Friends Of Rescue Animals
About Friends Of Rescue Animals
Friends of Rescue Animals is the kind of all-volunteer group that gets in the middle of the messy, practical work, getting cats out of shelters and into foster homes, supporting Rowlett shelter dogs with walks and outings, and helping community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return. That matters if you care about animals who are already here and need something concrete right now. The group also backs up pet owners with rehoming help and useful resources, which means fewer animals are left without options when life changes.
What sets Friends of Rescue Animals apart is how wide its help reaches without losing the local, hands-on feel. It supports municipal shelters, runs foster-based cat rescue, and helps community cat caregivers, all through an all-volunteer model across multiple North Texas communities. It also gives pet owners practical tools, not just sympathy.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Foster-based cat rescue and adoption
Rescues cats and kittens from shelters and the community, fully vets them, socializes them in foster homes, and places them for adoption at PetSmart adoption centers in Rockwall, Rowlett, and Wylie.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
Supports community cat caregivers with trap loans, spay/neuter vouchers, vaccinations, training, mentoring, and a free Community Cat Fix Day.
Municipal shelter support
Supports partner shelters with volunteer help, marketing for adoptable pets, emergency veterinary care, heartworm treatment, transport of adoptable animals, and supplies.
Canine Cruisers
Gives Rowlett shelter dogs walks, runs, play dates, and short outings to reduce stress and improve socialization.
Rehoming support
Helps pet owners market animals for new homes through Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet and provides rehoming resources.
Pet owner education and resources
Shares information on lost and found pets, pet support services, dog-friendly housing, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchipping, and animal abuse reporting.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Our mission is to help homeless pets find loving homes faster by mobilizing volunteers, funding lifesaving programs, and advocating for improved outcomes for shelter animals.
Who they serve
Homeless cats and dogs in North Texas, especially shelter animals, community cats, and pet owners who need rehoming or support resources.
Their impact
- helped more than 3,200 cats find loving homes since the foster-based cat rescue program began
- adopted out 433 cats in fiscal year 2024
- the shelters FRAs supports have an average live release rate that exceeds the 90% benchmark to be considered no-kill
How your donation helps
- heartworm treatment for shelter dogs
- emergency medical care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation for shelter animals
- cat rescue care, including vaccinations, medical treatments, food, and bedding
- transport for shelter dogs to out-of-state rescue partners
- community cat TNR, including traps, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and return
- free pet microchipping events
- special-needs foster care, boarding, and training
Our story
Friends of Rescue Animals began in 2004 as Friends of the Rowlett Animal Shelter, started by four volunteers who wanted to support the Rowlett Animal Shelter. At first, the group sponsored one or two pets each month and helped lower adoption fees. After the December 2015 tornado, it expanded its work by distributing food, supplies, and comfort to displaced pets and families. In 2016, it launched a foster-based cat rescue program, later added Trap-Neuter-Return support, and grew into a multi-shelter organization serving several North Texas communities.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Friends Of Rescue Animals’s services.
Residents caring for outdoor cats in Rowlett or Garland can register as a Colony Manager to receive trap loans, spay/neuter vouchers, vaccinations, training, and mentoring. Pet owners who need to rehome an animal can use Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet, and those seeking help or resources can contact info@frastx.org.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
It's all about the animals
He is such a good boy! He’s a volunteer favorite and loved by everyone at the clinic ❤️
Events
Community Cat Fix Day
Once a month, typically the second ThursdayA free community cat spay/neuter event open to residents of Garland, Rowlett, Richardson, Sachse, and Wylie.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Friends Of Rescue Animals has shared.
Current needs
- Blankets
- Towels
- Sheets
- Dog shampoo and dog conditioner
- Cat shampoo
- Leashes, collars, and harnesses
- Dog treats and cat treats
- Dog food and cat food
- Dog beds and cat beds
- Cat trees and scratching posts
Volunteer opportunities
- Dog walking and enrichment
- Cat care and socialization
- Dog or cat adoption ambassador
- Laundry, dishes, and cleaning
- FRAs cat rescue administration
- PetSmart cat care crew member
- Community cat Trap-Neuter-Return support
- Foster a dog, puppy, cat, or kitten
- Social media, marketing, and photography
- Fundraising and donor relations
Recognition & press
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does the cat rescue program work?
Cats and kittens are placed in foster homes, fully vetted through partner veterinary clinics, and then adopted through PetSmart adoption centers in Rockwall, Rowlett, and Wylie.
What help is available for community cats?
FRAs supports Trap-Neuter-Return with trap loans, spay/neuter vouchers, vaccinations, training, mentoring, and a monthly Community Cat Fix Day.
What does the Canine Cruisers program do?
Volunteers take Rowlett shelter dogs for walks, runs, play dates, or short outings so they can get a break from the shelter and spend time socializing.
How can someone rehome a pet?
FRAs works with Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet so owners can list a pet for a new home while the pet stays with them during the process.
Similar nonprofits
Other animal protection & welfare nonprofits in TX.