What are the opening hours?

Monday 2pm - 8pm Tuesday 2pm - 8pm Wednesday 2pm - 8pm Thursday 2pm - 8pm Friday 2pm - 8pm Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 11am - 5pm

Furry Friends Refuge

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United States
West Des Moines, IA
Furry Friends Refuge

Furry Friends, a no-kill shelter, is a nonprofit serving central Iowa’s animals in need.
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Furry Friends Refuge has moved all adoptions to our 3505 Mills Civic Parkway location in West Des Moines.

01/14/2025

Archie came to the shelter looking for a forever home, and we are happy to say that he found just that!

His new owners have said "Archie has been just a joyful addition to our family. He is everyone's friend, loves cuddles, get along very well with the other dogs. He is very well mannered and listens well. He eats well, loves burrowing under the covers to sleep. And has to sit on whosever lap is free. Such a good boy. Thank you for approving us as his new family. "

You can find your new best friend just like Archie did at Furry Friends Refuge today by stopping by the shelter at 3505 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines, IA 50265

01/13/2025

Here at Furry Friends, our staff often think of the animals here as our own. And with that comes nicknames. Scroll through the photos to find some of our favorite nicknames for some of the available animals at the shelter, then send us your pets nicknames! We want to hear all of the creative names you call your pets and the faces that go with the names!

01/12/2025

Tonya is not typically one that like to come out of hiding to greet new people, but once you introduce yourself she is bound to become a great friend. In the previous home she was known for being a bit shy and on the more independent side but would love to play with the other dogs and cats in the home and was sweet and loving to her people. After no longer being able to care for her, Tonya's owner brought her to Furry Friends in the hopes of finding a home to care and love for her like she deserves. She is 7 years old and ready to settle into a home with a family that loves her. Do you think you can provide that to her?

01/11/2025

Pearl is a shy but loving dog searching for a calm, understanding home where she can feel safe and truly blossom. While she may be reserved at first, once she’s comfortable, she reveals her energetic and playful side. Pearl is protective of her people, and she forms deep bonds with those she trusts. She thrives in a quieter home, ideally without young children, where she can feel secure and appreciated for her unique personality. With patience and love, Pearl will open up and become a loyal, energetic companion who’s always ready for an adventure with her favorite humans!

01/10/2025

Our kitties need your help!

We are looking for loving and hardworking volunteers who are interested in taking care of our cats! Our dedicated volunteers spend time in the morning, afternoon, and evening cleaning, feeding, and giving love and playtime to the kitties waiting to find a home of their own. Looking for some way to fill your mornings by helping the community? Is your New Year's resolution to change lives this year? Well look no further! Fill out the volunteer application below to get started!
https://furryfriendsrefuge.org/register-2/

01/09/2025

One of our volunteers was able to capture Akera's goofy side, now we want to see YOUR silly pets with their best silly photos!

01/08/2025

Your journey has been long and hard, but your quest has ended! You've found Frodo!

This chill guy has come so far since coming here and is one of the friendliest guys you'll ever meet! His questing days are limited now, as he loves his naps and comfy cushions. Even the smallest kitty can change the course of the future. Your future!

01/07/2025

Cocoa came to us all the way from Georgia and this smiley girl is full of s***k! This southern bell is the perfect addition if you're looking for a lady who loves to stay cozy. Cocoa never fails to show her best smile while she prances around. If you're looking for a good cup of hot Cocoa to stay warm with, this is your woman!

Stop by 3505 Mills Civic Parkway to meet our sweet Cocoa anytime we are open. Our hours are 2-8 on the weekdays and 11-5 on the weekends.

01/06/2025

We all know that fat cats are adorable, but being obese can actually cause some significant health issues for our friendly felines.

Among other things, obesity in cats causes them to not be able to groom themselves like they should. Cats keep their fur sleek and mat free using their brush like tongue, and when they don't have the ability to reach around and groom themselves they get matted. These mats will pull their fur causing pain and itchiness. Sweet JJ came to us with mats along his entire back after his owner passed away, leaving him without a way to groom himself. But with some time and patience JJ is feeling like a new man and is looking for someone to love him just as much as his previous owner did. Stop by the shelter anytime we are open to show JJ the love he has been missing since his owners passing, and fall in love with him just like they did.

01/05/2025

Akera came to Santa with one wish, find a home of her very own, but unfortunately she is still waiting for her sleigh to come and sweep her away.

Akera is a vibrant 6-year-old husky mix with a heart full of love and adventure! Weighing in at 46 pounds, this energetic pup is always ready to run, jump, and play. is known to light up any room she walks into! This smart girl catches on quickly and knows how to keep her P's and Q's in order. She’s a confident girl who’s sure to keep you entertained and remind you to always enjoy the little moments!Akera is not just about fun, though—she's also a social butterfly who gets along wonderfully with other dogs and absolutely adores people. Whether she's racing around the yard or curling up for a snuggle, Akera's affectionate nature and boundless energy make her the perfect companion for anyone looking to add a little joy to their life.

Stop by the shelter at 3505 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines anytime between 11 and 5 on the weekends or 2 and 8 on the weekdays to meet sweet Akera!

01/04/2025

Chance and Raava are coming to ask for your help!

This odd but absolutely adorable duo are looking for a new home where they can wrestle, cuddle, play, and lounge to their hearts content.

A couple months ago the pair was found running around in a park, and Chance (beagle), who is epileptic, was left without his seizure medication. Later we find out that the owners admitted to dumping the dogs in the park due to life changes.

Our goal is to find this goofy duo a home to love them like they so desperately crave. They love people and have done well with lots of other dogs in playgroups. Chance is a goofy boy who loves to chase his sister and be the boss of the home. His seizures are easily managed with his medication that he takes like a champ. Raava is a sweet girl who loves to run but loves to cuddle with her people even more. Both are ready for anything that comes their way, whether that be a walk around the park or a lazy day on the couch.

We are asking for your help to give Chance and Raava the chance they deserve. Stop by the shelter at 3505 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines during our open hours or fill out an adoption application today. Our hours are 2-8 on the weekdays and 11-5 on the weekends.

https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/FFS/Dog?type=submitNew%22

01/03/2025

~Let is Snow, let it Snow, let is Snow~

Snow is a 30lb, 7 month old pup with her life ahead of her. She doesn't mind the cold but is looking for a nice warm home to cozy up in after a fun day of playing. She is a smart little lady and already is potty trained, knows sit, and is great on the leash. Besides other dogs, Snow's favorite thing in the world is other people. Young or old, big or small, you name it! She has previously lived with a baby is gentle and sweet. Stop by today to meet our sweet Snowball!

01/02/2025

Our first adoption of the year goes to Jake and Rudy! These bonded brothers found shelter life a bit scary, and often times chose to keep to themselves when visitors came by, but with time and patience these two showed how loving they could be! They went to foster for a short amount of time and their foster was able to inform people on how they could be sweet, friendly, and loved pets. Now they have found a home to thrive in and we wish them nothing but the best! Best wishes Jake and Rudy!!

01/01/2025

Get a head start on saving even more pets in 2025. You can help support animals in need by adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about what we do. Stop by the shelter anytime we are open (2-8 on the weekdays and 11-5 on the weekends) at 3505 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines to check us out. We are open today to celebrate the new year!

12/31/2024

Happy New Years Eve!

Start the New Year off right by finding a new best friend at Furry Friends Refuge! We are open 2-8 today and tomorrow and our staff is ready and excited to find you a furry friend to make 2025 the best year yet! Stop by 3505 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines now!

12/28/2024

Thank you to everyone who has sent donations! Here is just a small portion in one day that we have gotten. Thanks to you the animals with us can have a comfortable stay while they wait for a forever home. You can continue to support us through our Amazon and Chewy wishlist or drop donations off at 3505 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines 11-5 on the weekend or 2-8 on the weekdays.
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19R0AQ1MYVW75?ref_=wl_share
Chewy- https://www.chewy.com/g/furry-friends-refuge_b133852701 -list

12/27/2024

Elvira is reaching out to ask for your help! Her and her kitty friends staying with us at Furry Friends Refuge have just a small amount of litter left and are needing your support to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable. You can donate through our Amazon or Chewy donation link below or drop off donations at our shelter at 3505 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines during our open hours (2-8 on the weekdays and 11-5 on the weekends). We are looking for clumping cat litter.
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19R0AQ1MYVW75?ref_=wl_share
Chewy- https://www.chewy.com/g/furry-friends-refuge_b133852701 -list

12/26/2024

We are back open today for our normal hours. Stop by 3505 Mills Civic Parkway from West Des Moines until 8pm tonight to see Pearl and the other animals at the shelter ready for adoption and foster homes!

Address

3505 Mills Civic
West Des Moines, IA
50265

Opening Hours

Monday	2pm - 8pm
Tuesday	2pm - 8pm
Wednesday	2pm - 8pm
Thursday	2pm - 8pm
Friday	2pm - 8pm
Saturday	11am - 5pm
Sunday	11am - 5pm

Website

http://www.furryfriendsrefuge.org/

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Videos

Trying to get Apollo inside when it’s nice out can be a bit difficult…..

This old guy still has some spunk! Archer (black and white) is twelve years old and making a lot of friends at the shelter. But what he really wants is a home to make lifelong friends. Archer has done well with cats and other dogs and is the perfect gentleman to add to your family. Stop by the shelter to meet Archer today between 11 and 5!

“Somebody put mud in the pool and now it’s even better!”- Mowgli Mowgli is a sweet yet shy 9 month old pup ready for a home to call his own! He loves people and has done well with other dogs. He is a one of a kind good boy that you will definitely want to meet so stop by our Mills Civic location anytime during our open hours (2-8 on the weekdays and 11-5 on the weekends)

He’s handsome. He’s fluffy. He’s sassy. He’s cuddly. He’s Reid!! Reid is a man with a plan and will accept nothing less than prefect. You want to sweep the floor? Reid wants attention. You want to work on your computer? Reid wants attention. You want to touch his belly? You better think again. This fluffy boy is looking for a home and a family to rule over. In his kingdom, Reid would like no other four legged friends and would appreciate no young two legged friends. He likes things chill but will make sure that you never forget that he is around and does indeed have you wrapped around his finger. Stop by 3505 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines anytime we are open to get the chance to see Reid in all of his glory. Our hours are 2-8 on the weekdays and 11-5 on the weekends.

We are happy to announce that Casey has been adopted and is enjoying his new home! Thank you for everyone who has been supporting him and giving him well wishes. It worked and he is now in a home that loves him for his shy self! His kitty sibling is very excited to show him the ropes of the family, and loves to lay close by and talk to him. Casey is feeling pretty comfortable with his new kitty sibling but is still getting used to to the humans, but the progress he has made in just a Horst time is super promising!

Have you ever seen anything so sweet?! We are looking for loving fosters for this Tafiti and her four babies, Moana, Maui, Pua, and Hei Hei, along with other cats and kittens in our care. Become a foster and change lives! Tafiti is FeLV positive meaning she has a weakened immune system but that doesn’t stop her from being an amazing mom! You can fill out the application below to become a foster with FFR! https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/foster/FFS/Cat

Rainy days are for the playing with the kitties, and our girl Lucy is getting more and more playful as she continues her weight loss journey. Stop by the shelter to get some rainy day kitty cuddles between 2 and 8 today, and maybe take home a new friend for those rainy nights. #rainydays

Clarke loves the water!

Clarke also loves the water!!

Theodore is looking for your help! Theodore has had such a difficult time finding a furever home💔 This sweet boy deserves to feel priceless and loved every day, and learn how safe it can feel to be loved in the right home. Theodore is very skittish and will do best in a home without children since he is fearful of sudden movements or loud noises. Once he understands that you are safe he is a big cuddler and just wants to lay in your lap. At only two years old Theodore has a lot of life left to him and needs a nice home to help open up the spunky boy we know is hiding in there. If you or someone you know could be his forever home, come see him any time we're open at Furry Friends Refuge and give him the new start he deserves!