, volunteering and animal welfare education.
The best visitor plan is simple: check whether your pet of interest is a cat, dog or foster pet; go to the correct location; bring ID, payment and safe transport; bring your resident dog if adopting a dog; and use Pinellas County Animal Services for found strays or county animal-control needs.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Friends of Strays, Pinellas County Animal Services, Petco Love Lost, any veterinary clinic, any rescue, any microchip registry or any official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, donating, volunteering or reporting an animal concern.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.