Founded in 1998, Animal Friends Rescue Project (AFRP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Pacific Grove, California. We are dedicated to finding good permanent homes for abandoned, stray, and abused companion animals and ending the animal overpopulation crisis through focused spay/neuter programs.

AFRP's main adoption center and offices are located at 161 Fountain Ave, Pacific Grove, CA. Our Adoption Center is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. View adoptable dogs and cats online.

AFRP does not euthanize any animal just because they have been with us too long or have a treatable medical condition. We have a lifetime commitment to all animals in our care, and only euthanize severe, untreatable medical cases to relieve the suffering of the animal. By assisting the public shelters in our area, we ensure that many at-risk dogs and cats get a second chance. 

AFRP is a non-profit organization and receives no federal or state funds. AFRP’s work is funded by private donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses. Complete financial information is available.

Donations of any amount make a life-saving difference for animals and people. It's easy to make a secure online donation. To donate by mail, please send checks to AFRP, P.O. Box 51083, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.

There are many other ways donate to AFRP, including stock, vehicle donations, planned giving, workplace giving, and more.

AFRP’s mission would not be possible without the time and talents of more than 300 volunteers involved in everything from animal care to events to customer service to outreach! Visit the Volunteer section to learn about opportunities and to fill out a volunteer application.

AFRP  helps find homes for cats and dogs of all sizes and breeds. We are not able to help with wildlife, bird or sea animal rescue. Call your local animal control officer or contact the SPCA for Monterey County for assistance with sick or injured wildlife. 

AFRP rescues dogs and cats from public animal shelters in the Monterey Bay area of California where they would otherwise be euthanized. These are animals that are sick or injured; animals that are considered too old or too young to be adoptable; shy or traumatized animals that need some extra time to gain confidence; and dogs and cats that are at risk of being euthanized because the shelters are full.

AFRP rescues dogs and cats that are at risk of euthanasia in our public shelters, and rarely has space to accept animals from the public. If you or someone you know feels they are unable to continue caring for their animal, please read the Finding Homes for Pets page to learn about AFRP's courtesy listings and other information about rehoming an animal.

If you adopted your animal from AFRP, we are here to support you through the difficult decision to return your dog or cat. Please call AFRP at 831-333-0722 to make arrangements for the return, or fill out our AFRP animal return form.

Animal Friends Rescue Project's main adoption center is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Adoptable cats can be viewed online or at our satellite cat adoption locations at Pet Food Express in Carmel and Petco in Monterey. To arrange a meet and greet, fill out our online cat application. Dogs are housed in foster homes and meetings can be arranged by appointment. If you are interested in meeting a particular dog, we recommend filling out our dog adoption application.

Please visit an AFRP Adoption Location to find your lifelong friend!

AFRP also hosts regular offsite adoption days with adoptable dogs and cats. Check our Calendar for a complete list of dates, times and locations.

AFRP’s adoption process is designed to create forever families! A team of adoption specialists will work with you to find the best possible match through conversation and discovery. The animal’s primary guardian must be 21 or older, complete the adoption in person, and present valid state-issued photo identification.  A home safety check is required for dog adoptions. We encourage all members of the family to be involved in the adoption process.

Read more about AFRP's adoption process.

Adoption fees for cats and kittens range from $0 - $150, and  dogs and puppies are $150 - $300. Discounts are available through special promotions throughout the year.

Credit or debit card, cash or checks are accepted.

All animals adopted from AFRP receive a health exam, are spayed or neutered, given age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipped, de-wormed, and given flea preventative.

The adoption fee covers only a small portion of medical expenses and the cost of caring for an animal throughout their stay at AFRP. Many animals have also received dental care or major or minor surgery while in our care.

AFRP believes in the importance of dog behavior classes, but we do not offer them at this time. We encourage dog adopters to check into dog behavior classes offered in their area.

Animals admitted to AFRP's program are given veterinary care at AFRP's clinic. We also network with local veterinary specialists when a dog or cat requires specialized medical procedures. AFRP does not provide general veterinary services to the public, but does provide low-cost spay/neuter vouchers to low-income pet guardians and low-cost spay and neuter services through our mobile spay/neuter clinic.