Give Animals Like Charlie a Second Chance
Through donations, Charlie received the eye surgery he desperately needed and found his forever home! Your support has made a meaningful difference in his life!
Mail checks to:
Friends of SAWAS
105-A Lew Dewitt Blvd. #256 Waynesboro, VA 22980
Or click below for online donations
Medical Care Spotlight
Meet Stanley ❤️
This big, handsome 3-year-old came into the shelter with a cherry eye that needs to be repaired.
And who could say no to that face? Certainly not us. 🐾
Cherry eye occurs when a tear gland slips out of place, causing inflammation, discomfort, and potentially chronic dry eye. A simple surgical procedure can return the gland to its proper position and help protect Stanley’s eye health.
Stanley deserves to be comfortable, healthy, and ready for his forever home.
Can you help us help Stanley? ❤️
Your support gives shelter animals the medical care they need to heal, thrive, and find loving homes.
Every donation makes a difference. 🐾
We Make Dreams Come True!
We Provide Hope When There Is None
Sometimes, a medical condition stands between an animal and the loving home they deserve.
A dog needing tumor removal or a cat suffering from painful, infected teeth can easily be overlooked simply because they need medical care.
That’s where Friends of SAWAS steps in. 
We provide the medical care shelter animals need to heal and get a second chance at the happy lives they deserve.
Animals like Huxley have been given that second chance—to leave the shelter behind and spend their golden years in a loving forever home.
Your support provides more than medical care. It provides hope, healing, and a chance for a forever home. 
Friends of SAWAS
105-A Lew Dewitt Blvd. #256
Waynesboro, VA 22980
We're on a mission!
Success Stories
Read real stories of shelter animals who found healing, hope, and forever homes thanks to your support.
Adoptables
Meet the amazing dogs and cats at the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter currently looking for their forever families—maybe it’s yours!
Our Story: Saving Lives, One Animal at a Time
Sometimes, We Are Their Last Hope
Meet Ferdinand. At 17 years old, he arrived at the shelter with a mouth full of rotten, painful teeth. In many shelters, his age and medical needs might have meant his story ended there.
But we said no. We saved Ferdinand.
Friends of Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter began in 2019 when a group of animal lovers came together to make sure shelter animals received needed medical care when municipal funding ran out.
Today, we are a dedicated partner to the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter — providing medical care for shelter animals, helping families with pet food and medical needs, and giving animals like Ferdinand the second chance they deserve.
Because sometimes, we are their last hope.
Success By The Number Since 2019
Add Your Heading Text Her
Want To Be Part Of The Mission?
Do you want hands on time with animals? At the shelter in Verona, you have the chance to have a meaningful impact! Imagine cuddling with playful kittens, taking energetic puppies to fun play areas, or ensuring that our furry friends have comfortable living spaces, clean bedding, and full tummies. Please contact the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter directly at 540-943-5142 or click the shelter link above to find out what opportunities await you.
Or, are you more of a keyboard warrior?
With just a laptop and a bit of savvy with search engines, you can dive into the world of grant research and applications. Imagine the rewards: watch as the funding opportunities start rolling in! Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your skills into financial support which will help many more animals receive the medical treatments to make them adoptable. Click the link below to contact us.
The Team Behind Our Success
David Greiner
President, Board of Directors
Casey Eldridge
Vice President, Board of Directors
Digital Communications Lead
Pearl Estrada
Secretary, Board of Directors
Sheri Laubach, MBA
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Shannon Evans, LVT
Medical Director, Board of Directors
Sarah Brodie
Director, Board of Directors
Kaitlin Mazer
Development & Fundraising Lead
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we do?
We believe that every animal deserves the best care, which is why we offer supplemental medical funding to the needy animals at the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter. The municipal funding can sometimes fall short, and we are committed to ensuring that these animals receive the medical attention they need to find a loving home.
If you are inquiring about adopting a new pet or surrendering a pet, please contact the shelter at 540-943-5142
How can I donate to help shelter animals?
You can financially donate online through our secure portal or send a check to: 105-A Lew Dewitt Blvd #256, Waynesboro, VA 22980. To donate usable items for the shelter or to help stock the community food pantry located in the shelter, call 540-943-5142 for hours and accepted items.
How can I volunteer to help?
For hands-on with the animals, please contact the shelter directly 540-943-5142.
To fundraise with our group, leave a message at 540-324-8685
If neither of those options work, then follow and share us on Facebook, TikTok, and other social media posts to get our mission out there!
Where does my donation go?
FOSAWAS prioritizes your contributions appropriately. There are no salaries, no purchased freebies/swag handed out, no frivolous spending—over 90% of every dollar donated goes directly to vital medical treatments of animals. In 2025, we allocated over $50,000 to support shelter and community animals in Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro, many of whom were at risk of medical euthanasia. We challenge you to find another charity where your dollar will make as great an impact on an animal’s life!
How can I get pet food or medical funding assistance for my pet?
The Community Pet Food Pantry at Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter located at 1011 Lee Hwy Verona, VA often has available food. Call ahead to check: 540-943-5142
If you need medical funding for your pet, we may be able to help. Please fill out this form or call 540-324-8685 for information.
Special Partnership:
