Our Programs

Friends of Upland Animal Shelter is a local non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit and charitable organization (Tax ID#46-2546783) dedicated to saving shelter pets at Upland Animal Shelter and in the Inland Empire region. We operate the Upland Animal Shelter on behalf of the City of Upland and are responsible for sheltering lost and abandoned animals and finding homes for every animal that is available for adoption.

Friends typically cares for approximately 2,500 animals who arrive at the shelter each year.  When we have space, we also transfer in at-risk animals from regional shelters. Over 90% of all animals are adopted, transferred to other rescues, or returned to their owners. Only extremely sick or injured animals who cannot be successfully treated, or extremely aggressive animals who cannot be rehabilitated, are considered for euthanasia. At over 90%, Upland is considered a “no kill” community. To achieve this, Friends operates four main programs:

• Foster Care (A Better Start): This program engages the community in caring for orphaned kittens and puppies that are too young and small to be adopted or stay in the shelter. Spending a week or two (or longer) in a home where they can grow, be cared for, socialized, and loved not only saves their lives but helps make them more adoptable.
• Extended Care & Animal Advocacy (A Better Life): Our Extended Care program ensures that every shelter animal has the time and attention needed to find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes. In addition, our Animal Advocacy Program provides specialized training and care, when needed, and pairs long-time residents with “advocates” who work on achieving positive outcomes for them.
• Transfer Care (A Better Chance):  When space is available, this program relocates adoptable, at-risk animals from other shelters to give them every chance of thriving and finding their forever homes. Through our own efforts and a partnership with ASPCA, Friends seeks out at-risk animals for transfer to Upland Animal Shelter. We also work within a network of shelters to assist during disasters to make sure every abandoned animal has a safe place to go.
• FURst Aid: This program provides veterinary care for every animal during their stay with us. We routinely provide vaccinations and medications to combat common ailments such as kennel cough and skin conditions. Some of our more unfortunate animals also need more advanced treatments or corrective and life-saving surgeries. Veterinary care is not only essential for the comfort and well-being of our animals, it ensures that they are adoptable and can find their forever homes sooner.
• Trap, Spay/Neuter, Return (TNR):  This program helps reduce pet overpopulation by sponsoring the spaying and neutering of un-owned, free-roaming community cats in Upland free-of-charge to the community.

Friends provides these vital programs FREE of charge to the City while also maintaining low-cost adoption fees for the community. To do this, Friends relies on monetary donations and donations of supplies to offset our costs. Donations support all aspects of running the shelter, including routine, advanced, and emergency veterinary care, food, medicine, supplies, staffing and shelter administration. We also operate 2nd Chance Thrift Shop at 972 W. 9th Street and FURniture & More at 964 W. 9th Street in Upland to help offset the cost of operating the shelter and gladly accept donations. We invite you to get involved. Together we can save them all!