About Us
Friends of Napa County Animal Shelter was founded in 2017 by shelter volunteers that recognized a need to develop, fund and manage programs to assist with pet adoptions, lifetime care, promote volunteer opportunities and provide community education so families can stay together.
Our Vision
At Friends of Napa County Animal Shelter (NCAS) and Adoption Center we strive for a future where our citizens are responsible guardians and all animals live in a safe environment, thereby putting an end to abandoned, neglected and abused animals. All animals deserve a chance with a loving family of their very own.
We directly support NCAS and the community by providing funding and support for programs including:
- Medical emergency fund
- Hispanic outreach
- Community adoption events and promotions
- Volunteer program
Our Mission
Friends of the Napa County Animal Shelter is dedicated to improving the quality of life of our animals in Napa County by developing, funding and managing programs to assist with adoption and lifetime care, provide community education, and to promote volunteer opportunities.
Our Board Members
Miryam Chae, President
Katrina O’Quinn, Vice-President
Toni Golden, Treasurer
Michele Dahlberg, Secretary
Angela Cooper, Member
Eva Devin, Member
Will Marcencia, Member
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
How Sofia and Reba
Opened Her Heart to Senior Pets
Friends of the Napa County Animal Shelter Treasurer Toni Golden has always had a special place in her heart for cats. Her journey with feline companions began with her husband’s cat, Cilla, who played a pivotal role in their relationship. According to Toni’s husband, Paul, Cilla’s approval was the reason they got married. After Cilla passed away in 2008, Toni and Paul adopted two kittens, Gracie and Ella, from a local rescue. The sisters brought joy to their home for many years.
In 2018, Toni joined the board of Friends of Napa County Animal Shelter. This experience opened her eyes to the number of animals that end up in shelters due to the death of their owners. It made her consider the future of her own pets, leading her to include her cats in her trust to ensure their care if anything happened to her and her husband.
2023 was particularly challenging for Toni and Paul as they lost both Gracie and Ella within a few months. This loss led them to decide that their next cats would be senior and orphaned due to their owners’ passing.
In the fall of that same year, a family friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer and had about a year to live. This is when Toni met Sofie, a 14-year-old cat (pictured on the left.) Toni promised Sofie’s mom that they would take care of Sofie when the time came, and Sofie joined Toni’s family a couple of months ago. Despite her declining health, Sofie has been a sweet and cherished addition to their home.
While Sofie and her mom were enjoying their time together, Toni was introduced to Reba at the Napa County Shelter. Reba (pictured on the right) is an an 8-year-old cat who had also lost her owner, and her family was unable to care for her. Toni decided to foster Reba to see if she would adjust to a home environment. Reba quickly made herself at home and has been a joy ever since.
Adjusting to living together has been a gradual process for Sofie and Reba, but Toni and Paul are patient, allowing them to adapt at their own pace. Toni feels incredibly fortunate to have these “girls” in her life, bringing joy and companionship every day.