Friends For Life Animal Rescue
Our Mission
Friends for Life Animal Rescue is dedicated to making a significant impact on animal overpopulation through a focused approach of rescue, spay and neuter services, adoptions, and public education. We believe every animal deserves a second chance at a happy life in a loving, permanent home.
Our Story
Since our founding in 1993 as Citizens for Tempe Strays, we have grown into a dedicated organization committed to the welfare of homeless animals in Gilbert and the surrounding area. We have proudly re-homed thousands of animals, evolving from a small volunteer group into a professional 501c3 non-profit operating out of our dedicated facility.
How We Help
As a privately supported, limited-intake, no-kill rescue, our work is powered entirely by the compassion and labor of our volunteers. We provide comprehensive medical care, including vaccinations and spay/neuter services, to every animal in our care. Because we do not rely on government funding, our lifesaving efforts are made possible entirely through community donations and the support of our foster network.
The Right Match
We are deeply committed to ensuring that every adoption is a success, which is why we prioritize finding the right animal for the right family. Our experienced adoption counselors work closely with you to understand your lifestyle and home environment, helping to create a long-lasting, joyful partnership. We view adoption as a lifelong commitment, and we are always here to support our alumni and their families.
Join Our Mission
Whether you are ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life or want to support our efforts through volunteering or donations, we invite you to be part of our community. Please visit our website to view our currently adoptable dogs and cats, or reach out to learn more about our upcoming events and how you can get involved.
Trust Assessment
SilverRated Sep 17, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 30+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Staff dedication
- Facility cleanliness
- Operational friction
Coverage We Reviewed
The Arizona Republic
7/3 - Artie and more pets are up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
A handful of pets are up for adoption at Valley shelters. To check the status of a specific animal, please contact the shelter directly.
Recent Videos
10/13 - It's Take Me Home Tuesday and Pugum is ready to GO! Meet Pugum: The Pint‑Sized Prince of Playtime Pugum is a 1½‑year‑old, 21‑pound pug who recently returned to us through no fault of his own. He has taken this plot twist in stride and is now ready to find a forever family who appreciates his unique blend of silliness, sweetness, and occasional dramatic flair. According to his previous family, Pugum is very playful and believes toys are life. Squeaky toys? Excellent. Tug toys? Even better. A random sock he found on the floor? Treasure. He rides nicely in the car once he’s had a moment to gather himself and accept that the vehicle is not, in fact, a monster. Baths, however… absolutely not. Pugum is convinced that water is for drinking, not for being personally betrayed by. He will tolerate a bath, but he will make sure you know he is filing a formal complaint. He’s well‑behaved when left alone, crate trained, and has mastered the art of being both a busy boy and a champion napper. One minute he’s zooming around like he’s late for a very important meeting, and the next he’s snoring adorably with a toy still in his mouth. Pugum can’t wait to meet his forever family — preferably one that loves playtime, appreciates pug antics, and won’t try to give him a bath unless absolutely necessary. If you’re looking for a goofy, loving, toy‑obsessed sidekick, Pugum is ready to move in and make your home his kingdom. To get started on the adoption process, visit https://azfriends.org/testing/adopt.html to complete an adoption consultation form, and then stop by the Adoption Center, located at 952 W. Melody Ave in Gilbert, to meet with one of our adoption counselors. Or you can just come and see us and fill out a consultation form upon arrival!
Watch on Instagram
10/13 - Meet Forrest! 🧡🐾 We haven't seen Lt. Dan, but we'd sure love to introduce you to Forrest! And just like his famous namesake, this boy likes to RUN! 🏃 Forrest is a handsome, 3-year-old, 12-pound orange tabby with a big personality, boundless curiosity, and enough playful energy to keep you entertained for hours! This outgoing, sociable fellow believes every visitor deserves a proper greeting, so don't be surprised when he comes running to welcome you the moment you enter the room! He'll happily stop for a little attention, but don't take it personally when he dashes off a few minutes later. Forrest has a very busy schedule, and there's important cat business to attend to! Whether he's chasing the elusive red dot of a laser toy, batting around catnip toys, or pouncing on a wand toy, Forrest knows how to make his own fun. He's also a curious explorer who considers it his personal responsibility to investigate every nook, cranny, and corner of his surroundings. No square inch shall go uninspected! Currently residing in one of our community cat rooms at the Adoption Center, Forrest gets along well with his feline roommates and has an easygoing attitude toward other cats. When he's ready for a little downtime, you'll likely find him enjoying some birdwatching from the window or enthusiastically accepting one of his favorite indulgences—delicious squeezy treats! Forrest would love a forever home where his playful spirit, curious nature, and friendly personality will be appreciated. If you're looking for a fun-loving feline companion who will keep you smiling, this orange boy might be just what you've been searching for! Life is like a box of chocolates...but with Forrest, you can be pretty sure you're getting something sweet! 🧡🐱
Watch on Instagram
10/9 - YOU DID IT! You made it to Friday, and this week our Foster Friday love bug is Raffy! Raffy is a 1-year-old, 15-pound Terrier blend with a heart full of love and one very important qualification—he's an A+ cuddler! This sweet young boy recently joined Friends for Life and is on the lookout for a forever lap to call his own. Raffy can be a little anxious when faced with new experiences, so he'll appreciate a patient family that will help him build confidence at his own pace. The good news is that he already has a wonderful foundation—he checks in frequently with his handler, comes when called, and enjoys staying close to his people. Those qualities will make training and bonding even more rewarding. He's still learning that car rides and walks on a leash can be fun, so he'll benefit from positive, gentle introductions to both. With encouragement and consistency, Raffy is sure to grow more comfortable as he explores the world alongside his new family. One of Raffy's adorable quirks is that he likes to hide his treats for later, just in case he needs a snack another day! It's just one more charming trait that makes him such a lovable little character. If you're looking for a loyal companion who wants nothing more than to snuggle close, earn your trust, and become your shadow, Raffy may be the perfect addition to your family. To get started in the process of meeting Raffy, please visit https://azfriends.org/testing/adopt.html to complete an adoption consultation form, and then come by the Adoption Center to meet with one of our adoption counselors.
Watch on Instagram
10/7 - 🐾🎃 THIS is BARKtoberfest! 🎃🐾 The dogs. The people. The activities. The laughter. The excitement. And an entire morning devoted to celebrating dogs while supporting the dogs and cats of Friends for Life! ❤️ If you’ve been wondering what all the BARKtoberfest excitement is about, take a look—and then make plans to experience it for yourself! The 28th Annual BARKtoberfest is happening Saturday, October 31st from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Gilbert Civic Center, and admission is FREE! Bring your dog, or come adopt a dog, and spend the morning enjoying the lure and agility courses, splash pads, DogVinci, nearly 100 vendor booths, food trucks, raffle prizes, contests, the Gilbert PD K-9 demonstration, Sparkle Grooming Scavenger Hunt, and SO much more. And none of this would be possible without the businesses and organizations that support Friends for Life. We are especially grateful to @sparklegroomingco , our BARKtoberfest Presenting Sponsor, for once again helping us bring this incredible day to our community! 🐾❤️ 📅 Saturday, October 31st ⏰ 8 a.m.–1 p.m. 📍 Gilbert Civic Center | 50 E. Civic Center Drive 🎟️ FREE admission Your dog has waited all year for this. Don’t make them wait another one. 😉 We’ll see you at BARKtoberfest! 🐶🎃🐾
Watch on Instagram
10/6 - Same litter. Same age. Two very different personalities. ❤️🐾 Meet Nemi and Percy, 21-week-old littermates who are each looking for a forever family! They arrived in this world together, but they do not need to be adopted together—although we certainly wouldn’t object if someone fell in love with both. 😉 🐱 Nemi — 4.5 lbs. of cuddle bug! Nemi is the social butterfly of the pair. She loves humans, gets along beautifully with her foster cat friends, and is always happy to soak up some affection. When she isn’t lounging in a sunny window, she’s ready to spring into action and chase her favorite toys. Playful, affectionate and outgoing, Nemi is ready to bring a whole lot of fun—and cuddles—to her forever home. 🐱 Percy — 6 lbs. of sweetness waiting to blossom. Percy takes a little more time to show you who he is. New surroundings can be scary for this gentle boy, and he’ll need a patient family willing to give him several days to settle in at his own pace. Once he begins feeling safe, his sweet personality starts peeking through a little more each day. He’ll quietly watch the toys from a safe spot, can be won over with tasty treats, and even enjoys short, gentle hugs. ❤️ Percy doesn’t need someone to rush him—he needs someone willing to earn his trust and experience the joy of watching him blossom. Two siblings. Two personalities. Two wonderful little lives waiting for their next chapter. Which one would steal your heart—Nemi, Percy...or both? 🐾❤️
Watch on Instagram
10/6 - It's Take me home Tuesday, and Abby wants to share a few things about her adorable self! Meet Abby, the 7-year-old, 35-pound Dachshund/Beagle mix who operates at a perfect 11 out of 10 on the enthusiasm scale! She recently transferred to our facility, mostly because her non-stop tail wagging was creating an unauthorized breeze in her previous kennel.Abby’s life motto is simple: If it fits in the mouth, it is a snack. She is a professional food enthusiast, a world-class people-pleaser, and she recently passed her dog-to-dog greetings with flying, wagging colors. If you are looking for a friendly, low-riding social butterfly who will love you—and your leftovers—unconditionally, Abby is ready to waddle right into her forever home! To get started in the process of meeting this dog, please visit https://azfriends.org/testing/adopt.html to complete an adoption consultation form, and then come by the Adoption Center, located at 952 W. Melody Ave in Gilbert, to meet with one of our adoption counselors. You may also complete your adoption consultation form on site.
Watch on Instagram
10/2 - It's Foster Friday and excited to make his debut is adorable Boston! Meet Boston: The Puppy‑Powered Party Starter Boston showed up as a stray, but he has fully embraced his new identity as a 25‑pound (for now!) Shepherd mix with big dreams and even bigger zoomies. At roughly 9 months to a year old, he’s basically a walking energy drink with ears. He is currently living his best life in his foster home, where he spends his days playing with the other dogs like he’s hosting his own canine Olympics. Wrestling? Gold medal. Zooming? Gold medal. Being adorable? Lifetime achievement award. Boston has mastered the doggy door and is mostly potty trained — he just appreciates a friendly reminder now and then. He walks nicely on a leash, sleeps through the night in his crate, and wakes up ready to spread joy, chaos, and possibly steal a sock. He’s sweet, loving, playful, and convinced that every human he meets is his new best friend. Boston cannot wait to meet his forever family and show them just how much fun life can be with a goofy, energetic sidekick who thinks every day is a celebration. If you’re looking for a dog who brings enthusiasm, cuddles, and a little bit of mischief, Boston is ready to move in and make your home his favorite place on Earth. To get started on the adoption process, visit https://azfriends.org/testing/adopt.html to complete an adoption consultation form, and then stop by the Adoption Center, located at 952 W. Melody Ave in Gilbert, to meet with one of our adoption counselors. Or you can just come and see us and fill out a consultation form upon arrival!
Watch on Instagram
9/30 - 🐾 BARKTOBERFEST IS BACK, BABY! 🐾 Tomorrow is the first day of October, and somewhere in your house, your dog can feel it. The excitement is building. The anticipation is real. They’ve waited ALL YEAR for the return of every dog’s favorite day in the park… BARKtoberfest is almost here! 🎉🐶 And we’re thrilled to welcome @sparklegroomingco back as the Presenting Sponsor of the 28th Annual BARKtoberfest! ❤️🐾 📅 Saturday, October 31 ⏰ 8 a.m.–1 p.m. 📍 Gilbert Civic Center, 50 E. Civic Center Drive 🎟️ FREE admission! Get ready for the ultimate party in the park for dogs and the humans who love them! We’ll have all the BARKtoberfest favorites you’ve come to know and love, including dogs available for adoption, lure and agility courses, splash pads, dozens of raffle prize packages, food trucks, nearly 100 vendor booths, and plenty of opportunities for your dog to show off! 🏆 Best Trick Contest 🎃 Best Costume Contest 🎤 K-9 Idol Howling Contest 🎨 DogVinci art created by YOUR dog 🐾 And so much more! And because apparently we decided your dog wasn’t already having enough fun, we’re adding even MORE excitement this year! 🔎 The Sparkle Grooming Scavenger Hunt will send you exploring BARKtoberfest while visiting participating vendors throughout the park. 😇 Or perhaps your dog isn’t quite as innocent as that face would have you believe? Don’t miss the Pawsitively Guilty Confessional, sponsored by Dogs 24/7, featuring some hilariously naughty dogs and cats whose humans have decided it’s finally time to tell their stories! October is almost here. BARKtoberfest is one month away. Your dog has waited patiently. Well…sort of patiently. 😂 Saturday, October 31. Save the date, grab the leash and get ready to BARK! 🐶🐾
Watch on Instagram
9/29 - Meet Cranberry Sauce! This handsome 6-year-old, 9-pound boy with beautiful green eyes arrived as a stray and is now ready to trade life on his own for a forever home! Cranberry is a friendly, engaging guy who enjoys spending time with his humans and has just the right amount of playful energy. Break out the sparkle wand or catnip mouse and he’s ready for action—and when it comes to catching the elusive lizard on the video tablet, Cranberry is something of an expert! When he’s ready for a little quieter entertainment, you can find him enjoying one of his other favorite pastimes: bird watching from the window. After a busy day of playing, lizard hunting and keeping tabs on the neighborhood birds, he’s happy to settle in for some affection and a few well-earned snuggles. With his medium energy level, playful personality and sweet disposition, Cranberry is an all-around nice guy who’s ready to find a family to call his own. If you’re looking for a handsome green-eyed companion who can entertain you with his playful antics and then settle in for some quality time together, Cranberry would love to meet you!
Watch on Instagram
9/29 - It's "Take me home Tuesday," and Felicity is excited to introduce herself! Felicity is a gentle, sensitive girl who is still getting used to her new surroundings. She may be hesitant at times, but she quietly approaches volunteers and looks to her handler for reassurance and direction. She responds beautifully to a familiar voice, and when she's called, she'll lift her head and give a sweet little tail wag—as if to say, “I'm trying!” While toys and treats haven't interested her yet, Felicity has discovered something she does enjoy: being brushed and spending quiet time with her people. She's easy to handle and seems to appreciate gentle attention without asking for too much too quickly. She enjoys walks, and has excellent leash manners, but when she sees another dog she moves away and does not want to interact, so she'll be happiest as your only canine companion. Felicity is the kind of dog whose personality will blossom once she feels safe, secure, and loved. She's a bit scared at our adoption center but she is blossomin in her foster home, where we discovered that she is house trained. If you have a soft spot for the quieter souls and would enjoy watching a deserving girl gain confidence and learn that she's finally home, come meet Felicity. She may just be waiting for you. To get started in the process of meeting Felicity, please visit https://azfriends.org/testing/adopt.html to complete an adoption consultation form, and then come by the Adoption Center, located at 952 W. Melody Ave in Gilbert, to meet with one of our adoption counselors.
Watch on Instagram
9/26 - 🚨 PUG ALERT! PUG ALERT! 🚨 Not one. Not two. Not three. But FOUR PUGS will be available for adoption today! 🐾🐾🐾🐾 That’s four squishy faces, eight soulful eyes, sixteen little paws, and enough pug personality to completely derail whatever plans you thought you had for the weekend. 😂❤️ If you’ve been waiting for a sign that your life could use a little more snorting, snuggling and four-legged comedy...we’re pretty sure this is it. Come meet our fabulous foursome at the Friends for Life Adoption Center, 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert, and see if one of these adorable faces is meant to become part of your family. We have a feeling these four may attract a fan club, so come prepared to fall in love. ❤️🐶 Adoption Center hours Saturdays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Watch on Instagram
9/25 - 🐱 WARNING: Watching this video may result in an uncontrollable urge to adopt a kitten. 🐾❤️ We probably should have mentioned that before you hit play. Sorry. 😉 If your weekend plans could use a little more pouncing, purring, zooming, climbing, toy-chasing and general kitten chaos, we can help! We’ll have KITTENS available for adoption this Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Friends for Life Adoption Center: 📍 952 W. Melody Ave., Gilbert Come meet the tiny troublemakers in person, fall hopelessly in love and discover just how much entertainment can fit into one very small, very adorable package. And remember...kittens are like potato chips. We’re not saying you need two. We’re just saying you should probably meet all of them before making any important decisions. 😹 Come for the kitten shenanigans. Stay for the purrs. Leave with a new family member...or two! 🐱🐱❤️
Watch on Instagram
9/25 - Woo hoo it's Foster Friday and we're so excited to introduce you to darling Miles! Miles is an adorable 1½-year-old, 12-pound Chihuahua mix who recently joined Friends for Life and is looking for his forever home! Miles may not have been particularly impressed with his photo shoot, but he discovered one definite perk: the photography helpers make excellent snuggle buddies! This sweet little guy is still adjusting to the sights, sounds and activity of shelter life, but through it all, Miles has maintained a wonderfully happy demeanor. He’s calm, easy to handle and seems to find comfort and confidence when he has a friendly human nearby. Once Miles decides you’re one of his people, he’s perfectly content to be picked up and carried—and we suspect he wouldn’t object if his paws never had to touch the ground again! He’s currently working on his leash manners. Miles hasn’t quite mastered the concept of walking in a straight line yet and prefers a more creative, weaving-back-and-forth approach. With a little patience and practice, we think he’ll get the hang of it. Miles will play with toys briefly, but toys have some pretty stiff competition. Offer him a warm lap, gentle affection and the opportunity to snuggle close, and suddenly he knows exactly where he wants to be. We suspect even more of Miles’ wonderful little personality will emerge once he trades the shelter environment for the comfort and security of a home. If you’re looking for a pint-sized companion with a happy disposition who believes quality cuddle time beats playtime, come meet Miles. He’d be delighted to audition for the position of your new favorite snuggle buddy! To get started in the process of meeting Miles, please visit https://azfriends.org/testing/adopt.html to complete an adoption consultation form, and then come by the Adoption Center, located at 952 W. Melody Ave, to meet with one of our adoption counselors.
Watch on InstagramVisit Us At
Filters
