Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: United Animal Friends is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization. Our mission is to provide rescue programs and services to animals and those who care for them. Our primary goals are:- Saving the lives of adoptable dogs and cats- Finding the best home for each animal in our care- Reducing pet overpopulation through our spay/neuter programs- Feeding hungry animals through our Community Pet Food Bank- Relieving suffering and facilitating the compassionate treatment of animals

Results: Since its inception in 2003, UAF has found loving homes for almost 6,000 animals; covered part or all of the cost of spay/neuter for over 19,000 cats and dogs; distributed tons of pet food to clients who otherwise couldn't afford to feed their animals; paid for emergency vet services for almost 900 pets of low-income households; and rehomed hundreds of companion animals.

Target demographics: Animals and those who care for them

Direct beneficiaries per year: Last year, UAF rescued 463 dogs and cats, spayed/neutered 1,578 animals, provided 39,596 pounds of pet food to the low-income community, and provided financial assistance for emergency medical care of 289 pets of low-income people.

Geographic areas served: Yavapai County, Arizona

Programs: Rescue/Foster/Adopt Program: United Animal Friends rescues a large number of its animals from euthanasia at high-kill shelters. We make sure each animal is vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and given any other necessary medical treatment. UAF does not have a shelter facility. Most of the animals in our care live in volunteer foster homes until they are adopted. Fostering allows us to train and get to know each animal, which helps us find the perfect match for their unique personality. In situations where an adoptable dog is at risk of being euthanized in an overcrowded shelter when no foster home is available, we may place them in temporary boarding until a foster home becomes available. United Animal Friends finds forever homes for approximately 400 cats and dogs each year. Spay/Neuter Certificate Program: UAF helps low-income individuals have their companion animals altered at a very low cost. Participating veterinary clinics reduce their fees and UAF pays a portion so that the pet guardian is responsible for only a small share of the cost. Community Cat Program: UAF provides no-cost spay/neuter certificates so that colony caretakers can trap feral cats and take them to local vets for alteration and ear-tipping. Community Pet Food Bank: UAF provides thousands of pounds of pet food each month to low-income individuals. In addition to feeding hungry pets, one of the primary goals of the food bank is to make sure pets are spayed or neutered, and that is one of the requirements for being eligible for food. Emergency Medical Program: UAF helps low-income individuals who need emergency medical care for their companion animal but cannot afford the cost. The pet must be spayed or neutered to qualify for assistance. Courtesy Listing Program. UAF helps individuals find new homes for their companion animals in the event they can no longer care for them.