About Save The Animals Foundation

Driven by compassion and powered by more than 400 dedicated volunteers, STAF is Cincinnati’s all-volunteer, no-kill sanctuary for cats and dogs. Since 1988, we have been more than just a shelter—we are a community dedicated to providing every animal a safe haven and the second chance they deserve.

Volunteer holds a leash on a large cream-colored dog in a shelter hallway.

Our Mission

Save The Animals Foundation (STAF) is a volunteer-driven, no-kill shelter providing rescue and rehabilitation to alleviate the suffering of dogs and cats, while helping each animal find a loving home.  

Gray tabby kitten yawns widely while lounging in a soft green pet bed with paw-print patterns.

Our Story

Since 1988, STAF volunteers have committed to ending the suffering of homeless cats and dogs in the Greater Cincinnati area.

We focus on life-saving rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption — helping animals recover from neglect, illness, or injury and guiding them to their forever families. For those animals in our care who need ongoing medical or special care, STAF offers a lifetime sanctuary filled with compassion and security.

What Makes Us Proud

Completely Volunteer-Operated

From caring for animals daily to fundraising, facility maintenance, and board leadership, our team of over 400 volunteers dedicate their time and energy out of pure love for the animals. Their reward? Purrs, tail wags, and the satisfaction of saving lives.

A No-Kill Shelter for Abandoned Cats and Dogs

At STAF, every animal in our care is given a chance not just to survive, but to thrive. We rescue cats and dogs from abuse, neglect, and abandonment, providing a safe, nurturing environment where they can heal physically and emotionally.

Top-Quality, Compassionate Care

All animals at STAF enjoy a nutritious diet, daily clean living spaces, and regular veterinary checkups. Every new arrival receives a thorough health exam, vaccinations, and is spayed or neutered, as needed, to support responsible pet ownership.

Personalized Attention for Every Animal

Our dogs benefit from off-site obedience training, quiet home-like rooms for one-on-one time, and a dedicated volunteer mentor program, as applicable. For our cats, special initiatives like “Cat Care Corps” and “Best Feline Friend” programs help socialize and comfort our feline friends with gentle human interaction.

Privately Funded, Nonprofit Organization

We receive no government funding and are 100% volunteer operated. Every donation and fundraising dollar goes directly to caring for our cats and dogs, ensuring their food, medical care, and shelter needs are fully met.

Tabby kitten with blue eyes resting on a blanket.
Volunteer wearing a baseball cap posing with a black and white cat.
Ranger and Rich

Lifelong Commitment to Our Animals

At STAF, some cats and dogs find their forever homes quickly, while others need long-term care due to medical conditions or recovery time. Our shelter provides a safe and loving sanctuary for these animals, ensuring they receive lifelong care and comfort.

Making a Difference in Greater Cincinnati

Every day, our teams of volunteers work in shifts to provide round-the-clock care for our shelter animals. Over the years, STAF has proudly helped thousands of cats and dogs find loving homes, making a lasting impact on the Cincinnati community.

STAF Happy Tails

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