Solano County Friends of Animals (SCFOA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Benicia that runs entirely on volunteers, which means every dollar donated goes directly to the animals they help. They handle everything from spay and neuter services to medical care and Trap, Neuter, Release programs for community cats.

If you’re looking to adopt a dog, SCFOA welcomes you to bring your own along when you visit. They believe dogs benefit from socializing with other dogs and people in a real environment, so you’ll get a genuine sense of how a potential new dog interacts with yours before you commit. That’s a smart way to figure out compatibility rather than guessing based on a kennel visit alone.

Beyond adoptions, SCFOA hosts dog-friendly community events throughout the year where you can meet other dog owners and learn more about responsible pet ownership. These aren’t stuffy meetings — they’re casual gatherings that give you a chance to connect with people who care about animals the same way you do.

The organization also actively seeks volunteers if you want to help beyond just donating money. Whether that’s helping with events, assisting with animals, or supporting their administrative work, there are ways to get involved in their mission.

SCFOA is located in Benicia, which sits just north of Vallejo on the northeastern edge of the Bay Area. It’s an easy drive from most of the region if you’re serious about meeting available dogs in person. They keep their website updated with information about animals currently available for adoption and details about upcoming events, so you can check what’s happening before you make the drive. Calling ahead about their current dog-friendly policies and visiting hours makes sense, especially if you’re planning to bring your own dog along.